How Tax Deductions Work for Event and Conference Organisers
Event and conference organisers may personally pay for travel between venues, planning software, work-related equipment, professional training, phone use and administrative duties completed from home.
The expenses you can claim will depend on whether you work as an employee, contractor, sole trader or event-management business owner.
To claim an expense, you generally need to have paid for it without reimbursement, it must directly relate to earning your income, and you must keep appropriate records. This 2026 guide explains the main tax deductions event and conference organisers may be able to claim in Australia.
Event and Conference Organisers: Employment Overview
- Average weekly pay: $1,510.95
- Employment size: 30,135
- Future growth: Very Strong
- Skill level: Associated degree or diploma
Event Organiser Tax Deduction Checklist for 2026
| Expense | Potentially claimable? | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Travel between venues and client locations | Potentially | Must occur while performing work duties |
| Travel to supplier meetings or site inspections | Potentially | Must directly relate to current work |
| Normal travel from home to a regular office | Generally no | Usually considered private travel |
| Event-planning and registration software | Potentially | Must be used for work |
| Laptop, phone and office equipment | Potentially | Claim only the work-related portion |
| Display, presentation and event equipment | Potentially | Must be personally purchased for work |
| Professional memberships | Potentially | Must relate to current employment |
| Relevant courses and conferences | Potentially | Must maintain or improve existing work skills |
| Compulsory branded uniform | Potentially | Must satisfy the ATO uniform rules |
| Ordinary business clothing | No | Conventional clothing is private |
| Home-office running expenses | Potentially | Work hours and records are required |
| Overnight work travel | Potentially | Must require staying away from home for work |
| Client lunches and entertainment | Generally no | Entertainment restrictions usually apply |
| Employer-reimbursed expenses | No | You did not ultimately bear the cost |
Typical tax deductions include:
- Motor vehicle travel to and from work while transporting bulky equipment (normally 20 plus kilos). A deduction is allowable if it’s essential that the cooks use the bulky equipment in their daily job, and there is no secure place to store it at work.
- Overseas conferences, courses and study tours. These travel expenses will generally be deductible if they enable the cook to become more proficient in carrying out their current job and will likely lead to an increase in the income from their current job.
- Motor vehicle travel picking up food supplies, attending seminars, and travel between restaurants.
- Computers, knives, tools and equipment.
- Traditional cook’s uniform – a set of clothing consisting of a hat, checked pants, and white jacket.
- Home office running expenses.
- Journals, periodicals and magazines that have a content sufficiently connected to a cook’s employment.
- Phone and internet – work %.
- Union and professional association fees.
- Conferences, seminars and training courses to maintain or increase a cook’s knowledge, ability or skills.
- Self-education expenses connected to the cook’s current income-earning activities.
- Overnight travel expenses attending different workplaces or for training.
Professional memberships.
Non-deductible expenses:
- Advertising – If earning income from a fixed salary and not entitled to earn commission.
- Gifts – If earning a fixed income and not entitled to earn commission.
- Entertainment expenses including buying lunch for a client or business associate.
- Expenses incurred in attending social functions e.g. monthly sales representative networking breakfasts.
Tax Strategies we can assist you with.
- Self-education expenses
- Computers, tools, equipment and other assets
- Compulsory work uniform
- Logbook for motor vehicles
- Gifts to clients, suppliers and contractors
- Union fees, licences, registrations and subscriptions
- Phone and internet
- Home office running expenses
- Handbags, briefcases and satchels
Click here to see Tax Calculator for Conference and Event Organisers.
Event and Conference Organiser Tax Deduction FAQs
Q1: What can event organisers claim on tax in 2026?
Event organisers may be able to claim eligible venue travel, event software, work equipment, professional memberships, training and the work-related portion of phone and home-office expenses.
Q2: Can event organisers claim travel between venues?
Travel between venues, client meetings, suppliers and separate workplaces may be deductible when undertaken while performing work duties. Normal home-to-work travel is generally private.
Q3: Can event planners claim event-management software?
The work-related portion of registration, ticketing, scheduling, CRM and project-management software may be deductible when used to earn income.
Q4: Can event organisers claim client entertainment?
Client meals, drinks and entertainment are generally not deductible merely because business is discussed during the event.
Q5: Can conference organisers claim professional-development events?
Courses, seminars and industry conferences may be deductible when they maintain or improve skills used in the organiser’s current role.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
