ATO media release

The ATO wants people to avoid making incorrect claims for work-related expenses at tax time this year so they’ve shared useful tips about claiming deductions in their recent media release.

I’d love for you to share the release or the list below of 11 deductions you (probably) can’t claim with your networks.

If you’d like to know more about any other tax time topics, or if you’d prefer this information in another format, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll be happy to tailor content for you.

Kind regards,

Emily Stephan
Communication Manager, Public Relations
Australian Taxation Office

atopublicrelations@ato.gov.au

• Trips between home and work. Generally you can’t claim a deduction for these because they’re considered private travel.
• Car expenses for transporting bulky tools or equipment, unless:
  — you need to use your bulky tools to do your job
  — your employer requires you to transport this equipment
  — there is no secure area to store the equipment at work.
• Car expenses that have been salary sacrificed.
• Meal expenses for travel, unless you were required to work away from home overnight.
• Private travel, so if you take a work trip that includes personal travel you can only claim the work-related portion.
• Everyday clothes you bought to wear to work (eg, a suit or black pants), even if your employer requires you to wear them.
• A flat rate for cleaning eligible work clothes without being able to show how you calculated the cost.
• Higher education contributions charged through the HELP scheme.
• Self-education expenses when the study doesn’t have a direct connection to your current employment – your future or dream jobs don’t count.
• Private use of phone or internet expenses – only the work-related portion counts.
• Up-front deductions for tools and equipment that cost more than $300. However, you can spread your deduction claim over a number of years. That’s called depreciation. 

The ATO website has lots of information about what you can and can’t claim as a tax deduction. Visit ato.gov.au/deductions to find out more.