Australia's Science Forum

Hi Everyone,

I was just wondering what everyone claims on their tax returns as "Work Expenses" etc.

I will assume you have receipts lol.

I just have no idea what I should claim apart from work shoes and a small amount of travel mileage.

I do use my phone for work purposes....sometimes, but how do I go about claiming for that?

Any help here would be appreicated.

Thanks everyone.

I claim the maximum amount or just under for mileage that you don't have to have a log book for. Laundry, donations, Union fees I think that's about it.
I go through accountant so his fees, and if receipted items are under $600.00 you don't have to keep receipts.

please correct me if I'm wrong.

To help with keeping track of your deductions, ATO has an app (yes, there's an app for everything these days). You can record journeys for work, save common journeys so easy each time to record. You can photograph receipts and it will save them. This information is automatically downloaded if you do your own tax return on-line.
I only claim mileage, laundry and self education expenses. I don't know of anything else.

Stationary - like a diary, pens, markers etc. My accountant says our shoes are not deductible ( ). Laundry for lab coat or uniform, anything you may have bought with the school logo on it.

Yes Lab shoes, you can claim, I have done this for about 20 years, have they stopped it now???

I've heard you can only claim for safety shoes, ie those with steel caps. Worthwhile checking. I have seen what the ATO does to people if they take them to court - it is not pretty. So best to check first before claiming. You also need to consider that you are only receiving the tax back on things you claim, and given our tax bracket, it is not always a great sum, so may not be worth the stress.

My tax agent stopped claiming my work shoes when I went from steel capped shoes to orthotics! I'll back you there, Merilyn.
Hey, Merilyn, you should change your profile settings. You are still showing as working at OPAC.
Cheers
Ian

Ian wrote:My tax agent stopped claiming my work shoes when I went from steel capped shoes to orthotics! I'll back you there, Merilyn.
Hey, Merilyn, you should change your profile settings. You are still showing as working at OPAC.
Cheers
Ian

Oops yep, better do that. It feels like they might be keeping me around after my first week!

It would be OK if they paid you for both jobs!

Ian

I claim hat, sunburn cream, mozi repellent, mini first aid kit, back pack, rain coat, 10% mobile phone bill, 10% internet fees, hiking shoes, plus usual stuff.

Wow, what sort of job are you doing? The average labbie wouldn't be able to claim those sorts of things. You must have a much more interesting life than me!

I claim my shoes as it is stipulated you MUST wear leather fully enclosed shoes - and these are not shoes I would ordinarily buy - and they are only worn for work ... also claim sunnies and face cream and mobile and internet from home