Quick reference guide
Designer tax deductions in Australia
Software, equipment, learning, and WFH receipts designers should not lose.
Quick checklist
- Design software, asset libraries, and font subscriptions.
- Tablet, monitor, camera, peripherals, and desk equipment.
- Courses, books, portfolio tools, and professional events.
- WFH internet, mobile, and utilities where relevant.
Creative tools are still records
Design subscriptions, asset libraries, courses, hardware, and desk equipment often arrive as email receipts. Keep them in one place before EOFY.
Because many tools renew quietly, a receipt workflow is more reliable than trying to remember every subscription in June.
Keep work-use notes for mixed tools
A tablet, camera, or software subscription may have mixed personal and work use. Add a short note so your accountant has context.
The note does not need to be perfect; it needs to be honest and recorded close to the purchase.
Track, then ask
TaxBoy organises the evidence. Your accountant or ATO guidance helps decide what belongs in your return.
That split is deliberate: capture useful records early, then make the tax decision with proper advice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Claiming the full cost of an Adobe or Figma plan that the agency or employer pays for. Only the portion you paid yourself counts.
- Treating a Wacom tablet, drawing tablet, or DSLR as immediately deductible when it costs more than $300 — most assets above that threshold are claimed via decline in value.
- Forgetting to apportion a personal Lightroom subscription or stock photo plan that's used partly for personal projects.
- Adding a course about a completely different design discipline you don't currently practise. Self-education usually has to connect to your current role.
Receipts to search for
Frequently asked questions
Can designers claim Adobe, Figma, or Sketch subscriptions?
Subscriptions used to perform your work are generally deductible to the extent of work use. If you also use the tool personally, apply a reasonable work-use percentage. Search your inbox annually for renewal receipts so none get missed.
What about a drawing tablet, monitor, or colour-calibration tool?
Items used for work can typically be claimed for the work-use share. Items at or under $300 used solely for work are usually claimed in the year of purchase; items above $300 are usually depreciated. Keep receipts and a short note on usage.
Are stock photos, fonts, and asset library subscriptions deductible?
Asset libraries and font subscriptions used for client or employer work can generally be claimed. Personal-use libraries don't qualify. Keep the invoice and add a note if the subscription is mixed.
Can I claim a portfolio website or domain renewal?
If the portfolio is genuinely tied to earning your current income — for example, employed designers using it for internal showcases or salary discussions — there may be a case. Personal showcase sites or future-career-change portfolios usually don't qualify. A registered tax agent can review your situation.
What about design conferences, workshops, and books?
Self-education that maintains or improves the skills used in your current role is generally deductible. Keep the receipt, the agenda or chapter list, and a short note linking it to your current work.
Sources
Last reviewed 29 Apr 2026 by Kalana Vithana. TaxBoy is not a registered tax agent and this article is general information, not tax advice.