In this piece, Karan Anand – Managing Director of sole trader tax platform Hnry – shares the most overlooked EOFY deductions for niche industries.
With the end of the financial year looming, Australia’s 1.6 million sole traders are deep in receipt season, sorting invoices, tallying deductions and trying to make sense of what they can and can’t claim.
And every year, the same pattern emerges: many sole traders are missing out on deductions that they’re legitimately entitled to. Not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because they’re working in ways the traditional rules weren’t written for. Today’s sole-trader workforce is more diverse than ever, consisting of creators, tradies, birth workers, digital pros, performers, dog groomers, and many of them incur expenses that don’t always fit the traditional mold of “business” costs.
But here’s the good news: if something is clearly and directly tied to how you earn your income, it’s usually deductible. The challenge lies in knowing what’s acceptable in your specific industry and feeling confident enough to claim it.
Here are some industry-specific, lesser-known expenses that sole traders across Australia should consider this EOFY.
1. Adult industry professionals
Sex workers, content creators, and dominatrix practitioners run complex businesses that often go unrecognised at tax time. Deductible expenses may include:
- Studio hire or hotel rooms used for client sessions
- Lingerie, latex wear, wigs and makeup used solely for work
- Personal branding including stage names and professional photos
- Condoms, lubricants, candles, or props used to enhance client experience
If it’s part of delivering your service, it’s worth looking into.
2. Creative performers: Magicians, voice actors, streamers
Whether you’re on stage, behind a mic or live-streaming online, your creative tools are your business tools. Potential claims include:
- Props (e.g. fire wallets, confetti cannons), costumes, and theatrical makeup
- Books on illusion, voice control, or audience psychology
- Studio soundproofing, microphones, and lighting gear
- Acting or dialect coaching
- Demo reel production or content editing subscriptions
3. Tattoo artists
Working in a studio or independently, tattooists have a wide range of operational costs:
- Inks, needles, gloves and other consumables
- PPE and studio furniture
- Travel and accommodation for tattoo expos or guest spots
- Design software and digital tablets
- Branded merch used to build brand recognition
4. Drone operators and visual storytellers
Drone photography and videography often involves high-end kit and compliance requirements. Consider claiming:
- Drone crash insurance and commercial licensing
- Batteries, propellers, and lens upgrades
Travel to shoot locations - Post-production software
- Website hosting for client portfolios
5. Food and hospitality professionals
From private chefs to pop-up operators, these roles often blend art with logistics. Possible deductions could be:
- Liquid nitrogen or specialist cooking tools
- Chef aprons and branded uniforms
- Filming equipment for social media promotion
- Menu planning tools or booking platforms
- Music subscriptions for event ambiance
6. Beekeepers and agricultural producers
Whether you sell honey or manage pollination services, your hive is your business. Expenses may include:
- Hive supplements and pest treatments
- Queen bee insemination kits
- Branded bee suits
- Labelling and packaging for honey jars
- Botanical planting to increase nectar sources
7. Chimney cleaners and rooftop tradies
Less glamorous, but no less deductible. These expenses might surprise you:
- Rooftop safety and abseiling training
- GoPros or drones for chimney inspections
- Soot-proof uniforms and PPE
- Chimney vacuums and flue brushes
8. Birth workers: Doulas and coaches
These professionals offer highly personal services, often with unique requirements:
- Hypnobirthing or prenatal yoga training
- Birthing balls, comfort packs, TENS machines
- Books and research subscriptions
- Insurance and professional accreditation
- Branded clothing or client welcome packs
9. Fitness professionals and personal trainers
- Certification courses and ongoing education
- Gym equipment and maintenance
- Fitness tracking software subscriptions
- Marketing materials and website hosting
- Travel expenses for client sessions or workshops
10. Pet groomers and animal care providers
- Grooming tools and equipment
- Animal care supplies (shampoos, conditioners)
- Transport costs for mobile services
- Insurance and professional memberships
- Marketing and advertising expenses
When you’re a sole trader, EOFY can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t have a ‘traditional’ job. The ATO is less interested in what your title is and more interested in whether your expenses are genuinely tied to your work.
If something helps you earn an income, maintain your professional standards, or grow your business, chances are it’s deductible. The key is knowing what applies to your specific line of work and keeping good records along the way.
Sole traders work hard and often wear all the hats. EOFY is your opportunity to ensure you’re not leaving anything on the table. So take the time to dig into your industry’s unique expenses. You might be surprised by what you can claim and how much it adds up.
