Which best describes your accounting needs?
As a marketer, whether you’re employed, freelancing, or running your own agency, there are numerous tax deductions available to you. Knowing what you can claim is essential to reduce your taxable income and maximise your return. From professional tools to training expenses, understanding these deductions can make a significant difference at tax time.
This guide will walk you through what marketers can claim on tax in Australia, with practical tips to ensure you stay compliant with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) while making the most of your return.
Why Are Tax Deductions Important for Marketers?
Tax deductions lower your taxable income, reducing the overall tax you need to pay. To claim a deduction, the expense must directly relate to earning your income, and you must have a record to substantiate the claim.
For marketers, the line between work and personal expenses can blur, but keeping clear records and understanding your entitlements is key.
What Can Marketers Claim on Tax?
1. Professional Tools and Software
Marketing requires a variety of tools and subscriptions. Common deductions include:
- Marketing software like Canva, HubSpot, or SEMrush.
- Project management tools such as Asana or Monday.com.
- Analytics platforms like Google Analytics (paid versions) or social media scheduling tools.
- Website hosting and domain registration for your personal or business site.
2. Technology and Equipment
- Laptops and Tablets: Claim the work-related percentage of your computer. For items under $300, claim the full cost immediately. For items over $300, claim depreciation over their useful life.
- Mobile Phones: Deduct the portion of phone costs used for work, including calls, data, and apps.
- Cameras and Accessories: If you use cameras or microphones for creating content, these are deductible.
3. Work-Related Travel
If you travel for work, you can claim:
- Flights and accommodation for attending conferences, client meetings, or industry events.
- Public transport costs for work-related travel.
- Car expenses such as fuel, parking, and tolls (if you use your car for work).
Pro Tip: Keep a logbook for any vehicle claims to track the work-related percentage.
For motor vehicle expenses, you can use one of two methods:
- Cents per kilometre method: Claim a set rate per kilometre travelled for work purposes (up to a maximum of 5,000 km per year). No logbook is required, but you must reasonably estimate your work-related travel.
- Logbook method: Deduct the actual expenses incurred, based on the percentage of work use recorded in a logbook over a continuous 12-week period. This method provides a more precise claim, especially for high work-related vehicle use.
Choosing the right method depends on your circumstances, so consult with a tax adviser to determine the most beneficial option.
4. Home Office Expenses
Many marketers work from home either full-time or occasionally. You can claim:
- A percentage of electricity, internet, and heating costs.
- Office furniture such as desks, chairs, and ergonomic equipment.
- Dedicated workspaces used exclusively for your marketing activities.
Methods to Claim:
- Fixed Rate Method: 67 cents per hour worked.
- Actual Cost Method: Calculate the exact expenses related to your work.
5. Education and Training
The marketing industry evolves rapidly, making ongoing education essential. You can claim:
- Courses and certifications relevant to your role (e.g., Google Ads certifications, social media marketing courses).
- Seminars, webinars, and conferences.
- Study-related travel expenses.
6. Subscriptions and Memberships
- Professional memberships (e.g., Australian Marketing Institute or LinkedIn Premium).
- Industry publications and magazines.
- Subscriptions to research or trend platforms like WARC or Nielsen.
7. Advertising and Marketing Costs
If you’re a freelance marketer or run your own agency, you can claim expenses related to promoting your services, such as:
- Social media ads (e.g., Facebook or Google Ads).
- Printing costs for flyers or brochures.
- Website development and optimisation.
8. Clothing and Appearance
Marketers often need to present professionally. You can claim:
- Branded uniforms or clothing required for work.
- Professional makeup or grooming costs for shoots or events (if industry-specific and proven essential).
9. Insurance
- Income protection insurance (if purchased outside superannuation).
- Professional indemnity insurance for freelancers or agencies.
10. Accounting and Legal Fees
If you hire a tax agent or accountant to manage your tax affairs, the cost is deductible. Additionally, any legal advice related to contracts or your marketing business is claimable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Claim Subscriptions to Marketing Tools I Rarely Use?
Yes, as long as the subscription is relevant to your work and you’ve incurred the expense during the financial year.
What If I Use My Laptop and Phone for Both Work and Personal Use?
You can only claim the work-related portion. Keep records or usage logs to calculate the percentage accurately.
Can Freelance Marketers Claim More Deductions?
Freelancers and agency owners often claim more deductions, including business-related rent, advertising, and legal fees. However, these must still meet the ATO’s work-related test.
Can I Claim for Attending Networking Events?
Yes, if the event directly relates to your work and is not purely social. Keep receipts for tickets and any associated travel costs.
Tips to Maximise Your Tax Return as a Marketer
- Track Expenses Year-Round: Use apps or software to log expenses as they occur, rather than scrambling at tax time.
- Separate Work and Personal Costs: Have a dedicated business account for freelancers or a separate phone plan for clearer tracking.
- Plan Large Purchases: Consider buying equipment or software just before the end of the financial year to claim it sooner.
- Engage a Tax Professional: A professional accountant can help you identify deductions you might miss.
Why Choose Latitude Accountants?
Navigating tax deductions as a marketer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Latitude Accountants, we specialise in helping professionals like you maximise their tax returns while ensuring compliance with Australian tax laws.
- Expertise in Marketing-Specific Deductions: We understand the unique needs of marketers.
- Personalised Advice: Whether you’re employed, freelancing, or running an agency, we tailor our approach to your situation.
- Stress-Free Lodgement: Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on your next campaign.
Contact Us Today!
Get the most out of your tax return and keep more of what you earn.
📞 Call us now: 98909040
📧 Email: info@latitudeaccountants.com.au
Let us help you claim everything you’re entitled to and take the stress out of tax time.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog, is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary.
Readers are advised to consult with a qualified tax adviser or accountant, such as Latitude Accountants, for personalised advice tailored to their specific situation. Latitude Accountants disclaims all liability for any errors or omissions in the content and any actions taken based on this information.
For detailed guidance and compliance with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements, please refer to the official ATO website or seek professional assistance.