What Teachers Can Claim
These are the most common deductions the ATO accepts for teachers. 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 Teachers |
|---|
| Teaching supplies and resources |
| Home office for marking and preparation |
| Self-education (courses related to your current teaching role) |
| Union fees (AEU, IEU) |
| Sun protection (if you supervise outdoor activities) |
| Laptop and tablet (work-related portion) |
| Professional reference books and journals |
| Working with children check fees |
Average Claim
The typical teacher claims around $1,800 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
The ATO flags teachers claiming high car expenses. Your commute isn't deductible — but travel between schools (if you work at multiple campuses) is.
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 teachers claim on tax?
Common deductions for teachers include: teaching supplies and resources, home office for marking and preparation, self-education (courses related to your current teaching role), union fees (aeu, ieu), and more. The average claim is around $1,800.
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 teachers usually claim?
The average teacher claims about $1,800 per year in work-related deductions. Claims well above average are more likely to be audited.