Painter & Decorator

Tax tips and deductible expenses for painters in Australia.

Allowable Expenses

• Painting Supplies — Brushes, rollers, drop sheets, and masking tape.
• Ladders & Platforms — Essential access equipment for painting jobs.
• Uniforms — Clothing with a business logo or protective overalls.
• Advertising — Signs, business cards, and online listings.

Tax Tips

• Keep all receipts for consumables like paint and solvent.
• Small business energy incentives may apply for upgrading equipment.
• Claim the cost of cleaning your work-specific clothing.
• Maintain a separate business bank account from day one — it makes BAS preparation, income tracking, and year-end deduction identification significantly faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my overalls tax-deductible?

Yes, if they are protective or have a visible company logo.

Can I claim for the cost of paint?

Yes, materials used for client jobs are a deductible expense.

Do I need to lodge a TPAR if I use subcontractors for large painting jobs?

Yes. If you engage other painters or contractors for jobs, you must report their payments in a Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) to the ATO by 28 August each year. This applies to anyone in the building and construction industry who pays contractors.

Can I deduct scaffolding hire for a job?

Yes. Equipment hire costs — including scaffolding, elevated work platforms, and spray equipment — are deductible as a cost of carrying out your work. Keep the hire invoices and record which job the equipment was used on.