Can I claim my laptop?

You can claim the work-related share of a laptop you use for teaching. If it cost more than $300, it is depreciated over its effective life rather than claimed all at once.

Can I claim working from home?

Yes, for lesson planning, marking and other work at home. Using the fixed rate method, you need a record of the actual hours you worked from home.

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.

Can I claim classroom supplies I buy myself?

Yes, if you use them for work and your school doesn't reimburse you. Keep the receipts.

Tax Returns and Deductions for Teachers

Tax returns for teachers and education staff, prepared by registered tax agents who know what the ATO allows. In our Sydney offices or online.

Teacher working through paperwork at her desk in a classroom

What teachers 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 teachers include:

Teaching resources: classroom supplies, books and teaching aids you buy yourself and use for work.
Self-education: courses, conferences and professional development related to your current teaching role.
Technology: a laptop, tablet or software you use for work, based on your work use. Items costing $300 or less can be claimed straight away; dearer items are depreciated.
Working from home: lesson planning and marking at home, using the fixed rate per hour with a record of your hours, or your actual costs. See working from home deductions.
Registration and memberships: renewing your teacher registration or accreditation, and union or professional association fees.
Excursions and camps: costs you pay yourself for excursions or camps you supervise.
Travel during work: for example, travelling between schools on the same day.

What you can't claim: travel between home and school, everyday clothing, and childcare.

How we help teachers

Teachers often have a mix of small expenses spread across the year. We help you work out what counts, apply the right method for working from home and technology, 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.

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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!

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Frequently asked questions

You can claim the work-related share of a laptop you use for teaching. If it cost more than $300, it is depreciated over its effective life rather than claimed all at once.
Yes, for lesson planning, marking and other work at home. Using the fixed rate method, you need a record of the actual hours you worked from home.
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.
Yes, if you use them for work and your school doesn't reimburse you. Keep the receipts.