Every Tax Deduction Australian Plumbers Can Claim (2026)
Summary (TL;DR)
Australian plumbers can claim deductions for tools, vehicle expenses, protective clothing, phone/internet, training, insurance, union fees, and more. Self-employed plumbers can also claim rent, utilities, advertising, software, and subcontractor payments. Keep receipts for everything over $300 and use the logbook method for vehicle claims to maximise your refund.
Vehicle & Travel Deductions
This is typically the biggest deduction for plumbers. You can claim travel between job sites (but NOT from home to your first job or last job to home — that's commuting).
Two Methods
- Cents per kilometre: 88 cents/km (2025-26) for up to 5,000 km. No logbook required, but limited.
- Logbook method: Claim the business-use percentage of ALL vehicle costs (fuel, rego, insurance, depreciation, servicing). Requires a 12-week logbook. Most plumbers get 75–90% business use.
Pro tip: The logbook method almost always gives a bigger deduction. A plumber driving 40,000 km/year with 85% business use can claim $15,000–$25,000 in vehicle expenses.
Tools & Equipment
- Tools costing $300 or less: Claim the full cost immediately
- Tools costing over $300: Depreciate over the effective life (e.g., power tools = 5 years)
- Instant asset write-off: For self-employed plumbers, assets under $20,000 can be written off immediately
Common Tool Deductions
Pipe wrenches, spanners, pliers, cutters, soldering equipment, gas torches, drain cameras, pressure testing equipment, laser levels, power tools, tool bags, and safety equipment (PPE, harnesses, gas detectors).
Clothing & Protective Equipment
- Protective clothing: Steel-cap boots, hi-vis, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves (100% deductible)
- Branded uniforms: Shirts/pants with your business logo (100% deductible including laundry)
- Plain work clothes: NOT deductible (even if you only wear them for work)
- Laundry: $1/load for work-specific clothing, or $150 without receipts
- Sunscreen & sunglasses: Deductible if you work outdoors
Phone, Internet & Technology
- Mobile phone: Claim the business-use percentage (typically 60–80%)
- Internet: Business-use percentage of your home internet
- iPad/tablet: If used on-site for plans, standards reference, or job management
- Software subscriptions: TradeDesk Pro ($790/year), Xero, Microsoft 365
Training & Education
CPD courses, gas fitting certification, backflow prevention testing certification, first aid courses, business management courses, travel to training venues, and industry conferences.
Insurance Premiums
Public liability, professional indemnity, income protection (if paid personally), tool insurance, and business vehicle insurance are all deductible.
Self-Employed Only (Additional Deductions)
Home office (percentage of rent/mortgage interest, electricity), advertising (Google Ads, Facebook, vehicle signage, website hosting), accounting fees, QBCC licence fees, union/association fees, subcontractor payments, materials and supplies, bank fees, and superannuation contributions.
Record Keeping Tips
Keep ALL receipts (photo them immediately), use a dedicated business bank account, track mileage with a logbook app, and keep records for 5 years. TradeDesk.now automatically tracks your jobs, mileage, and expenses — making tax time significantly easier.