How Much Stationery Can I Claim on Tax?

How Much Stationery Can I Claim on Tax?

Claiming stationery on your tax return can help you save money, especially if you use it primarily for work. Here’s a comprehensive, yet simple guide to help you understand how much stationery you can claim as a tax deduction in Australia, complete with examples and traps to avoid.

When Is Stationery Tax Deductible?

To claim stationery as a tax deduction, the expenses must directly relate to earning your income. Here are some scenarios where this might apply:

1. Office Workers: If you use stationery such as pens, notebooks, and printer paper for your job, you can claim these expenses. For instance, an administrative assistant who buys office supplies for daily tasks can claim these costs.

2. Self-Employed Individuals: Freelancers and small business owners who purchase stationery for business purposes can also claim these expenses. For example, a freelance graphic designer who buys sketchbooks and markers for client projects can claim these costs.

3. Educators: Teachers who purchase stationery for classroom activities and lesson planning can claim these expenses. For instance, a primary school teacher buying coloured pens and sticky notes for lesson plans can claim these costs.

Traps to Avoid

While claiming stationery can be beneficial, there are common traps to avoid:

1. Personal Use: Stationery purchased for personal use, such as jotting down grocery lists or personal notes, is not tax deductible. Only the work-related portion is deductible.

2. Insufficient Records: You must keep detailed records, including receipts, to substantiate your claims. Without proper documentation, your claim could be denied.

3. Employer Reimbursement: If your employer reimburses you for the stationery expenses, you cannot claim these as a tax deduction.

Examples of Non-Deductible Stationery Expenses

1. Personal Stationery: Items like personal diaries, greeting cards, and decorative stationery used for non-work purposes are not tax deductible.

2. Home Office Supplies for Non-Business Use: Stationery used in a home office for personal tasks, such as managing household finances, does not qualify for a tax deduction.

Gotax Advice

To maximise your tax deductions, always keep thorough records of your expenses. Use the Gotax Deduction Grabber App, which includes all the logbooks and tax expense recording systems you need. Scan the QR code to download and make tax time a breeze.

Gotax Tax Advice: Consider setting up a dedicated business account for your work-related expenses. This not only helps you keep track of your deductible expenses but also simplifies the process of claiming tax deductions, ensuring you don't miss out on any potential savings.

Gotax, Online Tax Experts. Maximise your Refund… 2024 Complete Return $55, Simple Return $15. Small Business $120, Rental $99+.