Trades & construction – deductions guide.
Tools, boots, licences, ute running costs — tradies and construction workers rack up more work-related expenses than almost anyone. The trick is capturing them properly. Here's what to look for at tax time.
Tools & equipment
- Hand tools and power tools bought for your work
- Repairs and servicing of tools
- Insurance covering your tools
- Tool storage (site boxes, ute drawers)
Individual tools costing more than $300 are typically depreciated over their effective life if you're an employee. Sole traders and small business owners may be able to write off eligible assets immediately — Night Tax works out which rule applies to you.
PPE & workwear
- Steel-cap boots, hi-vis, hard hats, gloves and safety glasses
- Sunscreen, sun hats and sunglasses for outdoor work
- Compulsory branded uniforms
- Laundry costs for compulsory workwear
Licences, tickets & training
- White Card renewals and other site tickets
- Trade licence and registration fees
- Machinery licences (forklift, EWP, plant)
- Self-education directly related to your current trade
Vehicle & travel
- Travel between multiple sites during the day
- Travel carrying bulky tools you can't safely leave at work
- Logbook or cents-per-kilometre for work-related vehicle use
- Parking and tolls for work travel (not the normal commute)
Phone, internet & admin
- Work portion of mobile phone and data plans
- Job management, quoting and accounting apps
- Union fees and industry association memberships
How Night Tax helps tradies
Night Tax's AI knows the difference between what an employee tradie can claim and what a sole trader can. It walks you through tools, vehicles, licences and site travel with the right questions for your setup. A registered tax agent reviews everything before lodgement.
Let AI find deductions you didn't even know existed
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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.