Find the money you can keep
What can I claim in Australia?
Australian money most people never claim back from the ATO. Each card: what it is worth, and the form it goes on.
5 claims for Australia. Deadlines are for the 2025-26 tax year, which ends 30 June.
Personal super contribution deduction
Worth: The gap between your marginal rate and the 15% contributions tax
Who can claim: You made a personal contribution within the concessional cap and lodged a notice of intent.
How to claim
- Contribute before 30 June and let it clear.
- Lodge a notice of intent to claim with your fund and wait for their acknowledgement.
- Claim the deduction in the deductions section of your return.
Forms
- Notice of intent to claim a deductionTells your fund to tax it as concessionalGoes to: Your super fund
- Individual tax returnWhere the deduction is claimedGoes to: myTax in myGov, or a tax agent
Have ready: Fund contribution statement, Fund acknowledgement letter, Your TFN
Deadline: Contribute by 30 June, notice before you lodge
Work-related deductions
Worth: Your marginal rate on every dollar claimed
Who can claim: The cost relates to earning your income and you paid it yourself.
How to claim
- Use the fixed rate per hour for working from home, or actual expenses.
- Keep receipts, and a representative diary where a pattern is claimed.
- Enter them under deductions in your return.
Forms
- Individual tax return, deductions sectionD1 to D15 labelsGoes to: myTax or a tax agent
Have ready: Receipts, Home working hours record, Vehicle logbook, Union or professional fees
Deadline: 31 October, later with a registered tax agent (Amend a return for two years)
Capital gains and the discount
Worth: Half the gain, once you have held the asset for 12 months
Who can claim: You disposed of an asset acquired after 20 September 1985.
How to claim
- Work out the gain using the contract date, not settlement.
- Apply capital losses first, then the 50% discount.
- Report it in the capital gains section.
Forms
- Capital gains section of your returnOr the CGT schedule for larger gainsGoes to: myTax or a tax agent
Have ready: Purchase and sale contracts, Improvement costs, Prior year loss records
Deadline: With your return
Rental property deductions
Worth: Interest, running costs and depreciation, often thousands a year
Who can claim: The property is genuinely available for rent.
How to claim
- Claim interest, rates, insurance, agent fees and repairs.
- Claim capital works at 2.5% and plant depreciation from a schedule.
- Apportion anything used privately.
Forms
- Rental schedule in your returnIncome and expenses per propertyGoes to: myTax or a tax agent
Have ready: Agent annual statement, Loan interest summary, Depreciation schedule, Repair invoices
Deadline: 31 October
Super death benefit nominations
Worth: Up to 17% of the taxable component of your super
Who can claim: You have superannuation and want it to go to the right person tax efficiently.
How to claim
- Complete a binding death benefit nomination with your fund.
- Consider whether a recontribution strategy raises the tax free portion.
- Review after marriage, separation or a new child.
Forms
- Binding death benefit nominationDirects your superGoes to: Your super fund, not the ATO
Have ready: Fund member number, Beneficiary details, Latest super statement
Deadline: Any time, many nominations lapse after three years