Are you a chef or cook wondering how to make the most of your tax return this year?
Many culinary professionals overlook essential deductions, missing out on opportunities to save money.
With proper knowledge and preparation, you can ensure that every allowable deduction is accounted for, helping you save money and reduce your taxable income.
In this blog, you can read the essential tax deductions you need to know!
What are tax-deductible expenses for chefs and cooks?
Tax-deductible expenses are work-related costs that directly reduce your taxable income.
However, these expenses must meet three key criteria:
- Work-Related: They must be directly linked to your job and not personal in nature.
- Paid by You: Expenses reimbursed by your employer are not deductible.
- Proper Records: You must retain receipts, invoices, or bank statements as proof.
Common tax-deductible expenses
Here’s a breakdown of the most common deductible expenses for chefs and cooks:
| Category | What You Can Claim | What You Cannot Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Equipment | Knives, utensils, baking trays, chopping boards. | Equipment reimbursed by your employer. |
| Protective Clothing | Chef jackets, steel-capped shoes, aprons, gloves. | Regular clothing like black pants or white shirts. |
| Self-Education | Courses enhancing current skills, like cake decorating. | Courses for new careers, such as business management. |
| Travel Expenses | Work-related travel between locations. | Daily commutes from home to work. |
| Home Office Expenses | Work-dedicated equipment like computers and furniture. | Costs for spaces used personally and professionally. |
| Phone and Internet | Work-related usage of personal devices. | Personal usage of phone or internet services. |
| Union Fees | Memberships to relevant unions or professional bodies. | Memberships unrelated to your current job. |
| Magazines and Subscriptions | Culinary industry publications. | General or entertainment-related subscriptions. |
| Tax Agent Fees | Fees for preparing your previous year’s tax return. | Fees for preparing someone else’s tax return. |
Detailed guide to deductions
1. Cooking equipment
As a chef or cook, you likely invest in high-quality tools and equipment to perform your job efficiently. These items are deductible if you paid for them yourself.
Claimable items:
- Knives and sharpeners.
- Sous-vide machines, food processors, and other electrical appliances.
- Baking trays, dishes, and utensils like spatulas or mandolins.
For items costing less than $300, you can claim the full amount in the year of purchase. More expensive items must be depreciated over their effective life.
2. Protective clothing
Specific work-related clothing is deductible if it is:
- Compulsory (e.g., uniforms with a café or restaurant logo).
- Protective (e.g., non-slip shoes, hairnets, or gloves).
However, general clothing like black trousers, even if worn only at work, is not deductible.
3. Self-Education
Continuous learning is a part of a chef’s career. You can claim expenses for courses directly related to your current role, such as:
- Culinary certifications.
- Food safety training.
Claimable items:
- Tuition fees, course materials, and travel for attending courses.
- Depreciation of study-related equipment.
Courses unrelated to your current job, such as those intended for career changes, are not deductible.
4. Travel Expenses
Chefs often travel for work-related purposes, such as attending events or working at multiple locations. These travel costs are deductible:
- Trips between work sites or for client meetings.
- Public transport or car expenses for work-related travel.
However, daily commutes between home and work are considered personal expenses and cannot be claimed.
5. Home office expenses
If you use a dedicated space at home for work-related activities, you may claim expenses for:
- Electricity and internet costs.
- Depreciation of furniture and equipment.
The workspace must be exclusively used for work purposes to qualify for deductions.
6. Phone and internet
If you use your phone or internet for work-related tasks, such as coordinating catering events or researching recipes, you can claim a portion of your bill. Ensure you calculate the percentage of work-related use and keep detailed records.
7. Union fees and professional memberships
Memberships to professional culinary bodies or unions are deductible. These fees support your professional development and career advancement.
8. Industry publications and subscriptions
Subscriptions to culinary magazines or online platforms relevant to your job are deductible. These resources often provide valuable insights and trends in the culinary industry.
9. Tax agent fees
If you hired a registered tax agent to prepare your previous year’s return, their fees are deductible. This also applies to advice or consultations provided by tax professionals.
What can’t chefs and cooks claim?
Not all expenses are deductible. Here are some common non-deductible items:
- Daily meals or drinks.
- Regular clothing, even if only worn at work.
- Haircuts, makeup, or grooming expenses.
- Travel between home and your regular workplace.
Maximise your tax refund today
Don’t let valuable deductions slip through the cracks. At Leading Tax Experts, our tax accountants specialise in helping chefs and cooks claim every eligible expense, ensuring you get the refund you deserve.
