How Tax Deductions Work for Finance and Mortgage Brokers
Finance and mortgage brokers can claim union fees, licences and registrations, computers, tools and equipment, a handbag, briefcase or satchel, referral commissions, compulsory branded uniforms, travel between offices and to client visits, work-related training and self-education, the work-related share of phone and internet, and home office running expenses. Normal travel between home and a single regular office, and ordinary business clothing, are not deductible. Only the work-related portion is deductible, and only where you paid for it and have records.
The deductions available can differ depending on whether you work as a salaried employee, commission-based employee, contractor or self-employed brokerage owner.
To claim an expense, it generally must be directly connected to earning your income, paid by you without reimbursement and supported by appropriate records. This 2026 guide explains the main finance broker tax deductions available in Australia and the common costs that may not be claimable.
Finance Brokers in Australia: Employment Overview
- Average weekly pay: $1,400
- Employment size: 30,765
- Future growth: Very strong
- Skill level: Associate Degree or Diploma
Typical tax deductions include:
- Motor vehicle travel to and from work for employees with shifting workplaces – working at more than one site each day before returning home.
- Motor vehicle travel between job sites, visiting clients or attending training courses.
- Phone and internet – work %.
- Client gifts bought for work purposes if entitled to receive commission income – includes a Christmas hamper, a bottle of whisky, wine, gift vouchers, flowers, etc.
- Home office occupancy expenses if required by the employer to work from home – includes rent, mortgage interest, rates, insurance, etc.
- Computers, tools and equipment.
- Referral commission and expenses.
- Handbags, briefcases and satchels.
- Overnight travel expenses visiting clients or for training/conferences – includes airfares, accommodation and meals.
- Home office running expenses.
- Compulsory work uniform branded with the employer’s logo.
- Union fees, licences, registrations, and subscriptions.
- Work-related training courses – includes first aid, OH&S, bookkeeping, sales techniques, customer service, merchandising, computer skills or management.
- Self-education expenses – course fees, books, stationery, equipment and travel.
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 such as buying lunch for a client or business associate.
- Expenses incurred in attending social functions e.g. monthly networking breakfasts.
Tax Strategies we can assist you with.
- Home office occupancy expenses
- 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
- Handbags, briefcases and satchels
- Overnight travel expenses
Click our income tax calculator to see Tax Calculator for Finance Brokers.
Finance and Mortgage Broker Tax Deduction FAQs
What can finance brokers claim on tax in 2026?
Finance brokers may be able to claim eligible client travel, referral commissions, industry memberships, software, training and the work-related portion of phone and home-office expenses.
What can mortgage brokers claim as business expenses?
Self-employed mortgage brokers may be able to claim CRM software, advertising, referral fees, professional insurance, accounting costs, memberships and other expenses directly related to earning brokerage income.
Can finance brokers claim client gifts?
Certain non-entertainment gifts may be claimable where they have a direct connection to earning commission or business income. The treatment depends on whether the broker is salaried, commission-based or self-employed.
Can mortgage brokers claim client lunches?
Client lunches, drinks and similar entertainment expenses are generally not deductible, even when business is discussed.
Are referral commissions tax-deductible?
Referral commissions may be deductible when they are paid to help generate assessable commission or business income and are supported by appropriate records.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
