Cleaners – Don’t Miss These Tax Deductions!

Tax time can be overwhelming, especially for cleaners who juggle long hours, multiple jobs, or manage a small business. With the daily focus on meeting client needs, keeping up with supplies, and staying on top of schedules, tax deductions are often overlooked. Many in the cleaning industry miss out on valuable claims simply because they aren’t sure what expenses are eligible or how to record them properly.

Understanding what you can and cannot claim is an essential part of staying on top of your financial obligations. Deductions exist to recognise the costs that are genuinely tied to earning your income, and when used correctly, they can reduce your taxable income. This means more accurate reporting and a tax return that accurately reflects the actual cost of running your cleaning business.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common deductions available to cleaners, including uniforms, protective clothing, cleaning supplies, travel between job sites, tools and equipment, and even the administrative costs associated with running your business. We’ll also examine why maintaining detailed records is so crucial and how accountants on the Central Coast can offer valuable support in navigating the complexities of Central Coast taxation.

By having the proper knowledge and approach, cleaners can head into tax season with greater clarity, confidence, and control over their returns.

Cleaners often spend a considerable amount on work-related items. Knowing what qualifies as a deductible expense is the first step in ensuring your tax return accurately reflects your true business costs. Some of the most common expenses cleaners may be able to claim include:

Uniforms & protective clothing: When cleaners are required to wear branded uniforms or purchase protective gear such as gloves, masks, or non-slip shoes, these items may be considered deductible.
Cleaning products & consumables: Products like disinfectants, sprays, detergents, sponges, cloths, and mops are work-related purchases that may be eligible for claims.
Equipment & tools of trade: Larger purchases, such as vacuum cleaners, polishers, or steam cleaners, may be claimed outright or depreciated over several years, depending on the cost.
Repairs & replacements: When cleaning equipment breaks down or needs parts replaced, the costs of maintaining or repairing these tools may also be deductible.

By keeping records of these expenses, cleaners can maximise their tax return and avoid missing legitimate claims.

Travel is a regular part of work for many cleaners, particularly those who service multiple client sites in a single day. While trips to and from a primary workplace usually aren’t deductible, there are circumstances where travel expenses may be claimable.

Examples of travel-related deductions may include:

Using your car to drive between two or more cleaning jobs during a single day.
Fuel, servicing, insurance, and registration costs when using the logbook method to record business kilometres.
Parking fees or tolls are directly related to cleaning work assignments.

Because travel deductions can be complex, many cleaners turn to a tax accountant on the Central Coast for guidance on accurately calculating these claims.

Running a cleaning business or working independently often requires more than just the physical work. Administrative tasks, client communication, and scheduling all contribute to business expenses. These may provide opportunities for deductions, such as:

A percentage of mobile phone costs when calls or texts relate to work purposes.
Internet use for online bookings, managing business emails, or keeping digital records.
Office supplies, including diaries, planners, software subscriptions, and stationery, are purchased for record-keeping and client management purposes.

These expenses can add up over the year, which is why maintaining detailed records is so important when working with Central Coast taxation requirements.

Claiming deductions is only possible when you have evidence to back them up. Without receipts or clear records, you may find that your claims are disallowed. Good record-keeping also makes preparing a return much smoother.

Some practical approaches to keeping accurate records include:

Use a digital app or folder to store receipts for items like uniforms, cleaning supplies, and equipment.
Keeping a detailed logbook of kilometres travelled for work, especially if driving between multiple sites.
Saving copies of phone and internet bills and highlighting work-related use.

By having clear, organised records, cleaners make tax time less stressful and more manageable, while also supporting their claims for deductions.

Many cleaners also have expenses that go beyond equipment and supplies. These can relate to compliance and ongoing work requirements. Depending on individual circumstances, the following costs may be relevant for deductions:

Training courses that are directly connected to your cleaning role or business.
Licence renewals or regulatory fees are necessary for operating legally in your area.
Business-related insurance premiums linked specifically to cleaning work.

Not every cost will qualify, so discussing these with accountants on the Central Coast can help you understand which ones may apply to your situation.

The rules around deductions can vary depending on whether you’re a contractor, a sole trader, or running a cleaning business with employees. A tax accountant on the Central Coast can help you navigate these differences by looking at your specific circumstances.

Some of the ways a local tax accountant may support cleaners include:

Reviewing your expenses to highlight which ones may be deductible under Central Coast taxation.
Explaining how to structure records so they meet the ATO’s requirements.
Offering advice on how to avoid errors that could affect your tax return.

Working with a local specialist helps cleaners approach tax time with confidence, knowing they are supported in understanding their entitlements.

At Blue Orchid Accounting, we work with cleaners and small business owners across the Central Coast to support them with the complexities of tax. From uniforms and cleaning products to travel, equipment, and administrative costs, we provide guidance that is tailored to your circumstances. This allows you to concentrate on your day-to-day work while we help with the important task of managing your tax obligations.

If you’re aiming to maximise tax return for cleaners, now is the time to act. Get in touch with us today to discuss your situation in more detail. Contact us to arrange a consultation and take the next step toward claiming the deductions to which you may be entitled.