Tax for Tilers Australia
This page is for tilers who want a clearer starting point on common deductions, including tools, site travel, protective gear, and vehicle expenses related to tiling work.
Quick answer: tilers can often claim a range of work-related expenses including tools, protective equipment, and travel between sites. The ATO expects a direct connection to earning your income, and you cannot claim anything your employer reimbursed. Common traps include ordinary clothing, private travel, and tools used partly for personal purposes without apportionment.
Common tiler deductions
Often deductible
- Tile cutters, trowels, grout floats, levelling systems, and other tiling tools
- Protective gear: knee pads, safety goggles, gloves, steel-cap boots, hi-vis clothing
- Travel between separate job sites during the same day
- Ute or vehicle expenses where the vehicle is used for work-related travel (logbook or cents-per-km)
- Phone costs with a work-related portion and supporting records
- Sun protection items required on outdoor sites (sunscreen, hats)
Often non-deductible
- Normal home-to-work travel (unless carrying bulky tools with no secure storage at the site)
- Ordinary clothing such as jeans, shorts, or plain t-shirts
- Tools or equipment reimbursed by your employer
- Private portion of vehicle expenses without a logbook or reasonable basis
- Meals on site unless you are travelling overnight for work
Vehicle and tool records
- Vehicle logbook: keep a logbook for at least 12 continuous weeks to establish your work-use percentage, then maintain it for five years.
- Tools over $300: items costing more than $300 must be depreciated over their effective life rather than claimed in one go.
- Instant asset write-off: tools costing $300 or less (for employees) can be claimed immediately in the year of purchase.
- Reimbursements: if your employer paid you back for a tool or expense, you generally cannot also claim it.
Records tilers should keep
- Receipts for all tools, protective gear, and equipment purchases
- Vehicle logbook or cents-per-km records for work-related travel
- Diary notes showing job site locations and travel between them
- Phone and internet usage records where a work portion is claimed
- Evidence of any employer reimbursement to avoid double-claiming
Detailed deductions breakdown
For a longer walkthrough of tiler deduction rules with ATO benchmarks and common over-claim areas, read the full deduction guide.
Start with these calculators
Tiler tax FAQs
Can tilers claim tools and equipment?
Generally yes. Tile cutters, trowels, grout floats, and levelling systems used for work are deductible. Items costing $300 or less can be claimed immediately; items over $300 are depreciated over their effective life.
Can tilers claim travel between job sites?
Travel between separate job sites during the same day is generally deductible. Normal home-to-work travel is usually private unless you carry bulky tools that cannot be stored at the workplace.
Can tilers claim protective clothing?
Usually yes for items like knee pads, safety goggles, gloves, and steel-cap boots required for tiling work. Ordinary everyday clothing is not deductible even if you only wear it on site.
Tax Accuracy & Sources
This guide summarises common tiler deduction patterns only. Always check whether the expense was reimbursed, whether any private element needs apportionment, and whether the travel or tool claim meets ATO requirements.
Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.