Marketing Consultant

Tax deductions for marketing and PR freelancers in Australia.

Allowable Expenses

• Marketing Tools — SEMrush, HubSpot, or Canva subscriptions.
• Advertising — Paid ads for your own consulting business.
• Travel — Visiting clients or attending industry events.
• Education — Keeping up with digital marketing trends.

Tax Tips

• Claim for the business portion of your home internet.
• Keep track of all software subscriptions.
• Attend conferences and claim the travel and ticket costs.
• Keep a screenshot or PDF of each tool account dashboard showing your business name — this corroborates that subscriptions are for business use rather than personal interest when the ATO reviews your return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim for Canva?

Yes, if used for client or business work.

Are conference tickets deductible?

Yes, if the conference relates to your marketing work.

Can I claim for paid advertising I run on behalf of clients?

Only if the advertising is for your own consulting business. If you are running ads on behalf of clients and passing the cost through, the gross amount is income and the ad spend is a deductible cost of sales. Make sure your invoicing matches the actual arrangement.

Is entertainment deductible if I take a client to lunch to win new business?

Generally no. Entertainment expenses — including business lunches, dinners, and hospitality — are specifically excluded from deduction under Australian tax law, even if the purpose is to win or retain business. Fringe Benefits Tax may also apply if you entertain employees.