Teachers – deductions guide.
Australian teachers spend more of their own money on their jobs than almost any other profession. From classroom supplies to professional development, here are the deductions worth knowing about — all applied through the ATO's three golden rules.
Classroom & teaching resources
- Books, stationery, art and craft supplies bought for your students
- Educational apps and subscriptions used in class
- Small equipment (whiteboards, storage, science supplies)
- Printing, laminating and copying done at your own expense
Self-education & professional development
- Course fees for study that maintains or improves your current teaching skills
- Textbooks, journals and online learning subscriptions
- Conference and PD registration fees
- Travel and accommodation for approved PD (excluding your normal commute)
Self-education that helps you do your current role better is generally claimable. Study aimed at moving into a completely different career usually isn't.
Working from home
If you plan lessons, mark work or run online classes from home, you can claim the additional running costs for those hours. Night Tax will walk you through the fixed rate or actual cost method.
Excursions, camps and travel
- Travel between schools or campuses during the workday
- Costs incurred while supervising excursions or camps (not reimbursed)
- Parking and tolls for work travel (not your daily commute)
Memberships, registrations & insurance
- Teacher registration fees and Working with Children Check renewals
- Union or professional association fees
- Income protection insurance premiums (outside super)
How Night Tax helps teachers
Tell Night Tax you're a teacher and the AI opens a set of prompts tuned to your role — including questions about specialist subjects, PD, class supplies and after-hours work. Every claim is reviewed by a registered tax agent before lodgement.
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Night Tax always applies ATO rules on substantiation and compliance. AI suggestions are reviewed by a registered tax agent before lodgement.