17/03/2026
Many people accidentally make this mistake during tax time.
If your employer reimbursed you for an expense, you generally can’t claim it again as a deduction on your tax return.
Why? Because the ATO only allows deductions for expenses that you personally paid for and were not reimbursed.
Example:
You buy work-related tools for $300.
Your employer reimburses you the full amount.
Since you didn’t end up paying for it yourself, the $300 cannot be claimed as a tax deduction.
However, you may be able to claim an expense if:
✔ You paid for it yourself
✔ It’s directly related to earning your income
✔ You were not reimbursed
✔ You kept receipts or records
Tax rules can be confusing, and claiming the wrong deductions may lead to issues with the ATO.
💼 Maito Accounting helps Australians maximise their deductions while staying compliant.
📩 Send us a message if you need help with your tax return.