Can I claim meals while travelling for work on tax?
Meals may be deductible when they are incurred as part of eligible overnight work travel, but ordinary daily meals are generally private.
General guidance for Australian tax deductions only, not personal tax advice.
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Find my missed deductionsWhen meals while travelling for work may be claimable
- The meal must be part of deductible overnight work travel or meet a specific allowance rule.
- You paid the cost yourself.
When it is usually not claimable
- Regular lunches, coffees, and daily meals are usually private.
Records to keep
- Receipts where required
- Travel records and allowance context if relevant
Quick answer
Sometimes claimable. Whether you can claim meals while travelling for work usually comes down to work-related use, whether you paid for it yourself, whether any private portion is excluded, and whether you can support the claim with records.
Verify with current ATO guidance
Deductly guide last reviewed: 2026-04-16
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