Tax Deductions for Travel Agents

January 23, 2023

Best Tax Deductions to Claim for Travel Agents

Travel Agents assist clients in making travel arrangements for both business and holiday purposes.

Employment Profile

  • Average weekly pay: $1,242
  • Employment size: 23,625
  • Future growth: Moderate
  • Skill level: Certificate II or III

Typical tax deductions include:

  • Motor vehicle travel between offices, visiting clients or for training purposes.
  • Phone and internet – work %.
  • Computers, tools and equipment.
  • Client gifts bought for work purposes by salespersons who are entitled to receive commission income – includes a Christmas hamper, a bottle of whisky, wine, gift vouchers, flowers, etc.
  • Overnight travel expenses attending conferences, seminars, training courses and industry promotions – includes airfares, accommodation, meals, and incidentals.
  • Education, familiarisation and other similar travel if undertaken specifically for work purposes (and not a holiday) -this must meet the guidelines in the 2008 Sanchez case.
  • Entry fees to tourist attractions where the sole purpose of the visit was for work-related purposes.
  • Compulsory work uniform branded with the employers logo.
  • Self-education courses -for example, Cert III in Tourism (Retail Travel Sales).
  • Magazines and books related to travel, holidays, sales, customer service, and management.
  • Home office running expenses.
  • Overseas conferences, courses and study tours.
  • Union fees, licences, registrations and subscriptions.

Professional memberships.

Non-deductible expenses:

  • Educational and familiarisation travel which is a holiday.
  • Travel for industry functions which includes entertainment, e.g. three-course meal, band, and alcoholic drinks.
  • Passport application and renewal fees – as it relates to the personal right to travel to an overseas destination.
  • Travel insurance

Tax Strategies we can assist you with.

  • Self-education expenses
  • Overseas conferences, courses and study tours
  • 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
  • Overnight travel expenses

Click here to see Tax Calculator for Travel Agents.