As the June 30 end of the financial year approaches, Australian taxpayers still have several opportunities to boost their tax returns by making last-minute deductible expenses. While many have already missed the chance to claim voluntary superannuation contributions, a range of other strategies remain available.

Charitable donations remain a popular option, with June being a peak period for giving. Tax deductions for donations become claimable from July 1, and for couples, it is generally advisable to have the donation made in the name of the higher income earner to maximise the benefit. However, it is important to note that donations such as raffle tickets or contributions to most crowdfunding campaigns are not tax deductible.

Prepaying insurance premiums is another avenue for immediate deductions. Workers, investors, and business owners can pay a full year’s premium for income protection, landlord, or business-related insurance before June 30 and claim the deduction in the current year. Many insurers also incentivise annual payments with discounts.

Taxpayers who require bags such as handbags, briefcases, or luggage to carry work-related items like laptops may claim a deduction, provided the bags are not primarily used for personal items. Items costing less than $300 can be immediately deducted, a provision that applies to various work-related equipment.

Advance payments on work-related subscriptions to professional journals or digital publications are deductible, so long as the material is primarily for job-related use. Similarly, fees for upcoming work-related courses, seminars, or educational expenses paid before July may be claimed, but the education must relate to the taxpayer’s current employment, not to qualifications for a different job.

Property investors have a range of deductible expenses available, including loan interest, property management fees, and maintenance costs. Even smaller items such as doormats or garden ornaments can be claimed if purchased before the deadline, provided they are under $300. Moreover, many landlords do not fully utilise depreciation deductions related to construction and fittings; obtaining a professional depreciation report before June 30 can be worthwhile and deductible, with the option to amend returns for the previous two years to claim missed deductions.

For self-managed super fund (SMSF) holders, contributions must be received into the fund’s account by June 30 to qualify for deductions. This deadline is especially relevant as retail and industry superannuation funds typically have earlier cut-off dates.

Employees working from home can claim expenses using either a fixed rate method of 70 cents per hour or by calculating actual costs, which requires receipts. The latter may be advantageous for those with significant utility or technology expenses.

Finally, a broad range of occupation-specific deductions may apply across various fields. The Australian Taxation Office offers detailed guides covering multiple professions to help taxpayers identify eligible claims, which could include unusual items such as sunscreen, uniforms, or even musical instruments, provided the expenses are work-related and incurred before the end of Tuesday, June 30.