Who can claim
This deduction is available to individuals.
- You incurred and paid the expense yourself.
- The expense has a direct connection with earning your current employment income.
- The fee is paid to a union or work-related association in connection with current employment.
What you cannot claim
- Do not include a private or domestic portion.
- Do not claim an item or cost your employer or another party provided, paid or reimbursed; if partly reimbursed, claim only the unreimbursed eligible portion.
- A taxable allowance is generally declared as income. It does not automatically create or prevent a deduction; claim only the actual eligible amount you incurred.
- Private or political contributions are not deductible as work-related expenses.
How the amount is worked out
Claim the eligible amount paid during the income year.
Records the ATO expects
- Union statement or receipt
Where this rule comes from
Primary source: ATO deductions you can claim (Modified 7 June 2026). Reviewed 30 July 2026. Covers the 2025-26 and 2026-27 income years.