Save
The professions clawing the most back at tax-time
New analysis of tax data has revealed the professions claiming the most deductions, and accountants don’t even make the top three.
The professions clawing the most back at tax-time
New analysis of tax data has revealed the professions claiming the most deductions, and accountants don’t even make the top three.

According to Etax.com.au’s analysis of Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data, surgeons are claiming the most tax deductions by far, with teachers rounding out the top 10.
“One reason for this is that surgeons generally aren’t reimbursed for any of their many, many expenses by their employer,” senior tax agent Liz Russell said.
“This means all those expenses can generally be claimed on their return instead.”
Real estate agents, the second-biggest claimers, asked for an average deduction of $8,616 – significantly less than surgeons’ $21,184.

Ms Russell said real estate agents’ reasons for claims were similar to surgeons; work-related expenses that go unpaid.
“This includes the financial demands of their work, such as car maintenance, licencing fees and incidental out of pocket costs, that are all deductible,” she said.
The tax agent added that all occupations have their own rules, with no guarantees as to a minimum refund.
As such, deductions come down to awareness of individual eligibility and good record-keeping.
“Smart workers are the ones who have a good system for recording expenses and they use a tax agent to get all that added the right way to their tax return. Any expenses that are truly work-related and necessary can be claimed as a tax deduction. It’s important to seek guidance on what is relevant to your specific industry, role and income,” Ms Russell said.
However, she added that it’s critical workers don’t try to get “creative” with claims, as an ATO examination can be painful for those who haven’t kept good records.
Who’s claiming the most?
Occupation | Average deduction claim |
Surgeons | $21,184 |
Real estate agents | $8,616 |
Lawyers |
$6,861 but heavily skewed by high income earners Up to $180k avg = $3,411 Over $180k avg = $10,901 |
Truck drivers | $5,058 |
Tradies | $4,998 |
Farmers | $4,450 |
Engineers | $4,177 |
Vets | $3,468 |
Accountants | $3,169 |
Teachers | $3,172 |

Tax saving
Navigating tax laws for capital gains in 2023
The landscape of Australian tax laws surrounding capital gains is ever-changing, with 2023 being no exception. Read more

Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. Read more

Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. Read more

Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. Read more

Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. Read more

Tax saving
ATO and AUSTRAC may gain new phone-tapping powers
A proposed update to electronic surveillance legislation could see the ATO armed with new powers that would allow the agency to bug phones and intercept online communications. Read more

Tax saving
Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year
As the economy recovers, Australia’s tax regulator says it’s planning to put unregistered practitioners under the microscope. Read more

Tax saving
Will you pay higher taxes due to bracket creep?
Bracket creep will see Australians paying more tax on average, unless further cuts are introduced in the future. Read more

Tax saving
Navigating tax laws for capital gains in 2023
The landscape of Australian tax laws surrounding capital gains is ever-changing, with 2023 being no exception. Read more

Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. Read more

Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. Read more

Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. Read more

Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. Read more

Tax saving
ATO and AUSTRAC may gain new phone-tapping powers
A proposed update to electronic surveillance legislation could see the ATO armed with new powers that would allow the agency to bug phones and intercept online communications. Read more

Tax saving
Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year
As the economy recovers, Australia’s tax regulator says it’s planning to put unregistered practitioners under the microscope. Read more

Tax saving
Will you pay higher taxes due to bracket creep?
Bracket creep will see Australians paying more tax on average, unless further cuts are introduced in the future. Read more