Tax Deductibility of CV Writing Services in Australia: What You Need to Know

In a competitive job market, many professionals turn to CV writers, career consultants, and LinkedIn optimisation experts to improve their chances of securing better roles. A common question that follows is whether these costs can be claimed as a tax deduction in Australia.

This guide provides a clear, practical overview of how the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) views CV writing expenses, when they may be deductible, and when they may not. This is general information only – always seek personalised advice from a qualified tax professional.

Understanding Tax Deductibility

Under Australian tax law, an expense is generally deductible if it is directly linked to earning your current income. Personal or private expenses, or those connected to gaining new employment in a different occupation, are usually not deductible.

This is where CV writing services sit in a grey area. They support employability, but they can also be seen as personal career development rather than day-to-day income-producing activity.

The Nature of CV Writing Services

Professional CV services can include:

• rewriting your CV and cover letter
• optimising your LinkedIn profile
• career branding and positioning
• strategic job search support

These services can significantly improve your job prospects. Whether the cost is deductible depends on why you are using the service, and how closely that reason connects to your current income-producing employment.

Arguments That May Support Deductibility

1. Improving Performance or Advancement in Your Current Role

If the purpose of the CV or LinkedIn update is to apply for an internal promotion, compete for a higher-level position within the same organisation, or negotiate a salary increase, the expense may be considered connected to your current income-producing activities.

2. Staying Competitive in the Same Occupation

If you're applying for similar roles within the same industry or occupation — for example, changing employers but remaining in the same profession — some tax advisers argue there is a stronger link between the expense and your current work.

3. Industry-Specific Requirements

In some sectors, such as government, education, engineering, or health, applicants must follow strict CV formats or selection criteria. A professionally tailored CV that meets mandatory industry standards may be viewed as necessary for continuing in the same career stream.

4. Career Development Directly Related to Current Income

If the service helps you demonstrate new responsibilities, qualifications, or achievements needed for progression in your existing field, it may support the case for deductibility.

Arguments Against Deductibility

1. General Job-Seeking Costs

Expenses relating to changing occupations or seeking a completely new career path are generally not deductible. The ATO views these as private expenses rather than income-producing.

2. Personal Branding or Self-Improvement

Services that focus on personal development, confidence building, general career clarity, or broad employability enhancement may not meet the ATO’s criteria for a direct income-earning connection.

3. New Industry or New Skill Set

If your CV writing service is part of a transition into a different field (for example, hospitality to IT, retail to aged care, administration to finance), this is considered a personal, future-orientated expense rather than something tied to your current taxable income.

The Importance of Professional Tax Advice

Tax outcomes vary depending on your occupation, industry, employment status, and the reason you sought the service. Because CV writing sits in a grey area, it’s essential to obtain advice that considers:

• your current employment
• the role you are applying for
• your industry’s expectations and requirements
• your broader tax position and deductions

A qualified tax adviser can assess your situation against current ATO guidelines and tell you whether the expense is reasonably connected to your income-earning activities.

Best Practice for Record-Keeping

• Keep invoices and receipts for all CV-related expenses.
• Document why you engaged the service (e.g. applying for an internal promotion).
• Retain email correspondence that confirms the purpose.

Clear records can support your claims if the ATO requests clarification.

Conclusion

The tax deductibility of CV writing services in Australia depends entirely on your individual circumstances. While some situations present a reasonable argument for claiming the expense, others fall clearly outside deductibility rules.

The safest approach is simple: discuss your specific situation with a registered tax agent or accountant. They can help you understand what’s allowable, ensure compliance, and maximise your legitimate deductions.

This article offers general information only and should not be taken as tax advice. Always seek personalised guidance before making decisions related to tax deductions.