A designer is only as good as their tools. But in 2026, those tools are expensive. A high-performance iMac Pro or a fully loaded MacBook Pro, combined with a suite of professional software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, can represent a significant investment in your business infrastructure.
The good news? Most of these tools are legitimate tax deductions that can help you hold on to more of your hard-earned creative income.
As long as you are using your Adobe subscription purely for business purposes, it is a fully deductible operating expense (OpEx).
A top-tier iMac is more than just a computer; it's a "Capital Asset." Under current Australian tax rules for small businesses, you might be able to claim the entire cost in the same year you buy it.
💡 Note: If your iMac is primarily for personal use (like family photos or gaming), you must calculate the exact percentage of business use. If it's a dedicated studio machine, it's 100% deductible.
If the machine is very expensive (exceeding certain ATO limits), you may have to claim Depreciation—writing off a portion of the value over several years as the computer loses its market value.
Hardware isn't just about the computer. As a designer, you likely have other essential gear that qualifies for a deduction:
The ATO is strict on records. You must have receipts for every single item and subscription you claim. If you use Xero, ensure you attach a PDF copy of your receipts directly to the transaction once they appear in your bank feed.
Our accountants can help you determine the best way to write off your new hardware and software to maximize your 2026 tax return.
Talk to a Creative Tax Agent