• 21 June, 2025

How to Claim a Laptop on Tax in Australia (2025 Guide)

Buying a laptop for work or business? You may be eligible to claim it as a tax deduction in Australia—but only if you meet the ATO requirements.

Whether you’re an employee or a sole trader, understanding how to correctly claim your laptop can help you maximise your tax refund while staying compliant.

At Workpaper Accounting Services, we simplify tax deductions so you don’t miss out on what you’re entitled to.

Who Can Claim a Laptop on Tax?

Employees

You can claim your laptop if:

• It is directly related to your job
• You use it regularly for work tasks (not just occasional use)
• Your employer does not provide or reimburse the laptop

Sole Traders & Business Owners

If you run a business, claiming a laptop is usually straightforward:

• It must be used to generate income
• You can claim based on your business-use percentage
• Example: 80% work use = 80% deduction

When Is a Laptop Tax Deductible?

Your laptop must be used for income-producing activities, such as:

• Preparing reports or teaching materials
• Attending virtual meetings
• Managing clients, invoices, or projects
• Running your business operations

Instant Write-Off vs Depreciation

Instant Asset Write-Off

• Applies if the laptop costs under $20,000 (2024–25)
• Claim the full work-related portion in one year

Example:
Laptop cost = $1,500
Work use = 80%
Claim = $1,200 instantly

Depreciation Method

• For higher-cost laptops
• Claim the expense over several years

This spreads your deduction but ensures compliance with ATO rules.

How to Calculate Business Use

The ATO requires accurate records, not estimates.

Simple Method:

• Keep a 4-week usage diary
• Record total vs work-related hours

Example:
Total use = 50 hours
Work use = 40 hours
Business use = 80%

Apply this % to your claim.

Claiming Laptop Accessories & Software

Don’t forget additional deductions related to your laptop:

Hardware Accessories

• Mouse, keyboard, monitor
• Laptop bag, printer, webcam
• External hard drives

Software & Subscriptions

• Microsoft 365
• Accounting software (e.g., Xero)
• Adobe or design tools
• Antivirus programs

Other Costs

• Repairs and maintenance
• Extended warranties

All claims must be based on work-related usage percentage.

Record-Keeping for ATO Compliance

Strong documentation is essential to support your claim.

What You Need:

• Purchase invoice (date + cost)
• 4-week usage diary
• Receipts for accessories and software
• Work-related usage records

Pro Tips:

• Store digital copies of receipts
• Keep detailed descriptions (e.g., “client report work”)
• Update records regularly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Claiming 100% when there is personal use
• No usage records or logbook
• Claiming employer-provided laptops
• Forgetting to depreciate high-value assets

Maximise Your Tax Refund with Workpaper

Claiming a laptop correctly can significantly boost your tax refund—but mistakes can trigger ATO issues.

At Workpaper Accounting Services, we help you:

Accurately calculate deductions
Maximise claims legally
Stay fully ATO-compliant

📞 Phone: 0485 825 915
📧 Email: info@workpaper.com.au

📍 Address: 7 Bridge St, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
🌐 Website: https://workpaper.com.au/

Book your consultation today and get expert support for your tax return.