Deductions for Dummies: The ATO’s Top 11

Deductions for Dummies: The ATO’s Top 11

The ATO has warned taxpayers about common deductions that should not be claimed.

In a new guide, Don’t be a dummy with your deductions, the ATO lists eleven items that are often claimed but probably shouldn’t be:

  • Travel between home and work;
  • Car expenses for transporting bulky tools and equipment;
  • Salary packaged car expenses;
  • Meal expenses while travelling;
  • Travel that includes a private component;
  • Clothing;
  • Cleaning costs for work clothes;
    vSelf-education costs;
    vPhone and internet expenses; and

  • Tools and equipment.

    “It’s a myth that you can claim everyday clothes, for example, black pants and a plain white shirt, even if you only wear them to work, and your employer says you have to. To legitimately claim your uniform, it needs be unique and distinctive, such as a uniform with your employer’s logo, or be specific to your occupation and not for everyday use, like chef’s pants or coloured safety vests,” Assistant Commissioner Kath Anderson said.

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