Teachers routinely spend their own money on classroom supplies, resources, and professional development, yet many don’t claim the full range of deductions they’re entitled to. However, understanding what genuinely qualifies makes a meaningful difference given how much teachers typically contribute out of pocket to their classrooms.
Classroom supplies. Items purchased for classroom use — stationery, educational games, decorations, and similar resources not reimbursed by the school — are generally deductible.
Teaching resources and reference materials. Textbooks, curriculum resources, and professional reference materials directly related to your teaching area are typically claimable.
Technology used for work. A laptop, tablet, or other technology used for lesson planning, marking, or classroom management can often be claimed, either immediately or via depreciation depending on the cost.
Teacher registration fees. Fees paid to maintain your teaching registration are generally deductible.
Professional development courses. Courses, workshops, and conferences directly related to your teaching role are typically claimable, including associated travel where directly connected.
Union and professional association fees. Membership fees for teaching unions and professional associations are generally deductible.
Further study directly related to your role. Postgraduate study or additional qualifications directly related to your current teaching position can often be claimed.
Travel between school sites. For teachers working across multiple locations, travel between sites (excluding the standard commute to your primary workplace) is generally deductible.
Excursions and camps. Costs incurred by teachers directly related to supervising school excursions or camps, where not reimbursed, may be claimable.
Marking and lesson planning at home. Many teachers do a significant amount of work from home outside school hours, and a portion of running costs — electricity, internet, and phone — may be claimable if properly recorded.
A dedicated home office setup. If you have a specific space used regularly for planning and marking, equipment like a desk or chair used for this purpose may also be deductible.
Standard clothing, even if worn to present professionally, generally doesn’t qualify as a deduction, since it doesn’t meet the definition of a compulsory uniform.
Regular commuting costs between home and your usual school aren’t deductible, even though many teachers travel significant distances.
Not keeping receipts for smaller purchases. Classroom supplies are often bought in small amounts regularly, and without receipts, these add up to a meaningful missed deduction over a full year.
Assuming professional development isn’t claimable if not compulsory. Development directly related to your current role can often be claimed even without being formally required.
Overlooking home-based work. Many teachers don’t realise that marking and planning done at home may support a legitimate deduction if properly recorded.
EBATS helps teachers and education professionals claim classroom, professional development, and home office deductions accurately and confidently.
📍 Suite 2.2/47 Queen St, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia 📞 0404 471 816 🌐 www.ebats.com.au 📧 [email protected]
Ethical Accounting & Taxation Services | Campbelltown NSW | Trusted Tax, Accounting & Business Support Since 2011