Are all marketing costs tax deductible?
Does anyone know you can claim all types of marketing expenses on your tax return, or are there limitations as to what is tax deductible?
Marketing is an essential part of building your brand, attracting customers and sustaining your business. This is why the ATO allows you to claim marketing expenses in your income tax return as they are costs you incur to run your business. Some examples of tax deductible marketing expenses include:
Costs associated with hiring a marketing consultant
Web design and development costs
Domain registration and web hosting fees
Digital advertising costs
Social media advertising costs
Offline advertising e.g. TV, print, radio ad campaigns costs
Costs associated with developing and implementing organic strategies e.g. SEO, SEM
To claim marketing/advertising expenses (and all other eligible tax deductions), make sure you keep all receipts, invoices and records of your marketing expenses. You'll need these to evidence your claims. Not all marketing expenses are eligible (such as business vehicle signage) so check the ATO’s guidelines or hire a tax accountant or tax agent for professional advice. Tax agents and accountants can help you maximise your tax return and get the best possible refund.
