As June 30 fast approaches, Aussie workers everywhere are scrambling to sort their receipts, tally their work-from-home hours, and make a last-minute investment in an “essential” office purchase or two. And while we won’t be swapping our day job to “registered tax agent” any time soon, we did a little digging to determine whether you can claim a designer bag as a tax deduction. And, according to eBay, the answer is in the bag…
In a nutshell, yes, you might just be able to claim that chic new tote, satchel or shoulder bag as a tax write-off.
The catch is that it has to cost under $300, be used primarily for work (think: carrying laptops, notebooks, or other on-the-job essentials), and meet the ATO’s criteria. So, while that glittery clutch from your BFFs hens party probably won’t cut it, a structured, office-appropriate carry-all could be fair game.
With that in mind, while a glamorous Gucci number may not quite fall within budget, an easy way to shop smarter and bag a bargain is to go preloved.
In fact, according to eBay, Aussies are loving homegrown luxury labels like Aje, Oroton, Scanlan Theodore and Zimmermann, which consistently rank among the most searched brands on the platform. That means you could score a stunning secondhand Oroton work bag and potentially claim it on tax.
Better still, pre-loved fashion is a win for the planet and your wallet. No more awkward elevator twinning moments when you spot three other colleagues with the same store-bought tote. Pre-loved equals personality. Plus, eBay’s 2024 Recommerce Report found that 77% of users globally are buying secondhand more often.
So, go ahead, bag a deal, pocket a deduction, and clutch onto your cash a little tighter.
