Tax for Yoga Teachers Australia
This page is for yoga teachers and instructors who want a clearer picture of common deductions including studio rent, continuing education, props, insurance, music licensing, and ABN income obligations.
Quick answer: yoga teachers — especially those working as sole traders — can often claim studio or venue hire, props and mats used for classes, continuing education, insurance, and music licence fees. If you earn income under an ABN, you need to track your income and expenses carefully and understand GST thresholds. The ATO requires every expense to have a direct connection to earning your teaching income.
Common yoga teacher deductions
Often deductible
- Studio or venue rent and hire fees for conducting classes
- Continuing education, workshops, and advanced training related to your current teaching
- Props and equipment (mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, blankets) — items under $300 claimed outright, over $300 depreciated
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Music licensing fees (e.g. PPCA/APRA) if required for classes
- Travel between separate teaching venues during the working day
- Yoga Alliance or similar registration and membership fees
Often non-deductible
- Your own personal yoga practice costs or personal retreats
- Normal home-to-studio commuting
- General athletic clothing that is not compulsory or branded
- Initial teacher training taken before you started earning income as a yoga teacher
- Meals and personal wellness products
ABN, GST, and insurance checkpoints
- ABN income: if you work as a sole trader, report all teaching income and claim eligible expenses in your tax return. Keep records of every class, payment, and expense.
- GST: you must register for GST once annual turnover reaches $75,000. Below that, registration is optional. If registered, you charge GST and lodge BAS returns.
- Insurance: professional indemnity and public liability insurance premiums are generally deductible where the cover relates to your teaching work.
- Reimbursements: if a studio or employer reimburses you for props, training, or insurance, you cannot also claim the deduction.
Records yoga teachers should keep
- Invoices for studio rent, venue hire, and music licences
- Receipts for props, mats, and equipment purchases
- Certificates and receipts for continuing education and workshops
- Insurance policy documents and premium payment records
- Travel records for venue-to-venue travel during the working day
- ABN income records, BAS lodgements, and GST collected if registered
Start with these calculators
Yoga teacher tax FAQs
Can yoga teachers claim studio rent and props?
Generally yes for sole traders and contractors. Studio hire, venue rent, and props like mats, blocks, and bolsters used for classes are typically deductible where you pay the cost yourself.
Can yoga teachers claim continuing education and training?
Yes, where the training maintains or improves skills used in your current teaching role. Initial teacher training taken before you started earning yoga income is generally not deductible.
Do yoga teachers need to register for GST?
You must register for GST once your annual turnover reaches $75,000. Below that threshold it is optional. If registered, you charge GST on your services and lodge BAS returns.
Tax Accuracy & Sources
This guide summarises common yoga teacher deduction patterns only. Always check whether the expense was reimbursed, whether any private element needs apportionment, and whether your working arrangement is employee or contractor.
Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.