How Tax Deductions Apply to Dietitians
Dietitians may personally pay for professional accreditation, CPD, clinical resources, insurance, travel between workplaces, telehealth software and administrative work completed from home.
The expenses available to claim can differ depending on whether you work as an employee, contractor, sole trader or private-practice dietitian.
To claim an expense, you generally need to have paid for it yourself without reimbursement, it must directly relate to earning your income, and you must keep appropriate records. This 2026 guide explains the main tax deductions dietitians may be able to claim in Australia.
Dietitians in Australia: Employment Overview
- Average weekly pay: $1,275.35
- Employment size: 8,820
- Future growth: Very Strong
- Skill level: Bachelor degree or higher
Typical tax deductions include:
- Motor vehicle travel to and from work if having either shifting workplaces (working at more than one site each day), or transporting bulky equipment.
- Motor vehicle travel between hospitals, clinics, and visiting patients.
- Phone and internet – work %.
Overnight travel expenses attending medical conferences, seminars, and training courses – includes airfares, accommodation, meals, and incidentals. - Compulsory work uniform branded with the employers logo.
- Overtime meals – if paid a meal allowance under an Industrial Award.
- Self-education expenses – must be related to current job.
- Magazines, books and journals related to health and medicine.
- Agency commissions and agency fees.
- Union fees, licences, annual practising certificate fees, and subscriptions.
- Computers, equipment and tools.
- Home office running expenses.
Professional memberships.
Non-deductible expenses:
- Upfront fees, joining fees or search fees paid to an agency.
- Vaccinations.
Tax Strategies we can assist you with.
- Overtime meal expenses
- Self-education expenses
- Computers, tools, equipment and other assets
- 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 here to see Tax Calculator for Dietitians.
Dietitian Tax Deduction FAQs
Q1: What can dietitians claim on tax in 2026?
Dietitians may be able to claim eligible professional membership renewals, CPD, client travel, clinical resources, insurance and the work-related portion of phone and home-office expenses.
Q2: What can dietitians claim on tax in 2026?Can dietitians claim APD fees?
APD credential or relevant professional membership renewal costs may be deductible when they relate directly to continuing work in the dietetics profession.
Q3: What can dietitians claim on tax in 2026?Can dietitians claim CPD courses?
CPD may be deductible when it maintains or improves skills used in the dietitian’s current role. Training undertaken to enter a new occupation generally does not qualify.
Q4: What can dietitians claim on tax in 2026?Can dietitians claim travel between clinics?
Travel between hospitals, clinics, patient locations and separate workplaces may be deductible when undertaken while performing work. Normal home-to-work travel is generally private.
Q5: What can dietitians claim on tax in 2026?Can dietitians claim professional indemnity insurance?
Professional indemnity insurance may be deductible when it relates directly to the dietitian’s employment, contracting or private-practice activities.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
