Support worker tax: deductions and what you can claim
A plain-English guide to tax for support workers — common deductions you can claim, car and travel claims, whether you need an ABN, and record-keeping tips.
What tax deductions can a support worker actually claim?
Can I claim car and travel between clients?
Can I claim training, first aid and screening checks?
Can I claim my phone, internet and home office?
What can't I claim?
ABN versus PAYG: how does that change my tax?
What about superannuation and the SCHADS award?
How do I keep records the ATO will accept?
Common mistakes and practical next steps
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim my Certificate III in Individual Support on tax?
Usually not, if you completed it before you started earning income as a support worker — the ATO treats study that gets you into a new occupation as non-deductible. Once you're working, further training that maintains or improves the skills you already use, like a first aid renewal or a complex-care module, can generally be claimed. Confirm your specific situation with a registered tax agent, and verify course details through My Skills or training.gov.au.
Do I need an ABN to work as a support worker?
No — most support workers are PAYG employees of a provider and never need an ABN. You only need one if you operate as an independent sole trader finding and invoicing your own clients. Working under an ABN means no tax is withheld for you, you pay your own super, and you may need to register for GST and hold your own insurance, so get proper advice from the ATO or a tax agent before you start. Be wary of being asked to get an ABN for what is really employee work — that can be sham contracting.
Can I claim the clothes and shoes I wear on shift?
Only if they're genuinely protective or a registered uniform with a logo — plain clothes and ordinary shoes aren't deductible even if you only wear them at work. Non-slip footwear the ATO accepts as protective for your role can qualify, along with items like gloves and aprons, plus the cost of laundering a registered uniform. If in doubt, check the ATO's clothing and laundry guidance, because everyday wear is one of the most commonly disallowed claims in this sector.
How much of my phone bill can I claim?
Only the work-related percentage — not the whole bill. Work out a reasonable percentage from a representative four-week diary of work versus private use, then apply it across the year's bills. For example, a 30% work use on a $1,200 annual spend is about $360. Note that if you claim home-office running costs using the ATO's fixed hourly rate, your phone is already bundled in and can't be claimed separately, so pick the single method that reflects how you actually work.
Is the NDIS price limit the same as my hourly pay?
No, and this is a common and costly confusion. Your pay as an employee comes from the SCHADS award (MA000100), while the NDIS price limit is the maximum a provider can charge a participant's plan — it has to cover supervision, admin, insurance, training and overheads, so it's always well above your wage. Check your actual pay and penalty rates with the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool, and never assume the NDIS price is what you should be earning.
How much should I set aside for tax if I work under an ABN?
There's no single correct figure because it depends on your total income and marginal rate, but many sole traders move a set percentage of every payment into a separate account the moment it arrives so the tax and super they'll owe is never spent. You may also be brought into the PAYG instalment system, where you pre-pay tax during the year, and you'll fund your own super on top. A registered tax agent can estimate the right percentage for your circumstances and set you up correctly.
How long do I need to keep my tax records?
Generally five years from the date you lodge your return. Records need to show what you bought, the amount, the date and the supplier, and photos or app entries are accepted — you don't need original paper. Use the myDeductions tool in the ATO app to log expenses and trips through the year, and back everything up to the cloud so a faded receipt never costs you a legitimate deduction.