How Tax Deductions Work for Florists
Florists may personally pay for floral tools, protective items, work-related travel, training, phone use and equipment required to prepare and deliver arrangements.
The expenses available to claim can differ depending on whether you work as an employee, contractor, floral designer, sole trader or flower shop 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 florists may be able to claim in Australia.
Florists in Australia: Employment Overview
- Average weekly pay: $944.15
- Employment size: 3,780
- Future growth: Stable
- Skill level: Certificate III or IV
Florist Tax Deduction Checklist
| Expense | Potentially claimable? | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Secateurs, floral knives and wire cutters | Potentially | Must be personally purchased and used for work |
| Glue guns and small floral-design tools | Potentially | Work-related use only |
| Tool repairs and sharpening | Potentially | Tools must be used to earn income |
| Travel between shops, venues or suppliers | Potentially | Must occur while performing work |
| Customer deliveries | Potentially | Must form part of employment or business duties |
| Normal travel between home and work | Generally no | Usually considered private commuting |
| Phone and internet expenses | Potentially | Claim only the work-related percentage |
| Relevant floral-design training | Potentially | Must relate to the current occupation |
| Compulsory branded uniform | Potentially | Must satisfy the ATO uniform rules |
| Protective gloves or aprons | Potentially | Must protect against a genuine workplace risk |
| Ordinary clothing and shoes | No | Conventional clothing is generally private |
| Home-office running expenses | Potentially | Substantive work and records are required |
| Work bag or tool case | Potentially | Work-related use only |
| Flowers and packaging bought by an employee | Limited | Must be required for work and not reimbursed |
| Flowers and supplies bought by a business | Potentially | Must be accounted for as business expenses or trading stock |
| Personal flowers and arrangements | No | Private use is not deductible |
| Client gifts | Limited circumstances | Must have a documented income-producing purpose |
| Employer-reimbursed expenses | No | You did not ultimately bear the cost |
Typical tax deductions include:
- Motor vehicle travel to and from work if having either shifting workplaces (working at more than one site each day before returning home), or transporting bulky equipment.
- Motor vehicle travel between job sites, to pick up materials, or attend 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.
- Computers, tools and equipment.
- Handbags, briefcases and satchels.
- Overnight travel expenses if required to be away overnight on sales trips or for training/conferences.
- Home office running expenses.
- Compulsory work uniform branded with the employers logo.
- Union fees, licences, registrations and subscriptions.
- Work-related courses – including first aid, OH&S, bookkeeping, sales techniques, customer service, merchandising, computer skills or management.
- Self-education expenses – includes course fees, books, stationery, equipment and travel.
Tax Strategies we can assist you with.
- Self-education expenses
- Computers, tools, equipment and other assets
- Compulsory work uniform
- Gifts to clients, suppliers and contractors
- Union fees, licences, registrations and subscriptions
- Phone and internet
- Motor vehicle expenses: cents per km method
- Home office running expenses
- Handbags, briefcases and satchels
- Overnight travel expenses
Click here to see Tax Calculator for Florists.
Florist Tax Deduction FAQs
Q1: What can florists claim on tax in 2026?
Florists may be able to claim eligible floral tools, protective items, travel between workplaces, professional training and the work-related portion of phone and home-office expenses.
Q2: Can florists claim secateurs and floral tools?
Personally purchased secateurs, floral knives, wire cutters and other tools may be deductible where they are required for current work and were not supplied or reimbursed.
Q3: Can florists claim flowers and floral supplies?
Employees can only claim supplies they are required to purchase personally and are not reimbursed for. Flower shop owners may be able to claim eligible stock and consumables, subject to the trading-stock rules.
Q4: Can florists claim vehicle and delivery expenses?
Travel for customer deliveries, venue setup, supplier visits and trips between workplaces may be deductible. Normal travel between home and a regular shop is generally private.
Q5: Can florists claim their uniform?
A qualifying compulsory or distinctive uniform may be claimable. Ordinary clothing worn in the shop is generally not deductible.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
