Can I claim my registration fees?

You can generally claim the cost of renewing your registration each year. The cost of your first registration, before you start working as a nurse, is not deductible.

Do I need receipts for everything?

For 2025–26 and earlier years, if your total work-related expenses were $300 or less you didn't need receipts, and laundry claims of up to $150 didn't need written evidence (you still had to have spent the money and show how you worked out the claim). From 2026–27 those exceptions no longer apply. Instead, you can take the new standard deduction of up to $1,000 with no records needed, or claim your actual work expenses with written evidence for all of them. See what you can claim without receipts.

I work for an agency and a hospital. Is that a problem?

No. We include your income from every employer and check that enough tax has been withheld across them, so you are not surprised by a bill.

Can I claim travel to work?

Generally not. Travel between home and your usual workplace is private. Travel between workplaces during the day, or to patients during a shift, is generally deductible.

Tax Returns and Deductions for Nurses

Tax returns for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing, prepared by registered tax agents who know what the ATO allows. In our Sydney offices or online.

Nurse in scrubs sorting receipts in a hospital staff room

What nurses 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 nurses and midwives include:

Uniforms and protective clothing: compulsory uniforms with your employer's logo, protective clothing and footwear you need for work, and the cost of washing them.
Registration and memberships: renewing your AHPRA registration, and union or professional association fees.
Equipment: fob watches, stethoscopes and other work equipment. Items costing $300 or less can be claimed straight away; dearer items are depreciated.
Self-education: courses and conferences that maintain or improve the skills you use in your current role.
Travel during work: for example, travelling between hospitals or to patients' homes during a shift.
Phone and internet: the work-related share of your bills.
Overtime meals: if you receive an overtime meal allowance under your award or agreement and spend it on a meal.

What you can't claim: travel between home and work, everyday clothing (even in a colour your employer asks for), and gym or fitness costs.

How we help nurses

Many nurses work shifts for more than one employer or through an agency. We bring all your income statements together, check every deduction you are entitled to, and lodge your return.

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 registration each year. The cost of your first registration, before you start working as a nurse, is not deductible.
For 2025–26 and earlier years, if your total work-related expenses were $300 or less you didn't need receipts, and laundry claims of up to $150 didn't need written evidence (you still had to have spent the money and show how you worked out the claim). From 2026–27 those exceptions no longer apply. Instead, you can take the new standard deduction of up to $1,000 with no records needed, or claim your actual work expenses with written evidence for all of them. See what you can claim without receipts.
No. We include your income from every employer and check that enough tax has been withheld across them, so you are not surprised by a bill.
Generally not. Travel between home and your usual workplace is private. Travel between workplaces during the day, or to patients during a shift, is generally deductible.