Engineers across all disciplines — civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, chemical, software, and others — can claim a range of work-related deductions. The most consistently valuable are Engineers Australia membership and CPD (required for Chartered status), technical reference subscriptions, PPE, and vehicle costs for site travel. This guide applies to both employed engineers and those operating as contractors or sole traders.
Engineers Australia Membership and Registration
- Engineers Australia annual membership fee — fully deductible
- Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) application and renewal fees — deductible
- National Engineering Register (NER) registration fee — deductible
- Engineering Technologists or Associates (IEAust) equivalent — deductible
- State-based engineering licence registration (e.g., WA registered engineer) — deductible
CPD — Continuing Professional Development
Engineers Australia requires CPD for Chartered members. Deductible CPD:
- Professional development courses and workshops
- Engineering conference registration (nationally and domestically)
- Technical seminars (structures, services, civil, electrical)
- Webinars and online CPD modules
- CPD diary and tracking tools
Study: Postgraduate engineering study (Masters, Graduate Certificate) may be deductible if it maintains or improves current engineering skills. Study for an initial engineering degree is not deductible.
Technical References and Subscriptions
Engineering work requires access to standards, codes, and technical guidance:
| Material | Deductible? |
|---|---|
| SAI Global — Australian Standards subscriptions | Yes |
| Standards Australia individual document purchases | Yes |
| Engineering handbooks and technical manuals (current edition) | Yes |
| Structural design references (e.g., Steel Designer’s Handbook) | Yes |
| NCC / Building Code of Australia reference service | Yes |
| Engineering journals and periodicals | Yes |
PPE — Protective Personal Equipment
PPE purchased personally for site work is deductible:
- Hard hat (if personally purchased)
- Safety glasses / goggles
- Hi-vis vest and workwear (required for site)
- Steel-capped boots
- Hearing protection
- Gloves
General work clothing worn on site that is not occupationally distinctive or required for safety is not deductible (plain business casual or ordinary trousers).
Vehicle — Site Travel Deductions
Travel between separate work sites on the same day is deductible:
| Travel type | Deductible? |
|---|---|
| Office to construction site | Yes |
| Between multiple sites in a day | Yes |
| From a site directly to home (last appointment) | May be deductible in some circumstances |
| Home to office (first trip of day) | No — ordinary commute |
Use the logbook method for high work-use vehicles (complete a 12-week logbook), or cents per km (88c/km, up to 5,000 km) for occasional site travel.
Tools, Equipment, and Software
- Engineering-specific software at the personal/contractor level: AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla, STAAD.Pro — deductible at work-use proportion
- Calculator (scientific or engineering) — deductible if purchased for work; under $300, claim in full
- Laptop/tablet used for engineering work — depreciate at work-use proportion
- Level, measuring tape, laser distance meter (personally purchased for site use) — deductible
Home Office
Engineers who work from home (design, modelling, report writing, CPD):
- Fixed rate method: 67c/hour for each work-from-home hour
- Keep a diary or log throughout the year
- Laptop and software depreciation claimed separately
Professional Indemnity Insurance (Contractors)
Engineering contractors and consultants working independently:
- Professional indemnity insurance premium — fully deductible
- Public liability insurance — deductible
What Engineers Cannot Claim
- Ordinary commute from home to office
- General fitness costs
- Initial engineering degree or cadetship costs
- Equipment provided by employer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim my home internet for engineering work? Yes — at the work proportion. The WFH fixed rate (67c/hour) covers internet at home. If you claim actual costs separately, use a 4-week diary to establish the work proportion.
I am a software engineer. Are my technical subscriptions deductible? Yes — platform subscriptions (GitHub, cloud computing tools, technical courses on Udemy or similar) are deductible at the work proportion, where they are directly related to your current role rather than general upskilling for a future career change.
Can I claim the cost of attending Engineers Australia state conference? Yes — if it includes legitimate CPD and is directly relevant to your current engineering practice.
This article provides general tax information. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent. Find one through the Tax Practitioners Board register.