5 tax deductions that don't require a receipt
If you, like most Australians, are looking for ways to minimise your tax, you may be looking for some extra deductions. Here are 5 tax deductions you can take advantage of, without needing a separate receipt.
Laundry
If your company provides you with a logoed uniform that you must wear to work, then you can claim a deduction for laundering your uniform each week, as this is a work related expense. The amount that you can deduct depends on how many days a week that you work and how soiled your items are. It's a good idea to get advice from your accountant to work out a reasonable deduction amount.
Mobile phone usage
If your work expects you to be available to take calls and answer emails after hours, then you can take a percentage of your mobile phone bills as a tax deduction. You can make a reasonable effort in calculating the personal vs business usage on your phone.
Your bag
If you have a bag that you use to transport papers home each night, or your laptop computer in and out of the office, then you can claim a deduction for this item. If the bag is a work-related expense, you can also claim any repairs that the bag may claim after solid use. These items do not require a receipt, providing they are 'low value' (under $300).
Travel to work (if you have heavy tools)
If you have heavy tools that you cannot reasonably carry, then you can claim the costs of travelling to and from your jobsite. You do not need to prove the weight of the tools that you carry and most tradespeople can claim this deduction without justifying the tool weights. You will need to keep a log book of the travel distances however, so that the exact deduction can be calculated.
Home office
If you do work at home in a home office, you can claim some costs of running your home office, including electricity and internet usage. You do not need to provide a log of these hours but can simply use a reasonable estimate.
If you are looking to maximise your tax return and claim some extra deductions, it is a good idea to discuss your income and expenses with your accountant. They can use some detailed questions to tease out other potential tax deductions and ensure that you are getting everything you are owed.
