Tax Guide for Research, Archives and Historical Studies Professionals
Historians research, analyse, interpret and present information about past events, cultures, societies and historical developments. They work in universities, museums, government agencies, heritage organisations, cultural institutions, consultancy roles, publishing, and media. Duties may include archival research, fieldwork, oral history interviews, writing reports, publishing articles or books, teaching, preparing exhibitions, and presenting findings. The role requires extensive reading, specialised tools, travel for research, and continual professional development.
Typical Tax Deductions Include:
- Professional memberships & association fees – Must relate to historical research, heritage, or academic associations
- Research materials – Books, journals, archives, manuscripts, microfilm, and datasets used for work-related research
- Laptop, tablet, phone & accessories (> $300) – Depreciate if used for research, writing, interviews, and analysis (apportion for private use)
- Software & digital tools – Research databases, referencing tools, transcription software, and data storage
- Home-office running expenses – For writing, research, analysis, or administrative duties (approved method)
- Work-related travel (non-commuting) – Archives, libraries, museums, field sites, interviews, and conferences
- Printing, stationery & consumables – Notebooks, archival materials, and printed drafts or research copies
- Audio/video recording equipment – Used for oral histories or documentation
- Data storage & cloud backups – For large research files, documentation, and recordings
- Training & CPD – Courses on research methods, digital humanities, and archival practices
- Entry fees – Museum or archive fees when directly related to paid research work
Non-Deductible Expenses Include:
- Everyday clothing – Not protective or compulsory (not deductible)
- Travel (home ↔ regular workplace such as university or office) – Private commuting (not deductible)
- Personal-interest books or materials – Must be directly tied to professional research to be deductible
- Home-office occupancy (rent, mortgage interest, rates) – Not deductible unless strict conditions are met
- Courses for a new or unrelated career direction – Not directly relevant to the current role (not deductible)
- 100% claims (devices, internet, or phone) – Must apportion for private use
Click here to see Tax Calculator for Historian.
