Can I Claim Laptop Expenses on Tax in Australia? (2026)

Who this page is for: Workers and business owners using a laptop, computer or software for work.

What this page answers: Answer a broad device-expense query that can support multiple occupation pages and small-business pages.

Parent support page: How to Claim Tax Deductions in Australia (2026 Guide)

Scope note: Laptop claims depend on work use, cost and whether someone else supplied the device, so a single rule rarely covers every situation.

Last reviewed: 25 March 2026

Trust note: This answer page is educational only and checked against official ATO guidance or closely related ATO topic pages.

Direct answer

You may be able to claim laptop expenses in Australia if you bought the laptop yourself and use it for work or business. You usually claim only the work-related share, and higher-cost items may need to be claimed over time rather than all at once.

You cannot claim the private portion or the cost of a laptop someone else provided for your use.

You usually need to have paid the cost yourself.
The expense should relate directly to earning income or running the business.
Only the work-related or business-use share is usually claimable for mixed-use items.
Records matter just as much as the expense itself.

Related live page: How to Claim Tax Deductions in Australia (2026 Guide).

Short explanation

Laptop claims sit inside the ATO rules for computers, software and work tools. That means the work connection matters, but so do the cost of the item, the amount of private use and whether related costs such as repairs, software or accessories were also incurred for work.

A lot of bad claims come from treating a mixed-use device as fully deductible. If the same laptop is used for admin, streaming, family use and work, the claim needs to be reduced to a reasonable work-related share and backed by records.

Key rules

Claim only the work-related share of the laptop, software and related costs.
Keep receipts plus a reasonable record of work use if the device is mixed use.
The treatment can differ depending on whether the item cost $300 or less, or more than $300.
Repairs, insurance, accessories and software may also need apportionment.
You cannot claim a laptop your employer supplied or reimbursed.

Common mistakes

Claiming the full laptop cost even though the device is also used privately.
Ignoring software, accessories or repairs when they should be checked separately.
Treating every device under work use as an immediate full deduction without checking the cost rules.
Forgetting to keep evidence of the purchase and the work-related percentage.

Frequently asked questions

What if the laptop cost more than $300?

That often changes how the deduction is worked out, so you should check whether decline in value applies instead of assuming a full immediate claim.

Can I claim software and accessories too?

Possibly, if they are used for work and you paid for them, but private use and cost treatment still matter.

What if I also use the laptop personally?

You generally need to apportion the claim and keep a reasonable record of the work-related share.

Internal links and next steps

Use these if you want a related occupation page, a broader support guide or a cluster page.

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Review note, sources and disclaimer

Reviewed by: Australia Tax Deductions editorial team

Last reviewed: 25 March 2026

How this page is framed: This page is written in plain English, anchored to official ATO guidance and designed as educational information only.

Methodology: See the Editorial Policy and Review Methodology pages for how the site handles source checking and updates.

Primary references

General educational information only. Tax outcomes depend on your circumstances, records, business structure and the current ATO rules. Check the latest official guidance or speak with a registered tax professional before acting on any deduction claim.