5.0 on Google (opens in new window) CPA Australia Member Registered Tax Agent

Individual tax return

Tax returns for hospitality workers & chefs

Late nights, split shifts and a return that shouldn't take you all of your day off. Here's what hospitality workers can usually claim.

Fixed-fee returns from $390. Lodged by a CPA & Registered Tax Agent.

Easy to get wrong
  • Plain black-and-white clothing worn as a 'uniform', the ATO generally disallows conventional clothing
  • Meals you buy during a normal shift
  • Home-to-work travel
  • Grooming and personal appearance

What you can usually claim

The deductions we check for every hospitality & chefs return.

  • Compulsory uniforms and chef's whites with an employer logo, plus laundering
  • Non-slip kitchen shoes where they're compulsory
  • Knives and tools of trade (for chefs and cooks)
  • Renewals of certificates required for your current job, RSA, RSG, food safety supervisor
  • Self-education that relates to your current role
  • Work-related portion of your phone
  • Union or association fees

General information only, based on ATO rules, an expense must relate to earning your income, you can't have been reimbursed for it, and you need a record. We'll confirm what applies to you.

What to have ready

Your income

Your income statement is usually pre-filled from the ATO, we'll check it's complete, including any allowances.

Your deductions

Receipts, a logbook if you claim car use, and rough work-versus-private splits for phone and home office.

The extras

Private health statement, spouse details, and any investment, rental or share information.

Last year

If you're switching to us, last year's return helps us pick up anything carried forward.

Common questions

Usually no. Plain, conventional clothing generally isn't deductible even when your employer requires a particular colour. A uniform with a logo, or genuinely protective/occupation-specific clothing like chef's whites, is a different story.

Yes. Knives and other tools of trade you buy for work are claimable, an immediate deduction for lower-cost items, or depreciation for a pricier set. Keep the receipt and we'll handle the rest.

Let's get your return sorted.

Answer a few quick questions and we'll take it from there, returns from $390, fixed, no surprises.

Send Us a Message

What can we help you with?

Pick one, we'll point you to the right spot in about 30 seconds.