⚙️ Occupation guide

Engineer 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"Engineers Australia membership, technical textbooks, CPD courses, home office, equipment. Scan the receipt the day you get it and June takes care of itself."

What you can claim

Engineers Australia membership fees.
Technical textbooks and journals.
CPD courses and conferences.
Professional indemnity insurance (if not reimbursed).
Software used for work.
Home office if working from home.
Vehicle — logbook for site visits.

What you cannot claim

Home to primary office.
Personal equipment.
Gym.

Apportionment: the part most people get wrong

Vehicle logbook, phone diary, home office diary. If an expense is part work and part personal, you claim the work percentage only, and the ATO expects you to show how you worked it out.

Records you need to keep

EA membership invoices, receipts. 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?

EA membership invoices, receipts. Keep them for five years from when you lodge.

How do I split work and personal use?

Vehicle logbook, phone diary, home office diary. Claim the work proportion only.

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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