Music tax deductions in Australia: What gigging musicians can legitimately claim

Short answer

Australian musicians who earn performance income can generally claim instrument and equipment costs, strings and accessories, repair and maintenance, home practice space expenses, music education and books, travel to and from gigs, and relevant subscriptions and software. The key requirement is demonstrating that expenses relate directly to income-producing activity — and keeping receipts.

Common claimable music expenses

• Instruments and equipment: guitars, amplifiers, pedalboards, microphones — subject to depreciation rules for items over the instant asset threshold.
• Consumables: strings, picks, reeds, cables, drum heads — typically fully claimable in the year of purchase.
• Repairs and maintenance: instrument servicing, setup, and setup-related modifications.
• Education: lessons, workshops, and books related to your performing instrument or career.
• Travel: transport to and from gig venues, not general commuting.
• Software and subscriptions: recording software, notation tools, and streaming subscriptions used for work.

The receipt problem — solved

The most common reason musicians lose legitimate deductions is receipts they cannot find at tax time. The Crescender iOS app (free, no account required) is built to solve this: open the app, scan any music receipt with your phone camera, and it is immediately logged and categorised. By the end of the financial year you have a complete, searchable record that your accountant can work from directly. Android coming August 2026.