Explosive Device Disposal Technician – Tax Deduction Guide
Bomb Disposal Technicians identify, assess, render safe and dispose of explosive devices, hazardous materials, and improvised explosive threats. Duties include attending incident scenes, operating specialised robotic and protective equipment, conducting controlled detonations, performing risk assessments, maintaining technical readiness, completing detailed documentation, undertaking regular training and simulation exercises, and liaising with police, defence, emergency services and specialist units. The role requires specialised PPE, technical tools, high-level training, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Typical Tax Deductions Include:
- Professional memberships – Defence, policing, emergency services, explosives or engineering associations relevant to your current role
- Training, CPD & courses – Explosive safety, robotics operation, hazard identification and emergency response training that maintains or enhances existing professional skills
- Laptop/desktop (>$300 depreciated) – Used for reporting, simulations and operational documentation (must be depreciated and private use apportioned)
- Reference materials – Explosive ordnance manuals, technical guides and safety standards used to maintain professional competency
- Software – Mapping platforms, simulation programs and reporting tools (work-related portion only)
- Home-office running expenses (approved method) – Administrative documentation, reporting or approved study conducted from home (excludes operational deployment tasks)
- Work-related travel – Training courses, joint-agency exercises, operational briefings and investigation assignments where expenses are not reimbursed
- Stationery & planning materials – Field notebooks, operational checklists and documentation logs
- Professional insurance – Generally applicable to contractors; employees are typically covered by their employer
- Tax agent & bookkeeping fees – Deductible
Non-Deductible Expenses Include:
- Specialised bomb disposal suits, PPE & technical equipment – Provided by the employer; not deductible where supplied
- Everyday clothing – Not deductible
- Fitness expenses – Private expense unless compulsory and specifically required under an employment contract (rare)
- Home-office occupancy costs (rent, mortgage interest, rates) – Not deductible unless strict ATO eligibility criteria are satisfied
- Training related to general fitness, resilience or personal development – Not deductible where not directly connected to maintaining current professional skills
- Travel: home ↔ regular workplace – Private travel; not deductible
- 100% claims for laptop, phone or internet – Not permitted; work-related use must be reasonably apportioned to exclude private usage
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