What Police Officers Can Claim
These are the most common deductions the ATO accepts for police officers. Remember the three rules: you spent the money yourself, it's directly related to earning your income, and you have records to prove it.
| Common Deductions for Police Officers |
|---|
| Body armour and protective equipment (if self-purchased) |
| Uniform laundering |
| Fitness expenses (only if maintaining fitness is a documented condition of employment) |
| Torch, handcuffs, baton (if self-supplied) |
| Phone (work portion) |
| Union fees (Police Federation) |
| Blue card / working with children check |
| Self-education related to policing |
Average Claim
The typical police officer claims around $1,200 in work-related deductions per year. If your claim is significantly above this, make sure your records are bulletproof — the ATO data-matches your claim against others in your occupation.
Watch Out
Gym memberships are NOT deductible for most police — even with a fitness requirement. The ATO has specifically ruled on this. Only claim if your employer specifically requires gym attendance and documents it.
How to Claim
Report your deductions at Item D1 (work-related expenses) in your tax return. Use myTax or a tax agent. Keep receipts for 5 years. For items under $300, you get an instant deduction. For items over $300 (laptops, tools), you depreciate them over their effective life.
The $300 No-Receipt Rule
You can claim up to $300 in total work-related expenses without receipts. But the ATO can still ask you to show how you calculated the amount. This is a total across ALL categories — not $300 per item.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can police officers claim on tax?
Common deductions for police officers include: body armour and protective equipment (if self-purchased), uniform laundering, fitness expenses (only if maintaining fitness is a documented condition of employment), torch, handcuffs, baton (if self-supplied), and more. The average claim is around $1,200.
Do I need receipts?
For claims totalling over $300 in work-related expenses, yes. Keep all receipts for 5 years from the date you lodge your return. Digital copies are accepted.
How much do police officers usually claim?
The average police officer claims about $1,200 per year in work-related deductions. Claims well above average are more likely to be audited.