Key Takeaways
- You can claim sunscreen if you work outdoors.
- Apportionment is required if your sunscreen is used by the whole family.
- Keep your receipts for any purchase over $10.
- Sunscreen is considered "protective equipment" by the ATO.
The Short Answer
Yes, but you must be an outdoor worker. The ATO recognizes that sunscreen is a professional necessity for anyone whose role involves exposure to UV rays for an extended period of time.
Who Can Claim?
To claim sunscreen, your job must require you to be outdoors for at least part of your working day. This includes:
- Tradies and construction workers
- Landscapers and gardeners
- PE teachers and coaches
- Outdoor event staff
- Farmers and farmhands
How Much Can You Claim?
If you purchase a bottle of sunscreen specifically for work and keep it in your work truck or bag, you can claim 100% of the cost. However, if you buy 1L bottles for the whole family and use a small amount for work, you should apportionment the expense (e.g., claim 50% or 30%).
Combining Sunscreen and Other Protection
Sunscreen is often claimed alongside other protective items. If you're an outdoor worker, you should also consider claiming:
- Broad-brimmed hats
- Long-sleeved work shirts
- Polarised sunglasses
Keep the Receipts
You don't need a receipt if your total work-related expenses are under $300, but for claims over $300, you must keep all receipts. We always recommend keeping every receipt to stay on the safe side of an ATO audit.
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