How Tax Deductions Work for Vets and Veterinary Nurses
Veterinarians and veterinary nurses can claim annual registration renewal and professional memberships, compulsory or distinctive uniforms, protective gloves, boots and clothing, stethoscopes, clinical equipment and their repairs, travel between clinics, farms and client locations, the work-related share of phone and internet, relevant training, and home office expenses. Normal travel between home and your regular clinic, general clothing, initial professional registration and personal pet costs are not deductible. Claims must relate to your current role, be paid for personally, and be supported by records.
Generally, you must have paid for the expense yourself without reimbursement, the expense must directly relate to earning your income, and you must keep appropriate records.
This 2026 guide explains the main tax deductions available to veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Australia.
Veterinary Professionals: Employment Overview
- Average Weekly Pay: $1,357
- Employment Size: 11,340
- Future Growth: Strong
- Skill Level: Degree or Higher (Veterinarians), Certificate III (Vet Nurses)
Veterinarian and Veterinary Nurse Tax Deduction Checklist for 2026
| Expense | Potentially claimable? | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Travel between clinics, farms or client locations | Yes | Must be undertaken as part of work duties |
| Ordinary travel from home to the regular clinic | Generally no | Usually considered private travel |
| Compulsory or distinctive uniforms | Potentially | Must satisfy the ATO clothing rules |
| Protective gloves, boots and clothing | Potentially | Must protect against a work-related risk |
| General clothing | No | Conventional clothing is private |
| Stethoscopes and clinical equipment | Potentially | Claim only the work-related portion |
| Equipment repairs and maintenance | Potentially | Equipment must be used for work |
| Annual registration renewal | Potentially | Must be required for the current role |
| Initial professional registration | Generally no | It enables you to enter the profession |
| Relevant CPD and training | Potentially | Must relate to current employment |
| Professional memberships | Potentially | Must relate to the current profession |
| Phone and internet usage | Potentially | Claim only the work-related percentage |
| Home office expenses | Potentially | Work hours and expenses must be recorded |
| Personal pet expenses | No | Considered private |
| Employer-supplied or reimbursed expenses | No | You cannot claim expenses you did not bear |
What Can Vets and Vet Nurses Claim on Tax in 2026?
- Motor vehicle expenses – if you travel between clinics, farms, homes, or for training, or if you’re transporting bulky tools.
- Phone and internet costs – claim the percentage used for client calls, admin, and work-related tasks.
- Uniforms and protective clothing – includes scrubs, gloves, boots, overalls, and gear with your employer’s logo.
- Work-related dogs – guard dogs or security animals may be deductible, including food and vet care (with evidence).
- Tools and equipment – such as stethoscopes, mobile diagnostic tools, computers, or software subscriptions.
- Home office running costs – for administrative work like reports, emails, or managing bookings.
- Self-education and CPD – courses, workshops, webinars, or animal first aid training that relate to your current role.
- Memberships and licences – AVA, VNCA, industry journals, or registration with the Veterinary Surgeons Board.
- Overnight travel – for conferences or client visits, including airfares, accommodation, meals, and incidentals (if work-related).
Tax Strategies We Can Help You With
At Accountants Direct, we make sure you claim all eligible expenses and follow ATO guidelines. We can help you with:
- Self-education expenses
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and protective cosmetics
- Computers, tools and veterinary equipment
- Motor vehicle logbook setup and review
- Work-related dog expenses
- Uniforms and protective clothing
- Phone and internet usage claims
- Home office running costs
- Overnight travel deductions
- Union fees, licences, registrations and professional subscriptions
Click our income tax calculator to see Tax Calculator for Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can vets claim on tax in 2026?
Veterinarians may be able to claim eligible expenses for work-related travel, protective clothing, clinical equipment, registration renewals, professional memberships, CPD and the work-related portion of phone or home office costs.
What can veterinary nurses claim on tax?
Veterinary nurses may be able to claim compulsory uniforms, eligible protective items, personally purchased work equipment, relevant training, work-related travel and professional membership expenses.
Can veterinary nurses claim scrubs and laundry expenses?
Scrubs and laundry may be claimable when the clothing qualifies as occupation-specific clothing, protective clothing or an eligible uniform. Ordinary clothing is not deductible.
Can vets claim travel between clinics and farms?
Travel between clinics, farms and client locations may be deductible when it is undertaken while performing employment duties. Ordinary home-to-work travel is generally private.
Are veterinary registration fees tax-deductible?
The cost of renewing registration or an annual practising certificate required for your current employment may be deductible. Initial registration costs are generally not deductible.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
