Sometimes claimable

Can I claim phone bill on tax?

You may be able to claim the work-related portion of your phone use if you paid for it yourself.

General guidance for Australian tax deductions only, not personal tax advice.

Free deduction review

One item checked. See the other areas worth reviewing.

Open a ready-to-use review now to find other work deduction areas and the records worth organising. No sign-up, payment, job title or income is needed to begin.

See my work deduction areas

When phone bill may be claimable

Expense must relate to earning your income.
Only work-related use is claimable.
You need a reasonable basis to work out your business or employment percentage.

When it is usually not claimable

Private use is not claimable.
Employer-reimbursed amounts are not claimable.

Records to keep

Phone bill
Reasonable work-use calculation or usage basis
Proof you paid the expense

Key question to ask yourself

Do you use your phone for work?

Quick answer

Sometimes claimable. Whether you can claim phone bill 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

ATO: Occupation and industry specific guides ATO: Records you need to keep ATO: Work-related deductions

Deductly guide last reviewed: 2026-04-16

Check another item See my work deduction areas

Related claim checks

Can I claim home internet?

Home internet may be claimable for the work-related portion where duties are performed from home.

Can I claim phone accessories for work?

Phone accessories may be deductible where they support work-related phone use and private use is excluded.