What can tradies claim on tax?

Plenty — tools and equipment, protective gear like steel-caps and hi-vis, work-related travel between sites, union fees, licences and tickets, and phone use for work. The rule is you paid for it, it relates to earning your income, and you weren't reimbursed. We go through it line by line so nothing's missed.

Can I claim my tools without receipts?

For small tool purchases the ATO allows limited claims without full records, but bigger items need proof. Don't stress if your shoebox is a mess — we'll work out what you can safely claim and help you keep it tidy for next year.

How much does a tradie tax return cost?

A fixed price, told to you up front — no surprise bill. It depends on how much is going on in your return. Grab an estimate on our pricing page or book a quick chat and we'll quote you properly.

Back to individual tax

Who We Help · Bendigo

Tax Deductions for Tradies in Bendigo

Builder, sparky, plumber, chippie or landscaper — you spend real money to do your job. We make sure you claim every dollar of it, and lodge the lot without the headache.

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Tools, boots, ute — if it earns you a living, it might be a deduction

Tradies leave more on the table at tax time than almost anyone — usually because nobody asked the right questions. Between your tools, protective gear, travel between sites and phone, it adds up fast. We know what a construction worker in Bendigo can legitimately claim, so you get back what you’re owed without waving a red flag at the ATO.

What tradies can usually claim

Tools and equipment (and the depreciation on the pricey gear)
Protective gear — steel-caps, hi-vis, hard hats, sunnies, sunscreen
Travel between sites and jobs (not the normal trip to work)
Licences, tickets, white card and union or association fees
Work phone, internet and a share of the tool-of-trade ute
Laundry of compulsory or protective work gear

Straight from the ATO

The tax office publishes an official occupation guide for building and construction workers — worth a look, and it’s exactly the kind of thing we go through with you line by line.

ATO: Building & construction employees

Why not just do it yourself?

You can — but a 15-minute chat with someone who does tradie returns all day usually pays for itself. We ask the questions myGov doesn’t, catch the claims you’d miss, and make sure it’s all backed up if the ATO ever asks. No suits, plain English, and we’ll tell you the price first.

Tradie tax deduction FAQs

What can tradies claim on tax?

Plenty — tools and equipment, protective gear like steel-caps and hi-vis, work travel between sites, union fees, licences and tickets, and work phone use. The rule: you paid for it, it relates to earning your income, and you weren’t reimbursed. We go through it line by line so nothing’s missed.
Can I claim my tools without receipts?

For small tool purchases the ATO allows limited claims without full records, but bigger items need proof. Don’t stress if the shoebox is a mess — we’ll work out what you can safely claim and help you keep it tidy for next year.
How much does a tradie tax return cost?

A fixed price, told to you up front — no surprise bill. It depends on how much is going on in your return. Grab an estimate on our pricing page, or book a quick chat and we’ll quote you properly.