Tax time is just around the corner, and a little preparation now can help maximise your refund and make lodging your return much easier.
Whether you’re an employee, tradie, contractor, or work from home, there are a range of deductions available that could reduce your taxable income and put more money back in your pocket. To help you get ready, we’ve put together our Top 10 Tax Tips for 2026.
Tax Tip #1: Create a Travel Logbook
If you use your car for work, you may be able to claim work-related travel at a rate of 88 cents per kilometre.
You can claim up to 5,000 kilometres per year, provided you maintain an accurate logbook of your work-related trips.
The ATO regularly reviews travel claims and may request evidence to support your deduction, so it’s important to keep good records.
Top Tax Tip Competition Winner 🏆
This year’s Top Tax Tip Competition winner was Steve, who shared a simple but clever way to keep track of work-related travel:
“I started logging every work trip in Google Maps Timeline. At tax time, I had accurate kilometre records without needing to remember a thing.”
The winning tip highlights how the technology we already carry every day can help us stay organised for tax time. A simple habit like using Google Maps Timeline can make tracking work-related kilometres much easier and help reduce the stress of preparing your tax return.
Cents per KM deduction checklist
| Drive to see customers |  |
| Drive to see suppliers or pick up supplies | |
| Carry around bulky tools | |
| Drive to seminars | |
| Drive to second job | |
| Drive to and from work |  |
| Max claim 5,000 kms | |
| Maintain logbook | |
Check your claim on the free calculator
Download your free logbook here
If you’re unsure whether your travel qualifies, contact our team for advice.
Tax Tip #2: Claim Your Tax Agent Fees
Did you know that the fees you pay to a registered tax agent are tax deductible?
Claiming your tax agent fees reduces your taxable income and may increase your refund.
If you used One Click Life last year, we’ll automatically include your prior year’s tax agent fees in your return. If you used another tax agent, make sure you include those fees when completing your return.
Tax Tip #3: Claim your Mobile Phone deductions
Mobile phone bills are tax deductible if related to your taxable income. But you can only claim the work-related portion.
You can calculate your work-related use using one of two methods:
1. Phone Bill Method
Review a phone bill and identify which calls relate to work. For example, if 20 out of 200 calls are work-related, you may be able to claim 10% of your annual phone costs.
2. Logbook Method
The easiest way is to look at your phone screentime in a standard week. Use your phone’s screen time report to estimate work-related usage. For example, if 29% of your screen time is spent on work-related apps, you may be able to claim 29% of your annual phone expenses. (see example below)
Total Annual Phone Cost × Work-Related Percentage = Tax Deduction
For more information, check out our full mobile phone deductions guide HERE.
Tax Tip #4: Deductions You Can Claim Without Receipts
Not every deduction requires a receipt.
Here are some common deductions where records such as diaries or logbooks may be sufficient:
Laundry Expenses
You can claim up to $150 per year for washing eligible work uniforms or protective clothing.
Working From Home
Use the fixed-rate method to claim 70 cents per hour worked from home.
Work-Related Vehicle Travel
Claim 88 cents per kilometre for eligible work-related travel. (excluding driving to & from work)
While receipts may not be required, you must maintain records showing how you calculated your claim.
Check out the full blog for more info HERE
Tax Tip #5: Working From Home? Claim 70 Cents Per Hour
If you work from home, the ATO’s fixed-rate method allows you to claim 70 cents per hour worked.
To claim:
- Record all your hours working from home in a logbook or diary.
- If you claim the working from home hourly rate, you can’t claim other costs like mobile, internet etc.
- You can claim depreciation on bigger items such as laptops, desks and office chairs.
Dont’ forget to keep receipts for any larger purchases and maintain records of your hours worked.
Tax Tip #6: Working Outdoors? Claim Sun Protection
If you work outdoors, the cost of protecting yourself from the sun may be tax deductible.
This can include:
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Sunglasses
Truck drivers, construction workers, landscapers and other outdoor workers may be eligible to claim these expenses.
Remember to keep your receipts and ensure you can prove that you work outdoors regularly.
Tax Tip #7: Claim Work Clothing and Laundry Expenses
You can claim for clothing that is specific to your occupation, isn’t every-day in nature and allows the public to easily recognise your occupation.
Examples of deductible clothing include:
- Chef’s checked pants
- Protective boots
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety gear
However, you generally cannot claim conventional clothing worn to work, such as business suits, black trousers or white shirts.
Laundry
The ATO guideline for laundering tax deductible clothing:
- $1 per load if the load is only for work related clothing
- $0.50 per load when personal items are included in the wash
Claims can generally be made up to $150 per year.
For more details, check out our clothing and laundry deductions guide HERE.
Tax Tip #8: Make a Super Contribution Before 30 June
Making a voluntary contribution to your super fund before 30 June may provide a valuable tax deduction.
To claim the deduction:
- Ensure the contribution is received by your super fund before 30 June.
- Notify your super fund that you intend to claim a tax deduction.
- Complete the required paperwork from your fund.
This can be a great way to reduce your taxable income while boosting your retirement savings.
Tax Tip #9: Lost Your Receipts? Let Us Help!
Missing receipts doesn’t always mean missing deductions.
One Click Life allows you to securely connect your bank account to your tax return. Our technology scans your transactions and identifies expenses that may qualify as tax deductions.
This can help you:
- Find deductions you may have forgotten.
- Support your claims with transaction records.
- Maximise your refund.
You can also avoid this problem next year by using our Receipt Tracker! Use your mobile phone to take photos of your receipts when you get them & upload to your One Click Life account so they’re ready & waiting for next year’s lodgement!
Tax Tip #10: The ATO knows all your income!
The ATO receives data from a wide range of sources, including:
- Bank interest
- Dividends
- Capital gains
- Crypto
- Centrelink payments
- Sharing economy income
- ABN income reported by third parties
It’s important to ensure all income is correctly reported in your tax return.
If you’re unsure whether something needs to be declared or if anything is missing, contact our team for help.
Maximise your Tax Return
Tax time doesn’t have to be stressful. By keeping good records, understanding what deductions you’re entitled to claim, and planning ahead, you can make the most of your 2026 tax return while staying compliant with ATO requirements.
Even small deductions can add up, so it’s worth taking the time to review your expenses and ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.
