Quick reference guide
Employee tradie tax deductions: what to track
A simple receipt checklist for employed tradespeople.
Quick checklist
- Tools and protective gear paid personally.
- Training, licences, and union fees.
- Receipts for repairs or replacements.
- Notes for travel between work sites where relevant.
Employee, not business
If you are salaried or wages-based, your deductions are different from running a full business. Tools, protective gear, training, and certain travel may still matter.
That distinction matters because business expense lists online can overpromise for employees. Keep the record, then get the claim checked.
Track replacements and repairs
Small tool replacements and protective items are easy to buy on the way home and forget by June.
Forward the receipt immediately and add a short category like tools, PPE, training, or licence.
Avoid vague notes
A receipt plus a category is more useful than a memory. Capture the proof while it is fresh.
If the receipt does not clearly explain the work connection, add a short note before the context fades.
Receipts to search for
Sources
Last reviewed 28 Apr 2026 by Kalana Vithana. TaxBoy is not a registered tax agent and this article is general information, not tax advice.