Tax Deductions For Australian Hospitality Workers In 2026
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If you reside in Australia, the good news is that you claim some of the costs you've spent on your professional uniform for the past year.
When it's time for tax returns, we all know it can seem like a chore. Gathering the right documents, organising receipts, and calculating what you can and cannot claim may seem like an arduous task.
However, what can you do to ensure that you are prepared for the work-related purchases you have made over the past 12 months? To be ready, you must have performed a proper tracking of payments you have made during the year and clearly understand what you can claim.
Tax deductions for hospitality industry workers are a great way to get back some of your hard-earned money. However, this is only possible if you know the correct deductions to look out for based on your job in the hospitality industry – people in the hospitality sector can make legitimate deductions when it comes to tax. The following are some areas where the deductions are possible;
Tools and equipment
One area where you can get a tax refund as a worker in the hospitality industry is purchasing tools and equipment relevant to your job or work. Essential areas to note include the following;
Depreciation of equipment costing over $300
The purchase cost of equipment used in the position or workplace, such as knives, computers, tools, cocktail mixers, etc
Repair and maintenance costs of work-related equipment
Interest on loans taken out to purchase work-related equipment
Leasing costs of equipment used in the job
Clothing
Of the diverse range of deductions, this is perhaps the most important and well known. We are aware that the hospitality job often requires the use of protective clothing. You can get a tax deduction or refund when you take note of these and understand them properly before making your tax calculations. This means that you stand to get a tax refund or claim purchase costs, maintenance and laundry of the following;
Work specific clothing such as chef's jackets, chef pants and aprons.
Uniforms which have a logo, or if an item forms part of the compulsory uniform
Protective clothing such as boots, gloves or aprons
Note that you cannot claim for conventional clothing such as black shoes or plain white shirts. This is because the wearing of these items is not limited to the workplace alone.
Travel expenses
If your hospitality job requires you to travel to conferences or trade fairs, or you are required to travel for training as part of the job, then you can claim a tax refund on your expenses that include;
Overnight accommodation
Car hire
Taxi, train or bus fare
Flight costs
Meals (applicable if you are staying overnight)
Tolls
Also, note that your employer may allow you to cover the cost of any work-related travel. On that note, it will be included as income on your payment summary at the end of the financial year. It would help if you also had this in your tax return; however, you will not need to substantiate your expenses as long as you hope to claim a reasonable amount by the ATO.
Additionally, if you are using your car for work purposes like deliveries or pick up, you can claim car expenses in either of these two ways;
Logbook method. This method involves keeping a record of work-related mileage in a logbook for at least three months.
Cents per kilometre method. This method involves claiming 66cents per kilometre. This can be up to 5000 kilometres per year.
Education expenses
If the education or self-education is directly linked to your current position at your workplace, the expenses that you can lay claim to include;
Associated phone and internet subscription fees
Tuition fees
Travel costs
Accommodation and meals, provided you stay away from home overnight
Books and study materials purchased for the study, which can include textbooks and software
As a bonus, there are additional deductions you can claim. Some of these deductions are missed out on by a lot of people, and they include;
Work-related calls
Cost of renewing a license and other work-related licenses or certificates
Work bags
Journals and publication relating to your position or job
Income protection insurance
You have until June 30 2026 to buy any new uniforms to include in your tax claim for 2026.
Read up here or see info below about what you can claim, and shop now to start the new financial year looking professional!
Store owner replied:
Wow! What awesome pics Josh, you look great as usual :) Thanks for your ongoing support.
Whether working the grill, pass or larder. You are always going to look good in the shirt. Comfortable & cool (if you are standing over a coal grill for 12hrs you are gonna sweat no matter what you wear). Always feel proud rolling into a shift in one of these.
Store owner replied:
Wow! You look great Olly, and Thank you for your beautiful review. It's much appreciated and we are sure this will assist other chefs who work in hot environments and want to look and feel cool. Thank you again.
