Can I Claim my Clothing for Work?

If you're an employee incurring costs for required uniforms or work-specific clothing, you may be eligible for a deduction in your individual tax return. But it’s important to know what qualifies and what doesn’t. Here's a clear breakdown of what the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows you to claim:

Compulsory Uniforms

You can claim:

• Branded clothing that identifies you as an employee of a specific organisation

• Clothing that is compulsory under a strict uniform policy

• Uniforms with distinctive logos that are not accessible to the general public

You cannot claim:

• Plain clothing like black trousers or white shirts, even if your employer requires them

Non-Compulsory Uniforms

Non-compulsory uniforms are only deductible if:

• The design is registered with AusIndustry

• Your employer enforces a consistent dress standard based on that registered uniform

If the clothing isn’t registered and you’re free to choose what to wear, the cost is not deductible.

Occupation-Specific Clothing

Deductible if it:

• Clearly identifies your profession

• Is not commonly worn outside work (e.g. a nurse’s scrubs or a chef’s jacket)

Protective Clothing and Equipment

You can claim:

• Safety vests, steel-capped boots, fire-resistant gear, overalls, gloves, aprons, UV-protection clothing

• Protective gear like hard hats and safety glasses

You cannot claim:

• General-purpose clothing, such as standard closed-in shoes or jeans

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Expenses

If your workwear is eligible, you can also claim cleaning expenses, but keep these rules in mind:

Laundry at Home

• $1 per load only for work clothing

• 50 cents per load if mixed with personal items

• Claims under $150 don’t require receipts, but must be based on a reasonable estimate

Dry Cleaning

• You must spend at least $300 total on work-related expenses to claim

• Receipts must be kept for 5 years

Final Word

While it’s tempting to assume that any job-related outfit is claimable, the ATO is clear on what qualifies. Sticking to the criteria above ensures your deductions are legitimate—and your return stays audit-proof.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this content at the time of publication, tax laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of acting on or relying upon any of the information contained herein. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial or tax decision.