Work related expenses in the ATO firing line
This year the ATO is paying particular attention to the following work-related expenses: –
- Overnight Travel. – The ATO is concerned that excessive claims are being made for overnight travel costs, such as transport, accommodation and meals. As a general rule, employees can claim a deduction for travel expenses they pay where –
- their employer requires them to perform their work away from their usual workplace for a short period
- it would be unreasonable to expect them to return home each day, which means they must stay away from home while they are doing that work.
- the ATO considers an individual is “traveling” for work purposes, as opposed to “living-away-from-home”, when the period away is less than 21 days.
- however if away more than 6 nights a travel diary is required.
- Substantiation Exception – Under this exception, individuals can claim a deduction for the full amount of their overnight travel expenses with out receipts if certain conditions are met.
- See ATO TD 2014/19 for allowable rates
- Expenses for transporting bulky tools and equipment between home and work. – Where an individual transports bulky tools and equipment required for their job, provided that certain requirements are met.
- a deduction is not allowable if a secure place for storage of equipment is provided at the workplace.
- if the equipment is transported as a matter of convenience or personal choice, no deduction is allowable.
- Computers, phones and similar devices – As a general rule, the cost of mobile devices are deductible for employees who can demonstrate they are either “on call” or are required to contact their employer on a regular basis while they are away form the workplace.
Posted in Tax