Can I claim without receipts| 2023 Gotax

Can You Claim Tax Deductions Without Receipts? Find Out

Published: April 2024

Lost your receipts?
Before you start crying into your shoebox of faded petrol dockets, take a deep breath — you might still be able to claim!

The ATO isn’t heartless.
There are legit rules that let you claim certain work-related expenses even if you don’t have physical receipts.

Let’s break it down, nice and easy — Derek style.

What Are the ATO Rules on Claiming Without Receipts?

If you don't have a receipt, you may still claim if:

✅ The expense was genuinely work-related
✅ You paid for it yourself (no reimbursements)
✅ You can show reasonable evidence — like a bank statement, diary entry, or work record

✅ For small expenses under $10 (like parking meters or stationery), the ATO will accept a written record instead of a receipt.

But — you must keep:

• Date

• Description

• Amount

• Reason why no receipt is available

How Much Can I Claim Without Receipts?

You can claim up to $300 total for work-related expenses without receipts — across all categories combined.

✅ It can cover things like:

• Uniform laundering

• Small tools

• Work supplies

✅ But remember:

• You can't just invent expenses to "fill" the $300

• You still need reasonable proof you spent it

Quick Reference Table: No Receipt? What You Can Claim

Smart Ways to Back Yourself Up

Even without a receipt, you can prove purchases by:

✅ Bank or credit card statements
✅ Work calendar entries (e.g., meetings that required travel)
✅ Employer communications confirming the need to buy gear
✅ A signed note or diary entry at the time of expense

Bottom line:
If it looks genuine and fits the story — the ATO usually accepts it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I claim more than $300 without receipts?
No. The $300 is a cap for no-receipt work expenses. Over that, you need real receipts.

What happens if the ATO asks for proof?
If you don’t have a receipt, they’ll ask for alternative evidence. If you have nothing, they can deny the deduction.

Can I claim work clothing without a receipt?
You can claim laundry costs under $150 without receipts — but buying the clothing itself needs a proper receipt unless it’s a trivial purchase.

Do I need a logbook for car expenses?
For under 5,000km claims, you can use a reasonable diary or estimate. Over that? Proper logbook required.

Quick Recap: How to Claim Without Receipts

• ✅ You can claim up to $300 total without receipts

• ✅ Expenses must be work-related and paid by you

• ✅ Written records, bank statements, or diary entries are essential

• ✅ No receipts = no drama (if you do it right!)

Want to Maximise Your Tax Refund (Without the Receipt Stress)?

Gotax makes claiming work expenses — with or without receipts — fast, legal, and stress-free.

✅ 100% Online
✅ Step-by-step prompts
✅ Instant help if you need it
✅ No appointment dramas

Start your tax return now: https://www.gotax.com.au/start-now

Related Resources (All Live):

• Start Your Tax Return with Gotax
  https://www.gotax.com.au/

• Need Help with Vehicle Logbooks?
  https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/need-help-with-vehicle-logbooks-heres-how-to-get-it-right1