Tax Deduction

Yes, you can claim books, journals, and similar resources that directly relate to your job or help you maintain your skills.

If your job involves working outdoors, you can claim sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats used specifically for work. Be sure to keep receipts and only claim the work-related portion.

There are two ways to claim car expenses. Keeping a logbook for at least 12 consecutive weeks, along with receipts for expenses (insurance, repairs, registration, etc.), generally maximizes your deduction. Fuel receipts aren’t mandatory if you’re using the logbook method, as standard fuel costs can be calculated. You need to record odometer readings annually. If you don’t have detailed records, you’re limited to the simpler cents-per-kilometre method. Remember, you can’t claim car expenses if the car is salary-packaged.

Typically, personal grooming and haircuts aren’t tax deductible. However, exceptions apply to specific roles like performing artists.

Yes, but only if it’s a compulsory uniform clearly identifying you as an employee or is a registered corporate uniform. Simply wearing certain colours or brands does not qualify. Maintenance costs, such as laundry and dry cleaning for these uniforms, are also deductible.

Unfortunately, no. Fashion or regular clothing, even with the store’s logo integrated into the design, isn’t tax deductible since it doesn’t uniquely identify you as an employee.

No. You can’t claim a blanket amount. While receipts aren’t required for claims up to $300, you must have actually incurred the expense and be able to justify it.

You can claim transport, meals, accommodation, and incidental expenses for work-related travel, provided you have relevant receipts. If travelling overnight or overseas, detailed records (like a travel diary) are essential.

You can claim deductions only if you genuinely incurred the expenses and have supporting documentation. Simply receiving an allowance doesn’t automatically qualify you for a deduction.

You can only claim expenses directly related to attending the seminar (e.g., registration fee, travel to the event). You can’t claim the entire trip, as its primary purpose was personal.

If you regularly work from home, you can claim a deduction using the ATO’s set rate of 67 cents per hour worked from home. This covers electricity, internet, phone usage, and general office supplies. You can also separately claim depreciation of office furniture, equipment repairs, and office cleaning if applicable. If your home is your main business location, additional expenses like rent, mortgage interest, council rates, insurance, and maintenance might also be deductible.

You can claim a deduction for work-related phone calls. Keep a call log for at least four weeks. While initial installation costs aren’t deductible, ongoing line rental and call costs can be proportionately claimed. If you’re already claiming home office expenses at 67 cents per hour, no additional telephone deductions can be claimed.

Yes, but if each item costs more than $300, you must depreciate them over their useful life. Keep a log of your work usage for at least four weeks to determine the deductible portion.

Yes. The ATO treats iPads similarly to laptops. If your iPad cost over $300, claim depreciation based on your work-related usage, keeping a four-week log.

No, childcare costs are not tax deductible.

No. Purchasing items or raffle tickets from charities doesn’t qualify as a deductible donation. Only direct donations to registered charities are tax deductible.

There’s no upper limit, provided your deductions are directly related to earning your income, and you have the necessary documentation.

Yes, provided it clearly shows the supplier’s details, the date, and the amount. Make a note of the item purchased to clarify your claim. Online or email receipts are also acceptable.

Keep all records for five years after lodging your tax return. For assets being depreciated, retain the receipts until the depreciation period ends, even if it’s beyond five years.

Yes. Fees paid for tax advice, preparation of returns, amendments, and handling tax matters by a registered tax agent are fully deductible. You can also claim travel costs for visiting your tax agent, subject to certain conditions.