What Public Servants Can Claim
These are the most common deductions the ATO accepts for public servants. 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 Public Servants |
|---|
| Home office expenses (67c/hour) |
| Self-education (if related to current role) |
| Professional memberships |
| Phone and internet (work portion) |
| Travel between offices or to field sites |
| Union fees (CPSU, PSA) |
| Laptop and equipment (work portion) |
| Parking (at work conferences or training only) |
Average Claim
The typical public servant 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
Most public servants get equipment provided. You can only claim items you purchase yourself that aren't reimbursed. If your department issues a laptop, you can't also claim a personal one for work.
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 public servants claim on tax?
Common deductions for public servants include: home office expenses (67c/hour), self-education (if related to current role), professional memberships, phone and internet (work portion), 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 public servants usually claim?
The average public servant claims about $1,200 per year in work-related deductions. Claims well above average are more likely to be audited.