Australian Defence Force tax deductions: what you can claim
What you can claim, what you cannot, and the records the ATO expects. Written in plain English and updated for the 2025–26 financial year.
Oscar says"Uniforms (personal, not issued), protective equipment, self-education, association fees, home office. Scan the receipt the day you get it and June takes care of itself."
What you can claim
- Uniforms personally purchased (not employer-issued).
- Protective equipment personally purchased.
- Professional development beyond what ADF provides.
- Defence Force association fees.
- Home office if required.
What you cannot claim
- ADF-issued equipment.
- Home to base.
- Ordinary exercise clothing.
Records you need to keep
Receipts, ADF documentation of personal purchase requirement. A claim without a receipt or tax invoice behind it is a claim you may have to repay if the ATO asks.
Common questions
What records do I need to keep?
Receipts, ADF documentation of personal purchase requirement. Keep them for five years from when you lodge.
Oscar already knows these rules
Pick your occupation once, then scan, email, or forward receipts. Oscar classifies each one against these exact ATO rules and tells you what it is worth. Free to start.
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