Hi guys & gals. I have collated the most recent chat about EOFY questions. Have included names and timestamps etc from WhatsApp S.A.D.I. chat to hopefully, make it easy to follow.

28/7/26, 3:26 pm – Amy Mason +61 425 124 359:
Hello Team,
Slightly off training topic but as we are all business owners & it is tax time, I thought it would be beneficial if we all came together to see how you best manage EOFY.
What software do you find the best?
What do you claim?
Do you have recommendations on a great accountant that understands MDI?

28/7/26, 5:07 pm – Kirsten Bigpond +61 419 518 700:
I use Xero, I claim everything I possibly can and have a great accountant who lives in Melbourne and has been my accountant for 20+ years. Feel free to message me direct if you have any specific questions. Cheers Kirsten

28/7/26, 6:53 pm – Driving With Pete +61 467 771 567:
Hi Amy, I use Xero, and have been using Kim from Rowe Partners who are in Beach Rd. They have been amazing, helping me every step since I took this on. The owner actually gave me her son as a student( who passed after his 2nd test) and she was extremely impressed. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Cheers Pete

28/7/26, 7:25 pm – Steve Palmer:
Knowing what we’re allowed to claim is always a challenge. Here’s a couple of the things I wouldn’t have thought of that my accountant pointed out…
– Home office. You can claim a percentage of your household energy bills, internet, phone, printer ink, paper etc
– ⁠Obviously any branded clothing, or anything safety related.
– ⁠Any tools that you may use for your work
– ⁠Coffee while you’re waiting for a VORT to come back, or your car to be serviced

28/7/26, 7:26 pm – Jacqe Temme:
I use Xero but it’s constantly raising its prices. Although it works for my business really well, I do wonder if MYOB Solo would be a better option. Insurance (need to find time to shop around AGAIN) just went up, petrol is on the rise, parents are becoming more demanding but less involved and I know a lot of us are feeling burnt out and concerned about the future next year.
That’s my vent. Thanks for your time.

28/7/26, 7:39 pm – Claudia +61 421 284 905:
Hi Amy my hubby is an accountant. You can get in touch if you want to chat to him. Vehicle expenses (usually the biggest claim) for me.

If you use your own car for lessons, you may be able to claim:

* Fuel
* Servicing and repairs
* Registration
* Comprehensive insurance
* Tyres
* Car washes
* Roadside assistance
* Loan interest (not the principal)
* Lease payments (if applicable)
* Depreciation (decline in value)

Driving instructor equipment

* Dual controls
* Dash cameras
* Phone mount
* First aid kit
* Emergency triangles
* High-visibility vest
* Cleaning supplies
* Floor mats used for work
* L plates

Technology

* Mobile phone (work-use percentage)
* Laptop or tablet
* Computer accessories
* Printer and ink
* Software subscriptions
* Cloud storage
* Internet (work-use percentage)

Business expenses

* Public liability insurance
* Professional indemnity insurance
* Vehicle insurance
* Instructor accreditation and renewal fees
* Police checks or Working With Children Check.
* Accountant fees
* Bookkeeping software
* Bank fees
* Merchant fees (Square, EFTPOS, Stripe, etc.)

Marketing

* Website costs
* Domain name
* Facebook and Instagram advertising
* Google Ads
* Business cards
* Flyers
* Vehicle signage
* Photography and branding

Office expenses

If you run the business from home:

* Home office running costs
* Office furniture
* Stationery
* Printer paper
* Filing cabinets
* Pens
* Diaries

(You can only claim the work-related portion.)

Uniforms

You may be able to claim:

* Branded shirts or jackets with your business logo
* Protective clothing required for work

Ordinary everyday clothing is generally not deductible.

Training and education

If it directly relates to your current work:

* Driver training seminars
* Defensive driving courses
* Road safety conferences
* Professional development
* Industry memberships

My largest legitimate deductions are likely to be:

1. Mazda 3 running costs.
2. Fuel.
3. Servicing and tyres.
4. Insurance and registration.
5. Website and online booking software.
6. Facebook/Instagram advertising.
7. Square payment processing fees.
8. Mobile phone and internet.
9. Professional accreditation fees.
10. Accountant and bookkeeping costs

28/7/26, 7:43 pm – Bas +61 415 361 261:
Thank you,
Your information is very helpful.

28/7/26, 7:45 pm – Claudia +61 421 284 905:
My absolute pleasure! 

28/7/26, 7:48 pm – Amy Mason +61 425 124 359:
Thank you Claudia & Steve
This is exactly the direction I was hoping my question would do.

So many MDIs are unaware of the taxable costs we can claim.

This is very helpful 

28/7/26, 8:01 pm – Kirsten Bigpond +61 419 518 700:
Impressive run down. A great help to those not in the know. Bravo 

28/7/26, 8:29 pm – James Sadler +61 424 907 002:
Hi Claudia, my sister in law is an accountant and she agrees with all this. Fwiw I use an app that also logs every lesson and tracks kms done and hours spent teaching. It creates a monthly CSV and I just share it with her at the end of each month.

28/7/26, 9:58 pm – Maneet Garg +61 403 948 623:
Hi everyone! 
Just wanted to let you all know that while many of you know me as a driving instructor, accounting is actually my main profession, and I am a CPA Qualified accountant having over 15 years of experience in accounting and taxation. If you, your family, or your friends need help with tax returns, BAS, bookkeeping, business accounting, or any tax-related matters, I’d be more than happy to assist.
Thanks for all your support over the years, and please feel free to reach out anytime if you need a hand or know someone who does. 

See SADI WhatsApp group chat for image – sorry Maneet, couldn’t insert here. (I tried )
: Thanks Claudia for a comprehensive list of the expenses, good reference for our fellow MDI’s

29/7/26, 11:06 am – Daryl +61 408 811 815:
Hi can I ask who can you recommend for comprehensive insurance for a driving instructor in south Australia? Cheers Daryl
I’m currently with NRMA , but getting expensive?

29/7/26, 11:07 am – Roy Warwick (Key2Safety) +61 437 145 868: Suncorp, good price.

29/7/26, 11:07 am – Daryl +61 408 811 815:
Thanks
I got a quote from them. $1579 for a 24 Rav 4 hybrid

30/7/26, 7:00 am – Mark Fraser:
Hi All,
Supporting each other in business operation and advice is definitely “on topic” for this group. I will collate the excellent responses below and drop them across onto our community forum as part of building our member’s resource 

**Jenny Fraser here.
As Mark has been on the road all day, and hasn’t had a chance to get into the office to do the above, I thought I would at least get the chat that Amy began as it is an excellent example of what the Group does really well. Thanks all for your participation