What Tax Deductions Am I Eligible for as a Medical Professional?
- johnry8
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
As a medical professional, you're often juggling clinical duties, continuing education, and the day-to-day demands of running or working in a practice. But when tax time comes around, many healthcare workers miss out on valuable deductions simply because they aren't aware of what they're entitled to claim.
Understanding the deductions you're eligible for can help you:
Save money
Maximise your refund
Stay compliant with the ATO
Avoid common audit triggers
With so many work-related expenses unique to the medical field, it's worth taking a closer look at what you can legally claim.
Common Tax Deductions for Medical Professionals
1. Work-Related Self-Education and Training
Courses, seminars, or certifications that directly relate to your current role
Registration fees, textbooks, online learning subscriptions
Travel expenses related to attending educational events (if not reimbursed)
2. Uniforms and Work Clothing
Compulsory uniforms with a logo or branding
Protective clothing like lab coats, scrubs, gloves, and eyewear
Laundry costs (if you wash your work attire at home)
3. Medical Tools and Equipment
Tools and devices necessary for your profession (e.g., stethoscopes, surgical instruments)
Depreciation claims for high-value equipment
Replacement of damaged or outdated tools
4. Professional Memberships and Registrations
AHPRA registration fees
Union or professional association memberships (e.g., AMA, RACGP)
5. Work-Related Travel and Car Expenses
Kilometres travelled between medical centres, hospitals, or patient visits
Parking and tolls (when not reimbursed)
Overnight travel for conferences or locum shifts (meals, accommodation)
6. Home Office Expenses
If you do admin or telehealth from home, you may claim:
A portion of internet and electricity
Office furniture and supplies
Work-related software or subscriptions (e.g., medical journals, UpToDate)
Best Practices & Tips
Keep detailed records: Save receipts, invoices, and work logs
Separate personal and work expenses: Especially for phone, internet, and travel
Use a logbook method for car claims if your travel is frequent and regular
Avoid overclaiming: The ATO pays close attention to high-value or unusual claims in healthcare
Want to make sure you're claiming everything you're entitled to?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call with our accounting team today and get personalised advice tailored to your role in the medical field.