Being prepared for your taxes is one of the most boring and nerdy things that you can do, right?

Wrong! Being a good custodian of your receipts can results in dollars back in your pocket - so it's good to be prepared and aware of what you can claim so that you make the most of your tax return - and get as much back as you can.  So keep your receipts!

First of all - we look at your industry - what industry are you in and are there any special claims you can make based on this?

The ATO has a huge list of documents for so many industries, such as teachers and truck drivers, apprentices, nurses, cleaners and so many more.  Check out the whole list here: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/income-and-deductions/occupation-and-industry-specific-guides/

This list is great because it tells you what you can claim, as well as some of those things that you can't claim.

For everyone who is not on the occupation list, that's OK.  Your rules are this: If there is a clear link between the cost and your earning money, then it is generally claimable.  There are always exceptions to the rules, but here are some common tax deductions (also called claims).

1. Laundry & uniforms - if you wear a uniform supplied by work, or if it is protective in nature, you can claim the cost of washing it.  In most cases this will be $0.50 per load over the year.  Laundry is claimable to a maximum of $150 without receipts.  If you are responsible for buying your own clothes for work, they are only claimable if they are protective in nature (ie overalls or steel-capped boots), they have the business logo, or are a recognisable uniform, such as chef's pants or nurses scrubs.

2. Phone and Internet - if you use your own phone for work purposes - that is, you make and receive calls regularly (not once or twice in the year), then you may be able to claim a % of the bills based on your usage - or if you have all of the calls listed on a bill and can add them up to the exact cost, that's even better.  Note, if work pays you an allowance (eg $20 per month) to use your phone, this is income, and you are allowed to claim the costs against that income, even if it is more.

Internet can be harder to track, so the ATO recommends having a log book of the hours you work to claim a % - please note that anyone else in your house who uses the internet will decrease your share.

3. Memberships or subscriptions - if you have a profession or trade in your industry, you can claim costs for the membership, union fees or business association.  These memberships often help you create better networks or let you learn more about your occupation, so they are not just a cost.

4. Training - if you have done (or are planning) any training that's directly related to your current job, then these costs might be claimable.  Things such as training to increase your qualifications or to expand your knowledge so that you can get paid more is great.  Please note that if there is no link (such as an accountant studying nursing) then it is not claimable.

Costs you might be able to claim include:
 - the cost of the course/seminar / conference
 - the travel to attend the training - either by car, taxi or flights
 - any meals you had to purchase when staying away from home on this travel
 - any accommodation costs paid to stay at your training

5. Working From Home - these rules have evolved since 2020, and you are eligible to claim a cents per hour of working claim, that covers all of your costs (inc telephone) - with a diary or timesheet proof of your hours worked at home.  Or you can collect your receipts and claim your actual costs, which may work better for you.
Costs include internet, phone, stationery, furniture costs, and electricity costs. 

See more info here: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/Deductions-you-can-claim/Working-from-home-expenses/

6. Travel.  There are a lot of rules around travel, and what you can and can't claim.  Generally - travel to and from work is NOT claimable (always exceptions though!).
Keep a logbook if you drive your own car for work purposes, from the office/yard, to another workplace or another work site - these will be claimable, at a set rate per kilometre travelled. 

Things that you can claim that aren't work based:

- donations to registered charities
- income protection insurance premiums paid
- costs to do your tax

The other thing to note is that timing counts. 

In most cases, for most taxpayers (there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rules) you can claim the cost if you have paid it.  So we are looking for receipts of things you have actually paid for in the financial year.  If you pay in advance for travel and conferences that happen in the following year, you may still be able to claim them this year.