Hospitality and retail workers often assume there’s little to claim beyond a uniform, particularly in casual or part-time roles. However, a wider range of legitimate deductions exists than most people in these industries realise. With often lower average incomes, claiming them properly makes a genuine difference.
Compulsory uniforms. If your employer requires a specific, branded uniform, the cost of purchasing and laundering it is generally deductible.
Protective clothing and footwear. Non-slip shoes required for kitchen or hospitality work, aprons, and similar protective items are typically claimable.
Laundry costs. Even without receipts, you can generally claim a reasonable estimate for laundering compulsory uniforms, provided you can show the uniform itself was work-related.
RSA and RSG certificates. Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Service of Gambling certifications required for your role are generally deductible.
Food safety certifications. Courses required to work in food handling or preparation roles are typically claimable.
First aid certification. Where required or directly relevant to your role, you can often claim first aid training costs.
Renewal and refresher courses. Ongoing renewal of any of the above certifications remains deductible each time it’s required.
Travel between multiple work sites. For workers moving between different store or venue locations for the same employer, this travel is generally deductible. This excludes the standard commute to a primary workplace.
Late-night and early-morning travel. In specific circumstances — such as when public transport isn’t available and safety is a genuine concern — you may be able to claim some travel costs outside of normal commuting. This is a narrower category worth checking carefully.
Bar and kitchen tools. Items you personally purchase for work — such as a chef’s knife set — are generally deductible, either immediately or via depreciation depending on cost.
Communication equipment. Where a personal phone is genuinely required for rostering or work communication, the work-related portion of costs may be claimable.
Not claiming laundry costs. Many workers forget that laundering a compulsory uniform is deductible, even without keeping every individual receipt.
Assuming casual or part-time work isn’t worth claiming for. Deductions apply regardless of employment type, and smaller claims add up meaningfully across a full year.
Missing RSA/RSG renewal costs. Workers often forget these recurring certification costs simply because they renew periodically rather than being a one-off expense.
Not tracking multi-site travel. Workers moving between locations for the same employer often don’t realise this travel may be deductible.
These industries often have lower average incomes and higher casual employment rates. Because of this, making sure you claim every legitimate deduction can meaningfully improve your refund, even when individual amounts seem small.
EBATS helps hospitality and retail workers claim uniform, training, and travel deductions accurately, no matter how casual or part-time their role.
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