Understanding Tax Deductions for Couriers and Delivery Drivers
Couriers and delivery drivers can claim vehicle running costs and maintenance for work travel, GPS units, tools and equipment, protective clothing including safety-coloured vests and steel-capped boots, sun protection, medical check and drug testing fees, union fees and licences, the work-related share of phone and internet, and home office running costs. Speeding and parking fines, an initial truck or van driving course, and ordinary travel between home and a single regular workplace are not deductible. You can only claim the work-related portion, and only where you paid for it yourself and kept receipts.
To claim an expense, it generally needs to be directly connected to earning your income, paid by you without reimbursement and supported by appropriate records.
This 2026 guide explains what couriers and delivery drivers may be able to claim on tax in Australia and which common expenses are considered private.
(Check out our special driver testimonials and pricing page here)
Couriers and Delivery Drivers deliver documents, messages, mail and parcels.
Courier and Delivery Driver Employment Overview
- Average weekly pay: $1,150
- Employment size: 97,020
- Future growth: Moderate
- Skill level High School or Certificate I
Typical tax deductions include:
- Motor vehicle travel to and from work if having shifting work places – working at more than one site each day before returning home.
- Motor vehicle travel between offices, visiting clients or for training purposes.
- Computers, tools and equipment – includes GPS, vehicle maintenance tools, etc.
- Union fees, licences, registrations and subscriptions.
- Phone and internet – work %.
- Medical checkup and drug testing fees.
- Protective clothing including safety-coloured vests or steel-capped boots.
- Sun protection costs including sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Courses, seminars and self-education expenses.
- Home office running expenses.
- Compulsory work uniform branded with the employer’s logo.
- Overnight travel expenses attending different workplaces.
Professional memberships.
Non-deductible expenses:
- Speeding and parking fines.
- Truck/van driving course.
How Accountants Direct Helps Delivery Drivers at Tax Time
- Self-education expenses
- Sunglasses, sunscreens and cosmetics
- Computers, tools, equipment and other assets
- Protective clothing
- Compulsory work uniform
- Union fees, licences, registrations and subscriptions
- Phone and internet
- Motor vehicle expenses: cents per km method
- Home office running expenses
- Overnight travel expenses
Click our income tax calculator to see Tax Calculator for Couriers and Delivery Drivers.
Courier and Delivery Driver Tax Deduction FAQs
What can delivery drivers claim on tax in 2026?
Delivery drivers may be able to claim eligible vehicle costs, work-related tolls and parking, phone use, GPS equipment, protective items and training directly connected to their current role.
Can couriers claim fuel and vehicle expenses?
Fuel and other vehicle costs may be claimable to the extent the vehicle is used to earn courier income. The method used will depend on whether the driver is an employee, sole trader or other business entity.
Can delivery drivers claim travel from home?
Employees generally cannot claim ordinary travel between home and a regular workplace. A sole trader operating a genuine home-based courier business may have different rules for business trips beginning from the business premises.
Can food-delivery drivers claim phone expenses?
The work-related portion of phone bills, mobile data, phone mounts and charging equipment may be deductible when used to accept, manage or complete deliveries.
Can couriers claim their driver’s licence?
No. The cost of obtaining or renewing a standard driver’s licence is generally private, even when the licence is required for employment.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
