Running an agribusiness means balancing crop yields, livestock, and endless paperwork, often with your own money tied up in operations. Don’t miss out on claiming your rural business work expenses at EOFY. This guide highlights the specific tax deductions farm managers can claim. From tracking software to using smart primary production tax tips, here’s what you need to lodge an accurate farm management tax return and secure a strong agribusiness tax refund.
ATO Tax Tips for Agriculture and Farm Management Professionals
Farm managers oversee agricultural operations across livestock, broadacre cropping, horticulture, viticulture, mixed farming or agribusiness enterprises. Duties include planning and supervising production; managing staff; coordinating planting and harvesting; budgeting; purchasing farm supplies; overseeing machinery maintenance; monitoring livestock health; managing contractors; ensuring compliance with WHS and environmental regulations; and reporting to owners or corporate management. The role involves both office-based tasks and extensive on-property activity, including travel across large sites.
Typical Tax Deductions Include:
- Compulsory uniform & PPE – Branded shirts, workwear, safety boots, high-vis, and wet-weather gear if required by employer
- Laundry of compulsory uniform – Deductible
- Tools & equipment – Knives, multi-tools, fencing tools, GPS units, handheld radios, measuring tools (depreciate items costing over $300)
- Technology & software – Farm management apps, livestock tracking tools, mapping/GIS software, data analysis tools
- Phone & internet – Apportion for work-related use such as operational communication, scheduling, and contractor coordination
- Vehicle expenses – If using a personal vehicle for farm duties across paddocks, sheds, or multiple sites (logbook or km method)
- Work-related travel – Travel to offsite meetings, suppliers, agronomy consults, livestock sales, and industry events (not home ↔ primary farm)
- Training & CPD – WHS, chemical handling, livestock management, business management, machinery courses
- Professional memberships – Agricultural associations and industry bodies
- Reference materials – Livestock/plant disease guides, chemical manuals, agribusiness publications
- Home-office running expenses – For reporting, budgeting, and compliance admin (approved method)
- Equipment bags/toolboxes – Deductible if used solely for transporting farm tools and PPE
- Safety items – Sunscreen, insect repellent if employer-required for outdoor work
Non-Deductible Expenses Include:
- Everyday clothing (jeans, shirts, jackets) – Not deductible unless compulsory or protective
- Working dogs, feed, vet bills – Generally private unless employer-owned and required for work
- Travel (home ↔ main farm property) – Private commuting (not deductible)
- Meals, food, drinks – Private (not deductible)
- Farm tools used for personal/home use – Must apportion between work and private use
- Camping/outdoor gear used personally – Private (not deductible)
- Home-office occupancy costs (rent, mortgage, rates) – Not deductible unless strict ATO criteria are met
- 100% claims (phone, internet, vehicle) – Must apportion for private use
Click here to see Tax Calculator for Farm manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I claim my home office?
Yes. If you manage the books, run agricultural software, or handle payroll from a home office, calculating those running costs is a huge part of your farm manager tax deductions
2. How do travel rules apply to me?
Driving to the main property is private, but taking your vehicle to livestock auctions, agricultural seminars, or different regional farms is a completely valid claim on a farm business tax return.
3. Are professional subscriptions allowed?
Absolutely. Out-of-pocket fees for weather apps, commodity market subscriptions, or farm management software are valid agricultural manager tax deductions.
4. Can I claim PPE and sun gear?
Yes. When you’re out in the paddocks, claiming steel-capped boots, sunnies, and sunscreen is completely standard.
5. Do courses and training count?
Any courses related to current farming techniques, agronomy updates, or business management are fully deductible.
