What you can claim.
Security licence renewals
Renewing the security licence you need to keep working is generally deductible — it's a cost of doing your current job. Getting your very first licence isn't, because the ATO treats qualifying for a job as a private expense. Keep the renewal receipt or payment confirmation from the licensing authority, and remember you can't claim anything your employer reimbursed.
Uniforms, protective gear and laundry
If your employer requires a distinctive uniform — logoed shirts, epaulettes, company-branded jackets — you can generally claim the purchase cost and the cost of laundering it. Protective items like hi-vis vests, steel-capped boots and safety gloves are also claimable. Keep receipts, and keep a simple record of how often you wash your uniform to support a laundry claim.
Torches, duty belts and work equipment
Torches, batteries, duty belts, earpieces and notebooks you buy for work are generally claimable, and if you patrol outdoors, so are sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. Lower-cost items can usually be claimed in full; more expensive gear is claimed over its effective life. Keep every receipt, and only claim the work-related portion of anything you also use privately.
First-aid, CPR and crowd-control courses
Refresher courses that keep you qualified for your current role — first aid, CPR, crowd control, RSA where your site requires it — are generally deductible, along with course-related travel. Training to move into a different career isn't. Keep the course invoice and proof of payment, and note the connection to your current duties in case the ATO asks.
Travel between sites on the same day
If you work more than one site or venue in the same day — say a shopping centre patrol then an evening event — the travel between them is generally claimable. You can use the ATO's cents-per-kilometre method or keep a logbook for a bigger claim. Record the date, locations and distance for each trip; a simple diary is enough.
Phone and data for rosters and reporting
Most guards use their own phone for rosters, welfare check-ins and incident reporting. You can claim the work-related share of your phone and data costs — not the whole bill. Track your usage over a typical month to work out a reasonable work percentage, and keep your bills. If your employer supplies a phone or reimburses you, there's no claim.
Armed-guard licences and requalification
If you work armed, the ongoing costs of staying licensed — firearms licence renewals and mandatory requalification courses — are generally deductible because they're required for your current role. As with your security licence, the initial cost of qualifying isn't claimable. Keep receipts for renewals, range fees and course payments, and records showing your role requires them.
Union fees and income protection insurance
Union or professional association fees are generally deductible in the year you pay them, and so are income protection insurance premiums you pay yourself outside super. Premiums paid through your super fund can't be claimed in your return. Your annual statements from the union or insurer are usually all the evidence you need.
What you generally can't claim
Driving between home and work isn't deductible, even for night shifts when public transport has stopped, and even if you carry your gear. Plain black trousers, white shirts and everyday footwear without employer branding are private clothing. Gym memberships to stay fit for the job generally aren't claimable either, and neither are meals bought during an ordinary shift.
What to have ready.
- Income statements from every employer or agency you worked for during the year (via myGov)
- Receipts for security licence renewals, first-aid and other course fees
- Receipts for uniforms, boots and equipment, plus a note of how often you launder your uniform
- Phone bills with an estimate of your work-use percentage
- A diary of same-day travel between sites — dates, locations and kilometres
- Annual statements for union fees and any income protection premiums paid outside super
Start your tax return.
Answer simple questions online — tick “Ask my accountant” on anything you’re unsure about. A real accountant reviews your return and emails you. Nothing is charged until your final fee is confirmed.
Start for $99Common questions.
Can I claim the cost of my security licence?
You can generally claim renewal fees, because keeping your licence current is a condition of your existing job. You can't claim the cost of obtaining your first licence — the ATO treats the cost of qualifying for a job as private. The same logic applies to firearms licences for armed roles: renewals yes, initial qualification no. Keep receipts, and don't claim anything your employer reimbursed.
Can I claim travel to and from work if I finish at 3am?
Generally no. Home-to-work travel is private, even on night shifts when public transport isn't running and even when you're carrying your uniform and gear. What you usually can claim is travel between two workplaces on the same day — for example, from a day post to an evening event. Keep a simple diary of those trips so your claim holds up.
Can I claim gym fees to stay fit for security work?
Almost never. The ATO only allows fitness costs where strenuous physical activity is an essential and regular part of the role itself — a bar most security positions don't meet, even when your employer expects you to be fit. General fitness is treated as a private expense. If you think your role is a genuine exception, get advice before claiming rather than after an ATO letter arrives.
How does MYIDTAX work for security guards?
You answer simple questions online — it takes a few minutes and costs from $99. If you're not sure about a deduction, choose 'Ask my accountant' and move on. A real accountant reviews your return and emails you with any follow-up questions. Your final fee is confirmed by email before a secure Stripe invoice is sent, so nothing is charged upfront.
This guide is general information only and doesn’t consider your personal circumstances — it isn’t tax advice. Eligibility rules, rates and thresholds change; your accountant confirms what applies to you before anything is lodged. Keep receipts for everything you claim.