Quick reference guide
Software developer tax deductions in Australia
WFH, subscriptions, hardware, courses, and professional costs for developers.
Quick checklist
- Software, cloud, domain, and productivity subscriptions used for work.
- Hardware, peripherals, desk equipment, and WFH utilities.
- Courses, books, conferences, and professional memberships.
- Work-use percentages for mixed personal/work tools.
The easy misses
Developers often miss annual software subscriptions, courses, books, hardware accessories, desk equipment, internet, mobile, and professional memberships.
Annual renewals are especially sneaky because they happen once, often outside EOFY season. Search your inbox for receipts from the tools you use every week.
Mixed-use tools need a reasonable percentage
A keyboard used only at your work desk is different from a streaming subscription you also use personally. Mixed-use purchases need a sensible work-use note.
TaxBoy can hold the receipt and note; your accountant can decide what percentage is appropriate.
Forward the receipt
Most of those receipts arrive by email. That makes a deductions inbox a better workflow than a spreadsheet you update once a year.
Forwarding takes seconds, which is the point. The system has to be easier than forgetting.
Receipts to search for
Sources
Last reviewed 28 Apr 2026 by Kalana Vithana. TaxBoy is not a registered tax agent and this article is general information, not tax advice.