Aged & disabled carers. Are you claiming the right deductions?

If you work in aged care or disability support, you may be entitled to more deductions than you realise,  but you need to get them right.

Here’s what can be deductible (when related to your current role):

✅ CPR, manual handling & infection control training
✅ First aid refreshers & required care certifications
✅ Employer-required scrubs, non-slip footwear & protective items
✅ Laundry for compulsory uniforms
✅ Travel between client homes during your shift
✅ Work-related phone use (rosters, reporting, client contact)
✅ Union or professional association fees
✅ Equipment used in care duties (e.g. gait belts, sanitisation tools)

But be careful,  these are not deductible:

❌ Everyday clothing
❌ Meals, snacks or coffee during shifts
❌ Travel from home to your regular workplace
❌ Gifts or outings paid personally for clients
❌ General health, supplements or fitness costs

⚠️ ATO audit flags in this industry include:

• Claiming normal clothing as a “uniform”
• No records for travel or laundry
• Claiming full phone/internet with no apportionment
• Out-of-pocket client expenses with no reimbursement policy

Good record keeping matters:
• Keep receipts
• Maintain a travel log
• Record work-from-home hours (if doing admin/reporting)
• Apportion shared expenses properly

If you’re unsure what you can claim, get advice before lodging.

At Success Tax Professionals, we help carers maximise legitimate deductions, safely and correctly.