Tax Guide for Healthcare Workers 2025
Maximise your tax return with this comprehensive guide for physios, OTs, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
$2,500+
Typical Deductions
$150
No-Receipt Laundry
88c/km
Car Expenses
CPD
Fully Deductible
🏥 Key Tax Tips for Healthcare Workers
DO Claim:
- ✓ AHPRA registration fees
- ✓ Professional association fees
- ✓ Compulsory uniforms & laundry
- ✓ CPD and self-education
- ✓ Professional indemnity insurance
- ✓ Travel between clients/sites
DON'T Claim:
- ✗ Home to work travel
- ✗ Plain clothes (even smart casual)
- ✗ Courses for a different profession
- ✗ Items reimbursed by employer
- ✗ Childcare costs
- ✗ Private health insurance
Registration by Profession
| Profession | Registration Body | Professional Association |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | AHPRA | APA |
| Occupational Therapist | AHPRA | OTA |
| Speech Pathologist | SPA | SPA |
| Podiatrist | AHPRA | APodA |
| Radiographer | AHPRA | AIR |
| Pharmacist | AHPRA | PSA |
Both registration and association fees are tax deductible.
Registration & Professional
| Deduction | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AHPRA registration | $180-500 | Mandatory annual fee |
| Professional association | $200-600 | APA, OTA, SPA, etc. |
| Professional indemnity insurance | $100-800 | If self-arranged |
| Working with children check | $80-100 | If required |
| Police check | $40-60 | If required for work |
Uniforms & Laundry
| Deduction | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory uniforms | Actual cost | Scrubs, lab coats |
| Non-slip shoes | $100-300 | If required |
| Protective equipment | Actual cost | Gloves, masks, gowns |
| Laundry (no records) | $150/year | If <$150 total |
| Laundry (with records) | $1/load | Keep diary |
Equipment & Tools
| Deduction | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stethoscope | $100-500 | If purchased yourself |
| Diagnostic equipment | Actual cost | Blood pressure cuff, etc. |
| Treatment tools | Actual cost | Profession-specific |
| Medical bag | $50-200 | For home visits |
| Reference apps/books | $50-300 | Medical references |
Self-Education
| Deduction | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPD courses | Actual cost | Continuing education |
| Conference fees | $200-2,000 | Professional conferences |
| Workshop fees | Actual cost | Hands-on training |
| Textbooks & journals | $100-500 | Professional publications |
| Online courses | Actual cost | Related to current role |
Mobile/Community Health Workers
If you travel to clients' homes or between locations, you have additional deductions:
Vehicle Expenses
- • Travel between clients: 88c/km
- • Or logbook method for actual costs
- • Parking at client locations
- • Tolls for work travel
Mobile Equipment
- • Portable treatment table
- • Mobile equipment bags
- • Laptop/tablet for notes
- • Phone (work % only)
Private Practice Contractors
If you work as a contractor or have private clients, additional deductions may apply:
Marketing
- • Business cards
- • Website hosting
- • Online advertising
Admin
- • Practice management software
- • Accounting fees
- • Banking fees
Insurance
- • Professional indemnity
- • Public liability
- • Income protection*
*Income protection insurance may be deductible if paid outside of super.
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