How much can pilots claim in tax deductions for 2025-26?

It depends entirely on what you actually spent, but as a guide most pilots earning around $80,000 claim between $1,300 and $6,500 in work-related deductions, with a typical total near $3,200. These are not ATO limits — your real claim is whatever you genuinely paid for, weren't reimbursed for, and can substantiate.

What can pilots claim without receipts?

A few things have no-receipt methods: working from home at 70c per hour (you just need a record of your hours), and work driving at 88c per kilometre up to 5,000 km (with a record of your trips), plus laundry of work-only uniforms up to $150 at the ATO flat rate. Beyond those, you generally need a receipt or written record to claim.

What is a commonly missed deduction for pilots?

Licence renewals, medicals and recurrent training. Renewals, aviation medicals and recurrent training for your current role. It is directly tied to the job, yet many pilots forget to claim it. Keep the receipt or record and add it to your return.

Do I need a tax agent to claim pilots deductions?

No. You can claim these yourself when you lodge through myGov and ATO online (self-lodgers are due by 31 October 2026). EOFYmate is a tax estimation and education tool, not a registered tax agent — it helps you find and total your deductions, then you (or your registered agent) lodge. Always confirm with the ATO or a registered tax agent before lodging.

Deductions guide · 2025-26 return

What can pilots claim on tax in 2025-26?

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

Check your own numbers Personalised pilots guide

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Quick answer · pilots on about $80,000

$3,200typical work-related claim

Lower $1,300Typical $3,200Higher $6,500

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

For your job

Deductions specific to pilots

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.

Licence renewals, medicals and recurrent training

Renewals, aviation medicals and recurrent training for your current role.

Licence and rating renewals, aviation medicals, and recurrent training/endorsements that maintain your current flying role

Watch out: Claiming the initial licence/training that got you into the role

Uniform, protective clothing and laundry

Compulsory or occupation-specific uniforms, protective gear, and laundry.

Compulsory uniform items you pay for
Laundry of work-only clothing (ATO flat rate: $1 per work-only load, 50c for mixed loads)

Watch out: Conventional clothing

Flight equipment

Headset, flight bag and equipment you buy yourself.

Headset, flight bag, charts and equipment (work-use share)

Watch out: Items the employer supplies

For every employee

What pilots 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 pilots typically claim?

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

Up to $60,000

Lower $800Typical $2,200Higher $4,500

$60,000 to $100,000

Lower $1,300Typical $3,200Higher $6,500

Over $100,000

Lower $2,200Typical $5,000Higher $10,000

Show as a table

Annual income	Lower	Typical	Higher
Up to $60,000	$800	$2,200	$4,500
$60,000 to $100,000	$1,300	$3,200	$6,500
Over $100,000	$2,200	$5,000	$10,000

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. Pilots on $80,000 typically claim around $3,200, which is more than $1,000 — so itemising gives a bigger deduction, worth about $704 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

Pilots on $80,000

$1,000 automatic$1,000

Typical claim$3,200

Three rules for every claim

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

Pilots tax deductions: FAQs

See what pilots 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.

Estimate my 2025-26 refund or check your take-home and the $1,000 for 2026-27

Official reference: the ATO's guide for pilots.

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.