Tax Deductions for Doctors, Specialists, or other Medical Professionals

Tax Deductions for Doctors, Specialists, or other Medical Professionals

The Australian Taxation Office requirements for every occupation are different. Whether you are looking to lodge your tax returns as a doctor, physician, or nurse. Your tax return lodgement varies based on your tax implications. To receive a maximum tax refund, any accountant or tax agent will also advise you to keep a track of all your receipts.
In this exclusive read, we talk about tax deductions for GP, doctors, and health professionals, to receive a maximum tax refund for all your hard-earned money.

As a doctor or a medical specialist, you spent money on self-education.

Whether you spent money on professional indemnity insurance or medical journal subscriptions? You can claim a work-related deduction for self-education.

Here is a list of deductions that you can claim as a part of your self-education expenses

• Medical journal subscription or any other publications can be claimed as a part of your self–education expense.
• Have you been making work-related phone calls? Yes, you can claim a portion of the work-related calls you have made.
• Any medical equipment or insurance for that equipment, you have hired or purchased can be claimed in your tax refund.
• Are you a member of the AMA (Australian Medical Association) or other medical membership association? You certainly can claim it.
• Attending a medical seminar that is work-related.

Please note, that you can’t claim a deduction if your study is only designed to help you get a new job role such as getting a job as a pharmacist.

You hired, purchased, cleaned, or mended your work uniform

The cost of hiring, buying, cleaning, or mending your work uniform that is specifically designed for your work can certainly be claimed in your tax deduction. However, you can’t claim a deduction for the cost of cleaning or buying plain clothing at work (if it is not specifically designed for your job). For example, wearing a formal business suit.

Driving between two separate jobs on the same day? Claim your tax deduction the right way.

Yes, you can claim a deduction for your car expenses, when you are driving from or to a different workplace (for the same employer) on the same day. For example, visiting different medical centres.

Please note, in certain limited circumstances, medical professionals can certainly claim the cost of their trips between work and home. However, the following conditions are required to be met:

You are required to carry any medical equipment or bulky tools for work.

The bulky tools are categorised based on their weight and size. For example, simply carrying a stethoscope is NOT claimable. But if you are carrying an oxygen tank, yes you are certainly eligible.

Not travelling by car? You can claim your other travel expenses

If you don’t usually attend your usual work location for example a doctor is required to travel remotely, and are required to travel overnight. You can claim your tax deduction for the cost that was incurred during your work duties. This may include, accommodation, meals, and other incidental work expenses. Considering this has not been reimbursed or an allowance is provided to you, by your employer.
Please note, if you receive a travel allowance from your employer, you are NOT automatically entitled for a tax deduction. However, you are still required to provide sufficient evidence about your work-related overnight stay or other incurred expenses.
Make sure, when lodging your tax returns you are required to keep a track record of all your work-related expenses. Even if it includes a dollar cost for purchasing any medical work-related essentials.

Remember, your tax accountant can only help you to maximise your tax refund if you keep a log of your expenses and track your receipts. However, every year ATO sets a reasonable amount that can be claimed by medical professionals who do not have their receipts. If your work-related expenses, exceeds the reasonable amount, you are required to provide receipts as a way of evidence.

Made gifts or donations valued over $2? Yes, it is tax deductible.

Any gifts or donations made by individuals or businesses can claim as a tax deduction under deductible gift recipient. However, your donation value must be over $2.

The cost of managing your tax affairs is also claimable

If you are consulting or getting the professional help of an accountant, you can claim it as a part of your tax deduction, against your tax bill. Moreover, you can also claim deductions for any resources you have purchased to lodge your tax return. For example, software or tax reference materials.

Did you know?

With over 9 offices in Adelaide including Port Augusta and Whyalla, we make tax lodgements for doctors, tax lodgement for nurses & midwives, GPs, and medical practitioners even easier. At The Kalculators, we also provide online consultations with our accountants to create a seamless service experience for you. Whether you would like to book a Google Meet, Zoom, or Skype, we book appointments at your convenience.

Have a question?

Speak to our friendly team of tax accountants in Adelaide today! Simply book an appointment by clicking on Schedule an Appointment or give us a call on 08 7480 2593