Can You Claim Sunglasses and Bags on Tax? Here's What You Need to Know

As tax time approaches, many Australians wonder whether everyday work essentials like sunglasses or laptop bags can be tax-deductible. The answer? It depends on how you use them.

If you're a creative, freelancer or founder, the right gear isn't just about looking the part — it’s often essential to how you work. That’s why H&R Block has teamed up with Australian designer Poppy Lissiman to launch the Write-Off Collection: a curated edit of work-friendly accessories designed with tax time in mind.

This guide explains who can claim items like sunglasses and bags, when they qualify as deductible, and how to claim them on your next tax return.

Can You Claim Sunglasses on Tax?

Yes — but only if they’re essential for your job.

If your work involves spending time outdoors, sunglasses may be tax-deductible (including prescription sunglasses). This includes jobs where eye protection from UV exposure is necessary, such as:

• Tradies
• Surveyors
• Farmers
• Creatives who work outside (e.g., photographers, stylists, videographers)

To claim sunglasses:

• They must protect you from work-related sun exposure
• They must be used solely or primarily for work (If they are also used for personal purposes you can only claim the work-related portion)
• You’ll need a receipt that shows the purchase was job-related

Tip: If the sunglasses cost $300 or less and are used 100% for work, you can usually claim an immediate deduction in the same year.

Can You Claim Work Bags on Tax?

Yes — if you use the bag to carry essential items for your job.

This might include your laptop, tablet, tools, camera gear or important documents.
To claim a work bag:

• It must be used mainly for work purposes
• If there’s any personal use, you can only claim the work-related portion
• You must keep your receipt and be able to show how the bag supports your work

Example: If your work bag cost $250 and is used entirely for work, you can claim the full amount.

What If You Use It for Both Work and Personal Use?

If you use sunglasses or bags for both personal and professional purposes, you’ll need to apportion the cost — that means calculating what percentage of the time you use the item for work.

For example:

• If your bag is used 70% for work and 30% personally, you can only claim 70% of the purchase price
• Keep records that support your estimate, like a work diary or logbook

Can You Claim the Full Cost Right Away?

If your item costs $300 or less, you can generally claim the work-related portion as an immediate deduction in the same financial year.

If the cost is over $300, the ATO requires you to depreciate the work-related portion over its effective life, which means claiming smaller amounts across several years.

Keeping records is essential if you want to back up your claim — and that’s where ReceiptHub comes in.

Simplify Record-Keeping with ReceiptHub

ReceiptHub is H&R Block’s FREE mobile app that helps you:

• Snap, save and organise receipts effortlessly
• Track your working from home hours and vehicle expenses throughout the year
• Seamlessly export them to your tax accountant

Whether you’re tracking bags, sunglasses, or other work-related items, ReceiptHub helps keep everything in one place — so you’re ready come tax time.

Still unsure? Speak to a Tax Expert

Every job is different – and so is every tax return. The best way to know what you can (and can’t) claim is to speak with an H&R Block tax accountant.

Book an appointment with your nearest H&R Block office today and let our experts help you maximise your deductions and stay ATO-compliant.