As a nurse it’s likely you regularly purchase items that are work-related. In most cases, these expenses can be classified as tax deductions for nurses. This post covers a range of tax deductions for nurses and will help ensure you get the most benefit on your next tax return.
Common Tax Deductions For Nurses
While each individual is different, the items below are usually classified as tax deductions for nurses. Remember, you’ll need to keep receipts and documentation for any expense you wish to claim.
- Agency costs: Agency represented nurses may need to pay for fees or memberships.
- Memberships and union fees: If you pay to be part of an industry membership body or you pay dues to be part of a union you can claim these costs.
- Work Uniform: Nurses may have specific clothing they need to wear in order to do their job. This clothing includes protective equipment, uniforms with a logo and laundering expenses.
- Stationery: This includes diaries, planners, log books, workbooks etc.
- Computer/Laptop: If you use your personal computer or laptop for work, you can claim depreciation costs for these items.
- Mobile phone: You can claim a percentage of your mobile phone bill if you use your mobile to take or make work related phone calls.
- Subscriptions: Subscriptions to industry-related magazines, books and journals that you use solely for work purposes can also be claimed.
- Home office expenses: Only claimable if you are genuinely required to work from home. You can claim the percentage of costs such as internet and electricity only for the time you work from home.
In many cases, nurses are required to:
- Transport patients
- Travel between hospitals/medical practices during their shift
- Travel from a hospital to a second job (or vice versa)
These trips will generally all qualify as tax deductions for nurses. Keep a logbook to ensure your claim is correct and remember travel from home to work or vice-versa is not claimable.
If You’ve Been Reimbursed, You Can’t Claim
Employers often reimburse staff for costs. If this is the case, you can’t claim the expense as a tax deduction. Remember tax deductions for nurses are only expenses that you’ve genuinely paid for yourself and have received no reimbursement for.
Self-Education Expenses Apply For Nurses
If you’re required to up-skill or study further for your role, these expenses can be claimed. This includes short courses (i.e. first aid courses, OH&S etc.) and qualifications such as a related degree. If you’re studying to get a new job, those expenses are not claimable.
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