Are Resume Writing Services Tax Deductible in Australia? Here’s What You Need to Know

Amlode Employment Services
5 days ago
3 min read

This blog provides general information only. It is not tax or financial advice. I am not an accountant or registered tax agent. Please speak with your accountant to understand what applies to your personal situation. The information below relates to Australian Tax Office (ATO) guidelines only.

Download our eligibility checklist for resume tax deductions here.

When tax time rolls around, one of the most common questions I’m asked is:

“Can I claim resume writing services on my tax return?”

As someone who has worked as a resume writer for nearly a decade, with over 1,000 positive reviews and more than 2,000 resumes written across almost every profession you can imagine, I’ve seen many clients successfully claim their resume and job application expenses. I’ve also seen situations where clients thought they could claim these costs, but the ATO classified them as non deductible.

So, let’s break down the rules clearly and in plain English using real scenarios from my clients, so you know exactly where you stand.

When Resume Writing Can Be Tax Deductible

The ATO allows deductions for expenses that directly relate to earning your current income. In some situations, resume writing falls into that category.

Here is an example from one of my clients.

They recenly went through a company wide restructure. Employees were requried to reapply for their own jobs in order to remain within the organisation. Because their role, industry and income remained the same, yet an updated resume was mandatory to keep earning their income, the ATO allowed this cost as a tax deductible expense.

This is one of the clearest examples of when resume writing can be claimed.

Other scenarios where you can claim resume writing on tax:

You are applying to keep your same role
You are required to update resumes internally to send out to clients
The cost is considered necessary to help you continue in your current field

If the resume, cover letter or selection criteria you purchase from a service like ours is directly tied to ongoing income earning activities, your accountant may classify resume writing as a tax deduction.

When Resume Writing Is Not Tax Deductible

The ATO is very clear about this: if the resume relates to new employment, it is typically not deductible. New employment doesn't just mean a different job, it can mean a different industry or break in employment. You generally cannot claim resume writing if you're changing careers, entering the job market for the first time or reentering the workforce after a break. These costs are generally classified as personal or private expenses and are not eligible.

How to Navigate if Your Resume Writing Services are Tax Deductible

Ask yourself this:

“Would the ATO view this expense as directly connected to the income I am currently earning?”

If the answer is yes, you may be eligible. If the answer is no, it may fall under non deductible personal or career transition expenses.

Your accountant will always give you the definitive answer, and it’s worth asking the question, because many people are surprised by what is claimable in very specific employment circumstances.

Real World Grey Areas (and How to Navigate Them)

Over the years, I’ve spoken with clients who weren’t sure where they fit:

“I’m applying for a promotion within my company, can I claim it?”

“I’ve been told my role is changing but my employer needs updated documents, what do I do?”

These situations often fall into ATO approved deduction territory because they help you continue earning income with your current employer.

But again, this is always a conversation to have with your accountant.

How Amlode Employment Services Fits Into This

Amlode Employment Services is a professional resume writing service on the Central Coast. Being the longest standing and highest rated resume writers in the area, we work with clients across all industries and stages of career to help them land their dream job.

If you're applying for a new role in your existing field, preparing internal documents required by your employer or navigating a restructure, we can put togeher resumes that are likely tax deductible.

If your accountant determines your situation meets ATO's criteria, you can claim our resume writing services on your next tax return.

Give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions about how to write an outstanding resume. Check out our services here.

Download our eligibility checklist for resume tax deductions here.