Loading
This thread is archived and the information may not be up-to-date. You can't reply to this thread.
olaf(Newbie)Newbie
22 Feb 2023

I'm a musician (sole trader) about to head on an overseas tour with a band I work for. They are paying me a weekly fee (invoiced), and covering travel/accommodation for the gigs (roughly 3 per week).


However I have to arrange and pay for my accommodation (and other expenses) the rest of the time - e.g. if there are shows Fri/Sat/Sun, then I cover my accommodation for Mon-Thurs. Can I claim the accommodation and other expenses I pay for as a business expense?


This seems to suggest I can claim accommodation, but not other expenses, on days off:

https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Income-and-deductions-for-business/Deductions/Deductions-for-travel-expenses/


Thanks

1,818 views
3 replies
1,818 views
3 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

AlliATO(Community Support)Community Support
27 Feb 2023

Hi @olaf


Yes, the Noah example is relevant to your circumstances as the primary purpose of your trip is business, you would also be able to claim the items mentioned in the example.


If your activities on your days of are personal, and like the example includes dinner with friends or holiday like activities such as sight seeing you would not be able to claim those expenses.


However, if you took time on your day off from the band seeking future work opportunities then the expenses incurred on this day would be claimable business deductions remembering to include time, date and who you had seen in your travel diary. 

All replies

AlliATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 Feb 2023

Hi @olaf


Most expenses directly associated with you carrying out your business activities can be claimed. This includes expenses associated with rehearsal and meetings etc..


As a sole trader the most important requirement I can start with is the travel diary. As s a sole trader, you'd record ALL your business activities.


The deduction for travel expenses page is a fantastic guide.


Good luck with the tour.

olaf(Newbie)Newbie
24 Feb 2023

Thanks @AlliATO, but that doesn't really answer my question. I'm asking if I can claim accommodation (and other) expenses for days when I'm NOT doing business activities. The "Deductions for travel expenses" page is helpful (the 'Noah' example seems relevant to me), but I just wanted to clarify this in relation to my circumstances.


Yes I will be keeping a travel diary.


Thanks

Featured articles

Compare your small business performance with industry benchmarks

7 Apr 2026 · 2 min read time

Tax tips for social media influencers and content creators

22 Apr 2024 · 3 min read time

Working for a food delivery app

15 Apr 2026 · 4 min read time

Top liked users

  1. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    341 likes

  2. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    331 likes

  3. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    192 likes

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    151 likes

  5. Peter_Clyne

    (Superuser)

    101 likes

Top contributors

  1. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    1350contributions

  2. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    1333contributions

  3. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    593contributions

  4. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    526contributions

  5. YEP

    (Devotee)

    280contributions

Loading
What overseas travel expenses can I claim as a sole trader? | ATO Community