What Security Guards Can Claim
These are the most common deductions the ATO accepts for security guards. 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 Security Guards |
|---|
| Security licence renewal |
| Uniform and laundering |
| Torch, handcuffs, communication radio (if self-supplied) |
| First aid certification |
| Safety boots |
| Union fees (United Workers Union) |
| Phone (if used for work communication) |
| Travel between multiple sites in one shift |
Average Claim
The typical security guard claims around $800 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
Travel from home to your regular security post is not deductible. But if you work at different sites within a shift (e.g., patrolling multiple locations), travel between sites is deductible.
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 security guards claim on tax?
Common deductions for security guards include: security licence renewal, uniform and laundering, torch, handcuffs, communication radio (if self-supplied), first aid certification, and more. The average claim is around $800.
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 security guards usually claim?
The average security guard claims about $800 per year in work-related deductions. Claims well above average are more likely to be audited.