Can pilots claim their licence?

You can generally claim the cost of renewing your licence and the medicals needed to keep it. The cost of getting your first licence is not deductible.

Can I claim makeup or haircuts?

No. Grooming and cosmetic costs are private expenses, even if your employer has presentation standards.

Can I claim meals on layovers?

If you received a travel allowance and spent it on meals and incidentals during an overnight trip, you can generally claim what you actually spent. You need more detailed records if your claim is above the ATO reasonable amounts.

Can you help if I live interstate?

Yes. Many of our airline clients work with us entirely by phone and email.

Tax Returns for Pilots and Cabin Crew

Tax returns for pilots, cabin crew and airline staff, prepared by registered tax agents who know what the ATO allows for aviation workers. In Sydney or online, wherever you are based.

Airline crew member sorting receipts in an airport lounge

What airline staff can claim

You can generally claim work expenses that you paid for yourself, that relate directly to earning your income, and that you have a record of. You can't claim expenses your employer reimburses you for. Common deductions for airline staff include:

Uniforms: compulsory airline uniforms, and the cost of washing and dry-cleaning them.
Licences and medicals (pilots): renewing your licence, and the aviation medicals you need to keep it.
Overnight travel: accommodation, meals and incidentals on layovers that your employer doesn't pay for, with the right records.
Memberships: union and professional association fees.
Phone and devices: the work-related share of your phone, tablet and internet.
Self-education: training that maintains or improves the skills you use in your current role.

What you can't claim: grooming, haircuts and cosmetics (even if they're required for presentation), everyday clothing, and normal travel between home and the airport.

How we help airline staff

Rosters, allowances and layovers make airline tax returns more involved than most. We work through your allowances and travel records, claim what you are entitled to, and lodge your return, all online if you prefer.

Fees

We agree a fixed fee with you before we start, so there are no surprises. The fee for managing your tax affairs is generally tax-deductible in the year you pay it.

See us at our Chippendale office, or work with us by phone, video and email from anywhere in Australia.

I have been a customer of Emmanuel for my tax return for the last 18 years and I couldn’t be happier with the service provided. Consistently professional, prompt communication and caring. Outstanding service as usual I highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy professional.

Giampiero Biagioli

Excellent Service I highly recommend my accountant (Manuel). That business they are professional, knowledgeable, reliable and always take the time to explain everything clearly. I have always felt confident that my taxes are in good hands, and I really appreciate their attention to detail and willingness to help whenever I have questions. Thank you for your excellent service and support. I couldn’t be happier with the service I receive!

zina zisi

Once again Emmanuel thank you for the quick service in doing my tax return . All I have to do is electronically provide the information with supporting documents, hence it makes it so easy doing my tax return this way. I have been with you for 13 plus years and you always get it done within 1 to 3 days ready for signature . Once signed and invoice paid you submit immediately to the tax office. I will have the tax return the next week. Great service Emmanuel hence the reason why I continue to utilise your service.

MICHAEL OLSON

Really grateful for all the help and support. Emmanuel was very efficient, professional, and always quick to get things done. He made the whole process much easier for me, and I really appreciated his help. Highly recommend.

Wanming Huang

Highly Recommended Fantastic experience from start to finish. The team is friendly, professional and genuinely cares about their clients. They make everything easy to understand and are always patient, helpful and thorough. It’s reassuring to have an accountant you can trust and rely on. I’m very happy with the service and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a great accountant.

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Frequently asked questions

You can generally claim the cost of renewing your licence and the medicals needed to keep it. The cost of getting your first licence is not deductible.
No. Grooming and cosmetic costs are private expenses, even if your employer has presentation standards.
If you received a travel allowance and spent it on meals and incidentals during an overnight trip, you can generally claim what you actually spent. You need more detailed records if your claim is above the ATO reasonable amounts.
Yes. Many of our airline clients work with us entirely by phone and email.