It's tax time!

Most of us are aware that we can claim work-related expenses as tax deductions. However, there are many things that you may be surprised to learn that are eligible for a deduction.

Here are 5 professions and the tax deductions that they can claim.

1. Guards and security employees

They can claim the cost of purchasing, preserving and cleaning any apparel items company-specific (such as a shirt or t-shirt with a company logo on it). You can claim the cost of your security licence each year but not the initial training costs undertaken to get your licence.

2. Lawyers 

They can claim the amount of money they spent on Supreme Court library fees that they pay on a yearly basis, but not those that they pay solely when they first start practising law.  Any gowns or courtroom specific uniforms (wigs) are able to be claimed too, however not a generic suit, regardless of the cost.

3. Train Drivers

If you drive a train as your occupation, then you may be able to claim a watch, and an I-pad or device that carries the rules and regulations that you are required to consult on a daily basis.

4. Mining site employees

They can claim the cost they spent on protective equipment such as sunglasses, sunhats and sunscreens, safety equipment such as harnesses, goggles and breathing masks and union fees.  Any licences or ticket registrations are able to be claimed on an ongoing basis (just not the original training).

5. Teachers

They can claim the cost that they spent on items for the classroom that are directly tied to the responsibilities that come with their job. This includes items such as pens, markers, stamps, paint, stationery, posters, maps, storybooks, and any other classroom resources. 

Different professions have different tax claims and this is why when it comes to taxes, you need to know your options. If you're not careful, you could end up paying a lot more than you should. A tax professional can help you figure out the best plan for your situation so that you end up paying as little as possible.

Read more about the occupation and industry-specific guides here