Even if you are on-site all day, you spend 3–8 hours a week doing quoting, invoicing and admin from home. The ATO lets you claim these costs.
Fixed Rate Method (Simplest)
Claim 67¢ per hour worked from home. Covers electricity, internet, phone, stationery. Just keep a logbook of hours.
Example: 6 hrs/week × 48 weeks = 288 hrs 288 hrs × 67¢ = $193 deduction Plus you can ALSO claim phone & internet separately!
Actual Cost Method
Calculate the exact % of your home used for work. Higher deduction but more records required.
What Tradies Can Claim
- Phone & Internet (work %)
- Computer/laptop depreciation
- Printer, ink & paper (100% if business-only)
- Office furniture (depreciated over useful life)
- Software subscriptions (Xero, Tradify — 100% deductible)
⚠️ ATO Rules
Your home office must be used mainly for work. A desk in your bedroom counts — but only the hours you are actually working there.