1. I have to buy tools and equipment for my job. What can I claim on my tax?

   You can claim expenditure incurred in replacing, insuring and repairing tools of trade that you use for earning your income. If the cost of any item     is more than $300, it will have to be depreciated (i.e. claimed over its effective life). The amount you can claim will depend on what receipts you         have kept and to what extent you use it for income producing purposes. If you are in the situation where you are wondering what you can claim       without receipts, you can claim less than $300 without proof of purchase.

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2. My job requires me to keep my knowledge up to date and I buy books and journals. Can I claim them all?

    If technical books, trade books or journals are necessary to fulfil your job function efficiently, the cost of their purchase is tax deductible.

 

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3. Can I claim a deduction for sun protection items?

    A deduction is available for outdoor workers who buy sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and hats for use at work. The claim must be substantiated and      apportioned for private use.

 

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4. I have a job which requires me to be on the road a great deal and I must use my own car. What do I need to do so that I can claim a tax deduction for my car?

    There are four different methods for claiming work related motor vehicle expenses and each have different record keeping requirements.To use        the method that ensures you the best claim it is advisable to keep a log book and all receipts for expenses (e.g. insurance, registration, repairs,          services, tyres, etc.). Your log book should be kept for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks and generally it will be valid for five years unless there      are significant changes in your circumstances. You also need to keep the opening and closing odometer reading for each year.

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    It is not necessary for you to use the same claim method each year. The choice of method should be made based on which is more favourable to      you and which you have the appropriate records for. If you don’t have a current logbook or have not retained all receipts, you will be limited in          which method you can choose. You cannot, however, claim any car expenses if your car is salary packaged.

 

 

5. My employer expects me to wear specific clothing for work? What would I be able to claim on my tax?

     Compulsory uniforms are generally deductible provided they identify you as an employee of that organisation or in a specific occupation. A               requirement to simply wear particular colours is not enough to make the clothing deductible (for example a waiter being required to wear black         and white clothing) nor is a requirement to wear a store’s own brand of clothing (they are still conventional clothing and not tax deductible).

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     Corporate wardrobes are also deductible if certain conditions are met. The uniform design must be registered with AusIndustry. Provided that           the clothing is deductible then you may also claim maintenance costs (laundry, dry cleaning and repairs).

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6. Am I entitled to claim $300 for work related expenses as this does not have to be substantiated?

    You cannot just claim $300. You must actually incur any expense before it is claimable. Whilst you may not need receipts for expenditure up to          $300 you must have spent the money and it must be relevant to your employment.

 

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7. I have incurred travel expenses this year. What can I claim on my tax?

    Your travel must be relevant to your job function for you to be eligible to claim a deduction for those expenses. Where this is the case, and you        have the necessary documentation, you can claim the cost of transport and incidentals. If your travel involved an overnight stay you would be          able to claim for meals. Travel overseas also requires you to keep travel diary.

 

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8. My job requires me to keep my knowledge up to date and I buy books and journals. Can I claim them all?

    If technical books, trade books or journals are necessary to fulfil your job function efficiently, the cost of their purchase is tax deductible.

 

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