Business operations

Business software, cloud services and subscriptions

Recurring software licences, cloud services and business information subscriptions used in carrying on the business.

Who can claim

This deduction is available to individuals and companies.

  • The expense is incurred in carrying on an existing income-producing business.
  • Any private, capital or non-income-producing component is reasonably apportioned or excluded.
  • The service is used in carrying on the business.

What you cannot claim

  • Do not include private drawings or personal expenses.
  • Do not treat a capital asset, improvement or acquisition cost as an ordinary operating expense.
  • Private use must be excluded.
  • Capital software development, acquisition and some prepayments require separate treatment.

How the amount is worked out

Claim the deductible business-use portion in the correct income year under the applicable timing rules.

Records the ATO expects

  • Subscription invoices
  • Service description
  • Business-use calculation

Where this rule comes from

Primary source: ATO business income and deductions (Updated 1 June 2023). Reviewed 30 July 2026. Covers the 2025-26 and 2026-27 income years.

Next steps