Agricultural workers: stop missing legitimate tax deductions

Most agricultural workers aren’t under-claiming because they lack expenses. They’re under-claiming because they don’t understand the rules.

If you’re working on a farm, station, vineyard or agricultural business, your role is physical, equipment-heavy, and compliance-driven. That creates real, legitimate deductions, if they’re claimed correctly.

Protective gear like steel-capped boots, gloves, high-vis clothing and wet-weather gear is deductible when required for your job. Tools for fencing, irrigation, livestock handling, and machinery maintenance can also be claimed, including depreciation where needed. Training such as chemical handling (ACDC) or machinery tickets is deductible, along with work-related phone use and travel between paddocks, sheds, and sites.

But this is where most get it wrong. Everyday clothing is not deductible. Travel from home to the main farm is private. Food and drinks are private. And if you’re claiming vehicle or phone expenses, you must apportion for personal use.

This isn’t about pushing the limits. It’s about getting it right. Claim what you’re entitled to. Keep proper records. And avoid the common mistakes that trigger ATO scrutiny.