With 30 June fast approaching, it’s a great time to make the most of available deductions — especially if you’re self-employed or a small business owner. Here are some tried-and-true tax tips to help you maximise your refund.
Whether you work part-time or full-time from home, you can claim deductions for home office expenses like heating, lighting, and internet costs.
Tip: Keep a record of your hours worked at home if you’re using the ATO’s fixed-rate method (67 cents per hour).
If your business turnover is under $10 million, you can instantly write off eligible purchases under $20,000. It’s a great reason to take advantage of EOFY sales — but make sure the asset is installed and ready for use by 30 June.
Ensure your logbook is current and collect all receipts — not just work-related ones. You can claim a percentage of total running costs based on your logbook records.
Deduct business-related mobile phone expenses with proper documentation. Remember you cannot claim your mobile expenses if you’ve already applied the fixed-rate method (which includes mobile expenses).
Donations of $2 or more to registered charities are deductible. Just make sure you have a valid receipt before 30 June.
If you’ve got the cash flow, prepaying business expenses for the next financial year can bring forward deductions into this year’s return.
Make sure you’ve got written evidence for all claims — think receipts, invoices, bank statements and credit card records.
You can claim personal super contributions (up to $27,500, including employer contributions).
Important: Contributions must hit your super fund’s bank account by 30 June — aim to transfer at least a week early.
If you’ve made a capital gain this year, consider selling underperforming investments to realise a loss and offset your gains.
Claim course fees and related expenses if the course is connected to your employment.
You can deduct the cost of memberships and subscriptions to professional or trade associations relevant to your work.
Premiums for income protection insurance are deductible — just note that this doesn’t include life, critical illness, or trauma cover.
You can deduct interest on investment loans and many associated costs: repairs, property management fees, bookkeeping, bank charges, and more.
Watch out: The ATO is actively auditing interest deductions on rental properties — make sure your records are watertight.
If you paid for a tax professional to complete last year’s tax return, you can claim a deduction for the cost in this year’s return.
If you’re carrying ATO tax debt, now’s the time to act. From 1 July 2025, interest on unpaid ATO debt will no longer be tax-deductible. That means you could be charged around 12% p.a. and won’t be able to claim it as an add-back at tax time.
Good to know: If you take out a bank loan to repay your ATO debt, the interest on that loan is tax-deductible.
This change puts extra pressure on self-employed taxpayers to resolve any tax liabilities before EOFY. Speak to your accountant or a Nectar broker to explore refinancing or consolidation options.
Feeling overwhelmed or short on time? A tax professional can help you maximise your return and ensure you’re not missing any deductions.
I hope these tips help you make the most of the 2025 financial year-end. If you need guidance on home loans, personal loans, or support with your financial goals, don’t hesitate to get in touch — I’m here to help.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and doesn’t constitute tax, legal or financial advice. As mortgage brokers, we recommend speaking with a qualified tax professional to ensure any actions suit your personal circumstances.