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
- 2. What Australian Lash Artists Can Claim
- 3. Commonly Overlooked Deductions
- 4. What You Can’t Claim
- 5. How To Track Your Income And Expenses
- 6. EOFY Checklist: What To Give Your Accountant
- 7. EOFY Quick Wins + Final Takeaway
1. The 3 Golden Rules Of Tax Deductions
-
It Must Be For Your Business
Only claim expenses directly related to your lash work — not personal spending. -
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. -
You Need To Have Records
No receipts = no claim. Keep proof of every expense — even the small stuff.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.