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QuestionTax1_2(Initiate)Initiate
13 Aug 2024

Hi there,


I was involved in a Fair Work dispute for which I had to engage an Employment Lawyer. The dispute was resolved and I kept my employment contract in the end. Can I deduct the legal expenses I incurred for this? And if so, would that be including or excluding GST?


I came across the Tax Ruling Legal Database and as per paragraph 2 of TR 2000/5, the following costs incurred by an employee are an allowable deduction:

  • costs of drawing up an employment agreement with an existing employer to replace an award or in accordance with a provision in the existing agreement;

  • costs associated with settlement of disputes arising out of an existing employment agreement including the cost of representation;

  • costs of changing the conditions of an existing employment agreement with the same employer - providing the existing agreement allows for changes - be it a variation, re-negotiation of an existing agreement or upon a promotion; and

  • costs of renewing or extending a fixed term agreement which has a provision allowing for renewal or an extension at the end of a term.


Going from the above, I would think the costs are deductible.


Appreciate your help, thanks.

4,859 views
4 replies
4,859 views
4 replies

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Most helpful reply

Matt_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
15 Aug 2024

Howdy @QuestionTax1_2,


You’re on the right track – but it’s not always an automatic yes.


Legal expenses for employment disputes can be deductible if they relate directly to earning your income.


From your situation:

  • you were in an employment dispute
  • you retained your employment
  • the legal costs were for representation.

This can align with the type of costs in TR 2000/5 (for example, costs associated with disputes about an existing employment agreement).


GST credits (input tax credits) don’t apply unless you’re registered for GST and carrying on an enterprise, which doesn’t apply in a standard employment situation.

All replies

Most helpful reply

Matt_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
15 Aug 2024

Howdy @QuestionTax1_2,


You’re on the right track – but it’s not always an automatic yes.


Legal expenses for employment disputes can be deductible if they relate directly to earning your income.


From your situation:

  • you were in an employment dispute
  • you retained your employment
  • the legal costs were for representation.

This can align with the type of costs in TR 2000/5 (for example, costs associated with disputes about an existing employment agreement).


GST credits (input tax credits) don’t apply unless you’re registered for GST and carrying on an enterprise, which doesn’t apply in a standard employment situation.

QuestionTax1_2(Initiate)Initiate
16 Aug 2024

Thanks Matt_ATO.


Would this also apply to a Fair Work dispute commenced by another colleague as part of allegations made of harassment against me?


The related events happened outside the work place and therefore outside my duty as an employee.


However I was suspended for quite some time and had to defend myself against the allegations made. I would argue that by that I also had to defend my employee contract.


I find it hard to determine whether the legal fees incurred were for private purposes (because outside my duty as an employee) or as part of generating my assessable income (because I had to defend my employee contract indirectly).


Thanks again for your help.

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Can I deduct legal fees for a Fair Work dispute I was involved in? | ATO Community