The Ultimate Tax Guide for Lash Artists: How to Save Big at Tax Time

The Ultimate Tax Guide for Lash Artists: How to Save Big at Tax Time

Whether you’re lashing full-time, part-time, in a salon or from home — this guide is built for lash artists like you.

Read on to learn what to claim, the 6 deductions most lash artists miss & 4 smart moves to boost this year’s return before EOFY.

First, let's look at the 3 golden rules the ATO uses to decide what’s actually deductible.

Table of Contents

 

 

1. The 3 Golden Rules Of Tax Deductions

  1. It Must Be For Your Business
    Only claim expenses directly related to your lash work — not personal spending.
  2. Only Claim The Business Portion
    If something’s used for both business and personal (like your phone or internet), claim only the % used for business. This is called apportioning.
  3. You Need To Have Records
    No receipts = no claim. Keep proof of every expense — even the small stuff.

The ATOs 3 Golden Rules for Tax Deductions

2. What Australian Lash Artists Can Claim

Supplies And Tools

  • Lash trays, tweezers, glue, under-eye pads, etc.
  • Beds, lights, stools (under $300 can be claimed in full)
  • Cleaning products and PPE
  • Small decor or props used in your lash space

Note: If it’s over $300, your accountant may need to depreciate it.

Education And Training

  • Lash or brow training
  • Business/marketing courses that help your lash income
  • Conferences like LashCon
  • Books, guides, or online resources

Note: If travel’s involved, you can also claim:

  • Fuel, flights, or parking
  • Accommodation
  • Meals while away

Home-Based Business Costs

  • Occupancy expenses (mortgage interest, rent, council rates, land taxes, insurance premiums)
  • Portion of electricity, water, internet, phone
  • Depreciation on salon furniture used at home
  • Cleaning or laundry for your lash area

Note: You can only claim a portion of your household costs based on business use.

Tax Deductions for Home Based Lash Artists

Renting A Salon Space

  • Room or chair rental
  • Salon cleaning
  • Fit-out costs or bonds (flag large amounts with your accountant)

Software, Marketing, And Subscriptions

  • Booking tools like Fresha or Timely
  • Website/domain fees
  • Canva, CapCut, or editing apps
  • Paid social media ads
  • Trade subscriptions or magazines

Client Experience And Ambience

  • Spotify or Apple Music (if used in your salon)
  • Candles, diffusers, room sprays
  • Client drinks or snacks
  • Wall art or decorative props
  • Utilities/internet % for home based businesses

Overlooked Tax Deductions for Lash Artists - Client Refreshment & Ambience

Admin, Fees, And Insurance

  • EFTPOS and merchant fees (Square, Stripe, etc.)
  • Business insurance (liability, equipment)
  • Business bank account fees
  • Council permits or beauty licences
  • Bookkeeper or accountant fees

3. Commonly Overlooked Deductions

  • Merchant fees
  • Music streaming (when used in salon)
  • Candles, diffusers
  • Cleaning/laundry supplies
  • Client refreshments
  • Occupancy expenses for home based salons

If it helps deliver your service or run your lash biz, and you paid for it — it's probably claimable so ask your accountant.

Common Tax Deductions for Australian Lash Artists

4. What You Can’t Claim

  • Grooming Or Beauty Products: Makeup, facials, skincare — even if used “for work.”
  • Clothing Without Branding: Black tees, tights, and casual wear aren’t deductible. Only protective gear or logo’d uniforms qualify.
  • Your Daily Commute: Travel from home to your regular salon = not claimable. Travel for visiting clients, training or purchasing stock = claimable.
  • Unrelated Courses: If it’s training in a different field (like bookkeeping), you can’t claim it.
  • Reimbursed Costs: If someone else paid for it (e.g. your employer), you can’t claim it.

Want To Double-Check A Deduction?

The ATO has detailed guides for:

Remember, every setup is a little different so when in doubt, have your accountant confirm what applies to you.

5. How To Track Your Income And Expenses

What To Track

  • All income (including cash jobs)
  • All business expenses
  • Travel logs for client visits or training
  • Business use of home (internet, power, phone)

How To Track It

  • Snap and store receipts (Google Drive or Dropbox)
  • Tag emails with a “Tax” label
  • Use Google Sheets or accounting software
  • Log travel and working hours for home claims

Tools And Apps That Help

  • ATO App (myDeductions)
  • Rounded (simple Aussie tool)
  • Xero / QuickBooks
  • Google Sheets

Pro tip: Open a separate bank account for your business — it makes everything easier.

More on lash finance tips in our other blog post here

Tracking Income & Expenses for Lash Artists

6. EOFY Checklist: What To Give Your Accountant

Income

  • Client payments
  • Stripe/Square summaries
  • Business bank statements

Expenses

  • Receipts/invoices for everything
  • Tools/equipment list
  • Home office % breakdown

Travel/Training

  • Travel log
  • Flight, accom, and meal receipts
  • Course certs or registration docs

Other

  • Phone/internet/utilities
  • Insurance docs
  • Anything new or different this year

EOFY Checklist for Australian Lash Artists

7. EOFY Quick Wins + Final Takeaway

Quick Wins to Maximise this Year's Return

  • Buy supplies or retail products in bulk for next financial year and claim them now
  • Pre-pay software or training
  • Pre-book any upcoming business travel expenses (Flight, accommodation etc)
  • Write off any damaged or expired retail stock

Final Takeaway

The best tax outcome starts with clarity. Keep your records clean, know your deductions, and don’t guess — ask.

Small habits now = less stress later. That’s how pros do it.