Can I Claim My Laptop on Tax? (Australia 2026)

Hey, let’s talk tax write-offs—specifically for your laptop. Getting these deductions right can seriously boost your tax refund, but the rules change based on the price tag. The most important number to remember is $300. If your computer or peripheral costs less than $300, you can claim the entire amount immediately in the year you buy it, provided you can prove it's for work use. It’s simple, but you can only claim the percentage of use that relates to your job. If the item costs more than $300, the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) considers it a capital asset, which means you can’t just write off the whole cost upfront. Instead, you need to 'depreciate' it—which is just a fancy word for spreading the cost over several years. Understanding this threshold is the first step to maximising your deductions for the 2026 financial year.

When you buy a laptop, monitor, or high-end printer that costs over $300, you must plan for depreciation. For most standard laptops, the ATO typically recommends depreciating the cost over an effective life of about four years. This means instead of claiming, say, $2,000 in one go, you spread that deduction out. For example, if you buy a $2,000 laptop today, you could claim roughly $500 per year (before considering your actual work use percentage) for the next four years. This method ensures you are only deducting what the item is actually worth over its useful life. Don't forget to look at peripherals too—a new desk, extra monitor, or ergonomic keyboard can all count towards this deduction, provided they meet the threshold rules. We have a handy guide here if you want to calculate potential depreciation costs: Use our Depreciation Calculator.

If you work from home, your deductions get a bit more complex, but also more rewarding! You need to prove what percentage of your time and resources are dedicated to work. If you use your laptop for 80% of your working hours, you only claim 80% of the deduction. For those who struggle to track every single electricity bill, the ATO provides a helpful shortcut method. This method allows you to claim a rate of 67 cents per hour. This single rate is designed to cover a bundle of costs, including a portion of your computer depreciation, electricity, internet, and phone usage. This is a huge time-saver! For a detailed breakdown of the 67c/hr method, check out our Work-From-Home Guide. Always keep receipts and records of your work-from-home setup.

This is the part that trips up most people. The absolute golden rule is: if your employer provides the equipment—whether it’s a laptop, a monitor, or even your desk—you generally cannot claim it as a work deduction. The company owns it, and they have already accounted for its depreciation. However, there are exceptions, such as if the equipment is used for personal purposes outside of work. Also, remember that if you are claiming the work-use percentage, you must be able to substantiate that percentage. Don’t just guess; track your hours! For advice on tracking your work-related expenses, read up on How to Track Work Expenses. Always ensure your claim is reasonable and defensible when you speak to your tax agent.

Q: Do I need to keep receipts for everything?

A: Yes! Always keep receipts, invoices, and any proof of purchase for any item you claim. Even if the item is old, proof of purchase is essential if the ATO ever asks you to justify your deduction.

Q: Can I claim my phone if I use it for work?

A: Yes, you can claim work-related phone expenses. If you use your phone for work and your personal calls, you can claim the proportion of the calls and usage that relates to your job. The 67c/hr method helps cover this, but tracking specific business calls is also valid.

Q: What if I buy a brand new monitor and laptop together?

A: You treat them as separate assets. If the laptop is $1,800 and the monitor is $250, the laptop will depreciate over four years, but the monitor (since it's under $300) can be claimed immediately in full, provided you use the work-use percentage.