I love the product, comfy and cool to wear. Special the apron really love it with the design.
Store owner replied:
Hi Phillip, thanks for taking the time to leave your comment - glad that you appreciate the quality of the apron which is made here in Australia. You're absolutely correct, this is lightweight denim as we mention on the website. Although it feels lightweight, these aprons last for many years and are absolutely loved by our chefs and I hope that they'll become a firm favourite of yours too. I'm here to assist with any questions you may have.
Store owner replied:
That's great to know that the aprons are comfortable to wear, thanks Nika, your comment is very much appreciated.
I was excited to order and received my 100% organic cotton chef Jackets and Aprons but was disappointed to find that there is a 2% spandex (Lycra) which takes away from the organic that you promote so strongly. Is there a reason for this and why isn’t it on your website under fabric content.
As far as I know the addition of spandex to your products takes it away from the circular economy as it is a synthetic material and makes the whole garment no recyclable.
I have been a chef for over 30 years and don’t think I have ever come across a chefs Jacket with spandex in it (polyester yes) A good fit should make putting a stretch material unnecessary.
Store owner replied:
Hi Sion, Thank you for your review. You are 100% correct, and I personally take full responsibility for this. We have added the fabric content this morning on all products. I can assure you we don't intend to mislead anyone - it was an oversight when changing the product descriptions recently. The 98% cotton is certified organic cotton. The 2% addition of spandex is woven in as when we worked with chefs to develop the collection, they wanted an element of stretch in the garments to allow the garments to be more tailored but move with the wearer to make them super comfortable. I will also email you directly to assist further.
Love it so light weight and breezy good for working in a fast paced kitchen wile still looking sharp cheer
Store owner replied:
Yay! That's great to hear that you're loving the softness of the fabric. Thanks for letting us know and may you enjoy wearing them for many shifts. xxx
This is probably theee best fitting and comfy jacket I’ve ever owned! I’m going to order a few more in the new year!
Thanks again guys for being so easy about the return due to them not fitting properly!
Thanks
Store owner replied:
You chose well Amanda! So glad he loves the fit and comfort of it. Thanks for letting us know.
Very flattering shirt. My only comment would be that the small is quite small. I’m a straight size 8 and I feel this is more like a size 6.5-7. But I’m still very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Glad you like the flattering fit of this chef shirt Kaye. Thanks for letting us know about the sizing, we will consider this if we repeat this style in the future.
I have been a professionally trained cook for the past 40 years, so I have come through the traditional whites in a brigade system.
So far one of the best aprons / gear you can see some thought has been put into the design
Very nice
Les
Store owner replied:
Thank YOU Mr Leslie. Sorry you had to wait 40 years to wear "one of the best" but glad you found Cream Collection eventually. Enjoy every moment wearing the gear.
Was a present for my son. He is very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Thanks Bea for your 5 star review, glad you love the comfort of the chef shirt. Enjoy!
I purchased the white Jo apron. Great quality apron, however the design was slightly different from the other photos of the same apron in different colours. I would prefer the pen pocket to be straight at the top (rather than slanted) and from an aesthetic standpoint I wasn’t fan of the round ring on the neck strap (but that’s probably me being picky)
Store owner replied:
Hi Andrew, Thanks for your 4 star review. I'll contact you about the images as the image of the white apron is as per the image on our website. The reason the pocket opening is slanted is that it is designed for ergonomic reasons, but we understand that every wearer has their personal preferences. Hope you are enjoying the comfort and fit of the apron. Thanks again.
Store owner replied:
Thank you Philipp! What a lovely review you have given, we appreciate it and glad that you are happy with the "insane quality" Thank you again.
Store owner replied:
Thank you Peter, so good to know your chef apparel ticks all the boxes. Thank you!!!! and enjoy.
Very happy with my apron love the fabric & tanks for the great customer service when I had to exchange as I mistakenly ordered the wrong size
Thanks Janet
