Tax deductions for real estate agents
As a real estate agent you can generally claim work-related car travel, marketing costs you fund yourself, your phone, and licence and training costs.
Agents carry real business costs — the car does the heavy lifting, alongside self-funded marketing. Here’s what usually counts.
The three rules for any claim
- You paid for it yourself and weren’t reimbursed.
- It directly relates to earning your income.
- You have a record — a receipt, invoice or bank statement.
What you can usually claim
Car and travel
Driving to inspections, appraisals, listings and auctions is generally claimable using a logbook or cents-per-kilometre. The regular commute to your office isn’t.
Marketing and client costs
Advertising, signage, listing photography and client-related costs you pay for yourself and aren’t reimbursed.
Phone, licence and self-education
The work portion of your phone, renewing your agent’s licence or registration, and training that builds on your current skills.
General information, not personal tax advice. What you can claim depends on your circumstances — check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records for every claim.
Keep in mind
- Grooming, haircuts, make-up or conventional business attire.
- Your commute between home and the office.
- Costs your agency reimburses.
Take it further
Your income tax, Medicare levy and take-home pay on any salary.
AI2Fin for sole traders →Split business from personal automatically and never miss a deduction.
Logbook method (car expenses) →Claim your car’s real business-use share of running costs.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) →Australia’s flat 10% tax on most goods and services.
ABN (Australian Business Number) →The 11-digit number that identifies your business.
Real estate agents — common questions
Can I claim my car?
The work-related portion of your car use — inspections, appraisals, showings — is generally deductible via a logbook or cents-per-kilometre; private use isn’t. This is general information, not personal tax advice — what you can claim depends on your circumstances, so check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records to back up every claim.
Can I claim my suits and grooming?
Generally no — conventional business clothing and grooming are treated as private, even in a client-facing role. This is general information, not personal tax advice — what you can claim depends on your circumstances, so check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records to back up every claim.
Deductions for other occupations
See all occupations.
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