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Deductions guide · 2025-26 return

What can IT professionals claim on tax in 2025-26?

A plain-English guide to tax deductions for it professionals: what qualifies, what to watch out for, what you can claim without receipts, and how much IT professionals typically claim.

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Quick answer · IT professionals on about $80,000

$2,500typical work-related claim

Lower $1,000Typical $2,500Higher $5,500

There are no fixed ATO limits: you claim what you genuinely spent and can prove.

For your job

Deductions specific to IT professionals

The deductions most closely tied to your line of work. You still need to have paid for each yourself, used it to earn your income, and kept a record.

Computers, devices and accessories

Laptops, monitors, keyboards and other gear you buy for work.

  • The work-use portion of a laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse and other hardware
  • Items $300 or less in full; over $300 as decline in value

Watch out: Claiming 100% work use of a laptop or phone that's clearly also personal

Software and subscriptions

Work software, developer tools and technical subscriptions.

  • Licences and subscriptions for software you use for work (IDEs, cloud, dev tools)
  • Technical publications and professional memberships

Watch out: Claiming personal subscriptions (gaming, streaming) as work software

Home office equipment

Desk, chair and equipment for working from home.

  • Desk, chair, monitor and other home-office equipment (work-use share)

Watch out: Claiming a home office without being required to work from home

For every employee

What IT professionals can also claim

  • Working from homeClaim 70c for every hour you work from home — no receipts, just an hours log.
  • Car and vehicle for work88c per km for work driving (up to 5,000 km) — or a logbook for bigger claims.
  • Self-education and coursesCourses that maintain or improve the skills for your current job.
  • Union and professional feesUnion dues and professional memberships are fully deductible.
  • Tools and equipment under $300Work items costing $300 or less are claimable in full this year.
  • Tools and equipment over $300Bigger items are claimed gradually as they decline in value (depreciation).
  • Phone and internetThe work-use share of your phone and internet bills.
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How much do IT professionals typically claim?

A guide to what IT professionals on different incomes commonly claim in total work-related deductions. Use it as a sanity check, not a target.

Up to $60,000
Lower $600Typical $1,500Higher $3,500
$60,000 to $100,000
Lower $1,000Typical $2,500Higher $5,500
Over $100,000
Lower $1,500Typical $3,500Higher $8,000
Show as a table
Annual incomeLowerTypicalHigher
Up to $60,000$600$1,500$3,500
$60,000 to $100,000$1,000$2,500$5,500
Over $100,000$1,500$3,500$8,000

The typical range is an estimate based on what people in your occupation commonly claim. The ATO does not publish fixed limits — your actual entitlement depends on what you genuinely spent. Claiming more than the typical range is fine if you have the receipts; claiming less than the low range may mean you're leaving money on the table.

New from 2026-27

The $1,000 standard deduction: claim it or itemise?

From 2026-27, employees get a $1,000 standard deduction for work expenses with no receipts. IT professionals on $80,000 typically claim around $2,500, which is more than $1,000 — so itemising gives a bigger deduction, worth about $480 less tax at that income. To itemise, you need written evidence for every work expense; the $300 no-receipts allowance ended on 30 June 2026.

Compare on your own income
IT professionals on $80,000
$1,000 automatic$1,000
Typical claim$2,500

Three rules for every claim

  1. 1You paid for it yourself and weren't reimbursed.
  2. 2It's directly related to earning your income — not personal, not 'just in case'.
  3. 3You have a record — a receipt, diary, log or bank statement.

IT Professionals tax deductions: FAQs

See what IT professionals get back

Put these deductions against your own income in the free estimator and watch your 2025-26 refund update live. No account, no card.

Official reference: the ATO's guide for IT professionals.

Deductions for other jobs

See all occupations

This page is general information only and not personal tax advice. The claim ranges are illustrative, not ATO limits, and photos are illustrative. EOFYmate is not a registered tax agent. Always confirm with the ATO at ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent before lodging.