A Tradie's Guide to Calculating and Claiming Travel Allowances
23 August 2026 · 5 min read · By Heaney Accounting
What counts as travel for tax purposes?
When you are a tradie traveling for work, the ATO distinguishes between normal daily travel to your usual job site and working away from home. If you are required to travel to a remote location or stay overnight for a specific contract, you may be eligible to claim accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.
Records you need to keep
- Keep a diary if you are away for six nights or more in a row.
- Retain every single tax invoice for meals and hotels.
- Document the business purpose of each trip clearly in your records.
- Keep a logbook if you are using your own vehicle for the distance travelled.
Important Note: If your employer pays you a travel allowance, you must declare this as income on your tax return before claiming any corresponding expenses.
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