A work-related expense is classified as an expense you incurred during the financial year that directly correlates to your line of work. An example would be purchasing a laptop when you’re required to work from home.

To claim a deduction for a work-related expense, you must meet three golden rules:

You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed by your employer.
The expenses must directly relate to earning your income.
You must have a record to prove it (usually a receipt).

You claim these in your tax return in the Work-Related Expenses section.

If the expense was for both work and private purposes, you are only able to claim a deduction for the work-related portion of its use. You also can’t claim a deduction if your employer pays for or reimburses you for any of these costs. If the Australian Taxation Office believes that your employer may have reimbursed you for your expenses, they may contact them and ask them directly.

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