Can You Claim Your Accountant’s Snacks? And Other Grey-Area Deductions That Get People in Trouble

We all love a good deduction, but not everything that seems "business-related" actually counts. Let’s dive into some of the most commonly misunderstood tax claims — from dodgy coffee receipts to questionable clothing write-offs.

The Accountant Snack Myth 🍪Just because you were doing tax prep while munching Tim Tams doesn’t make them deductible. Meals, unless tied to business travel or client meetings, are a big no-no.

2. Clothes — Uniform or Just Fashion? 👚Unless it’s protective or clearly branded (like a hi-vis vest or a shirt with your business logo), everyday clothes aren’t deductible — even if you “only wear them to work.” Sorry, no tax breaks for your new Bonds hoodie.

3. Personal Development vs. Professional Development 🎓A business course? Deductible. A yoga retreat to “clear your mind for productivity”? Not so much. The ATO wants to see clear, direct links to income generation.

4. The Netflix Conundrum 📺Unless you’re a film critic or content creator who directly uses it for work, streaming services are personal use. You’ll need a strong case to deduct any portion.

5. When in Doubt, Ask Your Accountant (Not Google) 💬The rules can be tricky. A quick chat with your accountant could save you a lot more than trying to fudge it and risking an audit.

Conclusion: Not everything that feels “business-y” is claimable. When it comes to grey areas, it’s always safer (and smarter) to double-check.

🚨 Unsure about a weird deduction? Run it by the pros at SCE Tax Revolutions — we’ll help you stay smart and compliant.