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.
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 or Annandale office, or work with us by phone, video and email from anywhere in Australia.
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.
Ready to lodge?
Book a time with a registered tax agent, or get a quick quote online.
