From work boots to boiler suits, be in the know when it comes to claiming a deduction for clothing expenses at tax time.

You can claim the cost to buy or clean clothing if it is:

•       Protective – clothing that has protective features and offers a significant degree of protection against workplace hazards (e.g. non-slip nurses shoes, fire-resistant clothing, boiler suits and aprons).

•       Occupation-specific – clothing that distinctively identifies you as a person associated with a particular job (e.g. a judge’s robe or a chef’s hat).

•       Compulsory – your employer requires you to wear a uniform that is distinctive to your organisation.

You can’t claim a deduction for ordinary or ‘conventional’ clothes such as jeans, t-shirts or even business attire – even if your employer requires you to wear it or you only wear it at work.

Finally, remember to keep track of your receipts. You can’t claim if you don’t have the right records!

This article was provided by the Australian Taxation Office. This is a general summary only. For more information, please visit the ATO website.