Mixing work and leisure can be appealing – especially if you’re travelling for a conference, meeting, or site visit and bringing your family along. 

However, when it comes to claiming expenses on your tax return, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) takes a close look. Knowing the rules can help you claim what’s legitimate while avoiding costly mistakes.

Work Vs Personal Expenses

The key principle is that you can only claim the portion of expenses that are directly related to your work. Anything purely personal – like your family’s flights, meals, or leisure activities – cannot be claimed.

For example:

• If you fly interstate for a three-day work conference and stay an extra three days for a holiday, only half of your airfare and accommodation is deductible.
• If your family comes along, their costs (airfares, meals, tickets, tours) are entirely private and non-deductible.

Common Deductible Expenses

• Airfares – Only your work-related portion.
• Accommodation – Deductible for nights linked to work.
• Conference/meeting fees – Usually fully deductible if directly tied to earning your income.
• Meals – Deductible only when incurred while away overnight for work.
  

Record-Keeping Is Key

The ATO requires clear evidence. Keep:

• Receipts for all expenses.
• A travel diary outlining work and private activities.
• Conference schedules, meeting notes, or booking confirmations to substantiate claims.

Taking family along on a work trip doesn’t stop you from claiming legitimate deductions – but it does mean being extra careful. By clearly separating business from personal expenses and keeping thorough records, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about the tax consequences.