NDIS Support Workers & Carers

For those working in the community and disability support sectors, tax time can be confusing. Whether you're employed under the NDIS or offer in-home care, there’s often uncertainty about what can be claimed, what documentation is needed, and how to approach deductions specific to your role. While support work can be diverse and dynamic, the expenses you incur while helping others may have tax implications.

Some everyday costs, from travel between clients to laundering work uniforms, may be work-related. But missteps can delay your return or raise red flags. This blog explores common areas where NDIS carers and community support workers may have tax-deductible expenses and where careful record-keeping and clarity are essential.

Carers and support workers often travel between homes, service locations, and community activities. While driving from home to your first job of the day generally isn’t deductible, travel between workplaces or clients may be considered work-related.

Common examples of allowable work travel include:

Driving from one client’s home to another
Travelling to external training courses directly related to your current role
Visiting multiple job sites during a single shift

It’s important to keep accurate records. This includes:

A logbook recording kilometres travelled for work purposes
Dates, locations, and the purpose of the trip
Receipts for fuel, tolls, or car maintenance (if claiming car expenses)

Transport claims can differ depending on whether you’re using your car or being reimbursed. Claims should reflect expenses tied to work duties and exclude private or commuting use.

Many support workers must wear specific attire on the job, which may include branded shirts or clothing that identifies their employer. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves or closed shoes is also necessary in some roles.

What may be claimable:

Branded or occupation-specific uniforms
Protective items (as required by the role)
Laundry costs for cleaning these items

However, general clothing like plain black pants or shoes (even if worn to work) is not generally deductible. If eligible uniforms are being laundered at home, a standard rate per load may be used to calculate laundry costs, provided you keep reasonable records.

Support work often involves continued learning. If you're undertaking a course or attending workshops that directly relate to your current role, some of those costs may be deductible. However, education designed to help you enter a new profession (e.g. switching from care to nursing) generally isn't claimable.

Potentially deductible expenses may include:

Short courses improving skills used in your current job
First aid or CPR refresher courses (if required for your role)
Textbooks or stationery used for eligible training
Travel costs to attend related seminars or workshops

Keep documentation such as course enrolment details and receipts, and be ready to demonstrate how the study links to your current work.

If you regularly use your phone or home internet to coordinate shifts, update case notes, or check client schedules, part of those expenses may be connected to your work.

Examples of relevant tech-related expenses:

A portion of your monthly mobile bill (if used for work communication)
Internet usage if required to access work systems or email
Work-related apps or software subscriptions
Devices such as laptops or tablets (apportioned between work and private use)

The key is to apportion claims correctly. If you use your mobile phone 40% of the time for work and 60% for personal use, only the work-related portion should be calculated. A usage diary over a 4-week representative period may help support your claim.

Many support workers and carers make simple errors at tax time that can lead to delays or compliance issues. Being proactive and organised can help keep things on track.

Mistakes to avoid include:

Claiming travel from home to your workplace (not generally deductible)
Overestimating work-related phone or internet usage without evidence
Failing to keep records like receipts or logbooks
Claiming private expenses as work-related
Not apportioning shared expenses appropriately

Use a dedicated folder or digital app to store work-related receipts, and update your logbook or usage diary regularly rather than rushing at tax time.

Support work often involves industry memberships, registration fees or insurance related to public liability or professional indemnity—particularly if you’re a contractor or sole trader.

These may include:

Union fees (if relevant to your job)
Memberships with industry bodies
Work-related licences or registrations required to perform your duties
Public liability insurance (if self-employed)

Keep a copy of all invoices and ensure each cost directly relates to your employment or income-earning activities.

While most care and support duties happen in the field, many workers spend time at home preparing reports, updating client records, or managing schedules. Some of your home office use may relate to work in these cases.

Common elements to consider:

Electricity or internet usage for work-related tasks at home
Depreciation on a desk, office chair, or work computer
Stationery or other home-based work supplies

Depending on the situation, you can use the fixed rate or actual cost methods. Keep a diary for 4 weeks to help justify your calculation.

Navigating tax rules as a community or NDIS support worker isn’t always straightforward. An accountant understanding the care sector may help identify deductions aligning with current ATO expectations. They may also assist in preparing accurate returns, reducing the risk of errors, and helping you maintain well-organised records.

When consulting accountants on the Central Coast, consider bringing:

Your work calendar or shift roster
Travel logbook and vehicle details
Receipts for uniforms, tech, education, and memberships
Usage breakdowns for phone or internet
Notes on home office time

Having a clear picture of your work habits and related costs makes these discussions more productive, especially when reviewing options for tax-time planning.