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As the EOFY (End of Financial Year) approaches, smart taxpayers don’t just lodge — they optimise. Knowing what you can legally claim at EOFY can significantly reduce your tax bill and improve your refund outcome.
Each year, thousands of Australians miss legitimate deductions simply because they’re unsure what qualifies, what records are required, or how the ATO applies the rules. This expert guide breaks down the complete EOFY tax deductions list for 2025, with practical examples and compliance-focused explanations.
Whether you’re an employee, sole trader, or small business owner, this EOFY guide will help you claim correctly and confidently.
What Is EOFY and Why Tax Deductions Matter
EOFY marks the closing of the Australian financial year, which runs from 1 July to 30 June. After this period ends, individuals and businesses calculate income, expenses, and eligible deductions before lodging their returns.
EOFY tax deductions reduce your taxable income, not your tax directly. That means:
Lower taxable income → Lower tax payable → Higher potential refund
According to ATO reporting trends, work-related expense claims remain one of the most reviewed deduction categories each year — mainly due to incorrect or unsupported claims. Accuracy and documentation matter.
EOFY Tax Deductions 2025 — Complete Claim Categories
Below is a structured, ATO-aligned EOFY deductions list covering the most commonly claimable expenses.
Work-Related Expenses (EOFY Employee Claims)
You can claim work-related expenses if:
- The expense is directly related to earning your income
- You paid for it yourself
- You were not reimbursed
- You have records or receipts
Common EOFY Work Deductions
- Work uniforms and protective clothing
- Tools and equipment
- Professional memberships
- Industry licences and registrations
- Union fees
- Work-related phone usage
- Internet usage (work percentage)
- Stationery and supplies
Work From Home Deductions (EOFY 2025)
Work-from-home deductions remain one of the most claimed EOFY items.
ATO-approved methods typically include:
Fixed Rate Method (if applicable)
Covers:
- Electricity
- Internet
- Phone usage
- Office consumables
Actual Cost Method
Claim actual:
- Power usage
- Equipment depreciation
- Office furniture
- Repairs
Important: You must maintain a usage record or timesheet log.
Vehicle and Travel Deductions
If you use your car for work purposes (not commuting), you may claim:
- Work-related travel between job sites
- Client visits
- Business errands
Claim Methods
- Cents per kilometre method
- Logbook method
Not claimable:
- Normal home-to-work travel
- Personal trips
Self-Education and Training Expenses
EOFY allows claims where education directly relates to your current job or increases your earning capacity.
Claimable Education Costs
- Course fees
- Textbooks
- Study materials
- Professional seminars
- Certification programs
Not allowed:
- Courses unrelated to your current role
- Education for a new career path
Home Office Equipment and Asset Depreciation
You may claim depreciation on:
- Laptops
- Monitors
- Office chairs
- Desks
- Printers
Higher-value items are typically depreciated over their effective life rather than claimed instantly (unless eligible under instant asset rules for businesses).
For incorporated businesses, deduction handling and reporting are often coordinated through a registered tax professional or an ASIC Registered Agent to ensure compliance accuracy.
Investment Property EOFY Deductions
Property investors can claim multiple EOFY deductions, including:
- Loan interest
- Property management fees
- Repairs and maintenance
- Depreciation schedules
- Council rates
- Insurance
- Advertising for tenants
ATO scrutiny is high in this category — accurate apportionment is essential.
Small Business EOFY Deductions
For sole traders and small businesses, EOFY deductions often include:
- Operating expenses
- Software subscriptions
- Marketing costs
- Office rent
- Utilities
- Business insurance
- Accounting and bookkeeping fees
Instant Asset Write-Off (If Eligible)
Depending on current thresholds, eligible businesses may immediately deduct certain asset purchases rather than depreciate them.
Super Contributions as EOFY Deductions
Personal concessional super contributions may be tax deductible if:
- You submit a notice of intent
- Contribution is within the annual cap
- Fund receives it before 30 June
This is widely used for EOFY tax planning strategies.
Donations and Charitable Contributions
You can claim EOFY deductions for donations made to:
- Registered Deductible Gift Recipients (DGRs)
Requirements:
- Must be $2 or more
- Must not receive a personal benefit
- Keep receipts
EOFY Deductions You Cannot Claim
Common rejected EOFY claims include:
- Everyday clothing (non-uniform)
- Commuting to work
- Personal meals
- Childcare
- Fines and penalties
- Private expenses
Many incorrect claims fall into categories frequently listed in ATO Tax Return Audit Red Flags, especially where expenses lack documentation or have mixed personal use.
Records You Must Keep for EOFY Claims
To safely claim EOFY deductions, keep:
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Bank statements
- Logbooks
- Work-from-home diaries
- Course enrolment records
ATO record retention rule: Minimum 5 years
EOFY Tax Planning Tips for 2025
Professionals often use EOFY planning strategies such as:
- Bringing forward deductible expenses
- Delaying assessable income (where legal)
- Prepaying eligible costs
- Reviewing asset purchases
- Maximising super contributions
These strategies must align with ATO guidelines to avoid penalties.
Final Word: EOFY Deductions Reward Preparation, Not Guesswork
EOFY isn’t just a deadline — it’s a chance to maximise deductions and reduce your tax legally. Keeping proper records and understanding what you can claim makes a real difference. For complex returns, a qualified tax accountant Sydney or experienced tax accountants Melbourne can help ensure accuracy and compliance. You can also get expert EOFY support from TaxByte — for audit-safe and optimised tax outcomes