How Much Can I Claim for Laundry on My Taxes?
Learn how to accurately claim laundry expenses on your taxes, including eligibility requirements, record-keeping guidelines, and deduction calculations.
Claiming laundry expenses on your taxes can reduce taxable income, but strict rules determine what qualifies. Work-related clothing must meet specific criteria set by tax authorities. Simply wearing clothes for work does not make them deductible.
Understanding eligibility requirements, record-keeping obligations, and proper calculation methods ensures accurate claims and prevents tax issues.
Allowable Work Clothing
To qualify for a laundry deduction, clothing must be protective or specific to an occupation, meaning it is unsuitable for everyday wear. This includes uniforms required by an employer, safety gear such as high-visibility vests, and industry-specific attire like chef’s coats or medical scrubs. General business attire, even if mandated by a dress code, is not deductible because it can be worn outside of work.
Tax authorities such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) emphasize that deductible clothing must be unique to the job and not adaptable for personal use. A police uniform with insignia qualifies, while a plain suit required for a corporate job does not. Construction workers can claim expenses for steel-toe boots and fire-resistant clothing, but a retail employee cannot deduct the cost of black pants and a polo shirt, even if required by their employer.
Required Records
Proper documentation is necessary to support any claim for laundry expenses. Tax authorities require proof that the expenses were incurred and directly related to eligible work clothing. Without adequate records, deductions may be denied.
Receipts for dry cleaning or professional laundering services should be kept. If washing is done at home, a reasonable estimate should be based on actual costs, including detergent, water, and electricity. The ATO, for example, allows a standard claim of $1 per load if only work clothing is washed or $0.50 per load if mixed with personal garments. Other tax agencies follow similar approaches and require taxpayers to justify their calculations if audited.
A log of laundry activity can further support a claim. This should include dates, the number of washes, and whether the load contained only work-related items. Digital tools such as expense-tracking apps or spreadsheets can simplify record-keeping. If an employer provides a laundry allowance, pay slips or other documentation should be retained to confirm the amount received and whether it was taxed.
Calculating Deductible Amount
The deductible amount depends on actual costs incurred throughout the year. Some tax agencies allow a fixed-rate deduction per load of laundry, while others require a detailed breakdown of costs, including water and energy usage.
If using an itemized approach, the cost of running a washing machine should be factored in. This includes electricity consumption, estimated based on the wattage of the appliance and the duration of a wash cycle. Water expenses should also be considered, particularly in areas where utility rates fluctuate based on usage. Detergent, fabric softener, and other cleaning products used exclusively for work garments should be accounted for.
For individuals using professional cleaning services, the full cost of laundering eligible clothing is deductible if receipts are retained. If the expense includes non-work-related items, only the work-related portion can be claimed. Minor repairs or alterations to work clothing may also be deductible if necessary to maintain compliance with workplace safety or uniform requirements.
Non-Eligible Costs
Certain laundry-related expenses may seem deductible but do not meet tax authority criteria. General household laundry costs cannot be proportionally claimed based on work versus personal use. Even if most of a taxpayer’s wardrobe consists of work attire, washing everyday clothing remains a personal expense.
Detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning products used for both work and personal clothing cannot be fully deducted unless a taxpayer can demonstrate that a specific portion is exclusively allocated to laundering qualifying garments. Purchasing a washing machine or dryer, even if primarily used for work-related laundry, is also not deductible. Depreciation or maintenance costs for household appliances are considered private expenditures unless used in a business setting where asset depreciation rules apply.
Adjustments for Reimbursements
If an employer provides financial assistance for laundry expenses, the claimable amount must be adjusted. Only out-of-pocket costs are deductible, meaning any reimbursement or allowance reduces the claimable amount.
When an employer offers a laundry allowance as part of wages, it is typically reported as taxable income. Employees may still deduct actual laundry expenses, but only if they exceed the allowance. For example, if an individual receives a $150 annual laundry stipend but incurs $200 in eligible expenses, only the $50 difference can be claimed. If the allowance fully covers or exceeds the laundry costs, no deduction is permitted.
If an employer reimburses specific laundry services rather than providing a fixed allowance, and the reimbursement is not included as taxable income, the employee cannot claim any related expenses. Tax agencies scrutinize double-dipping—where individuals attempt to deduct costs already covered by their employer. Reviewing pay slips and employer policies helps ensure compliance and prevents tax issues.