When are sunglasses a tax deduction?

If you work outdoors in Australia, you know how important it is to protect your eyes from the sun. But did you know that you may be able to claim your sunglasses as a tax deduction?

Who can claim sunglasses as a tax deduction?

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows you to claim sun protection expenses if you work outside and your eyes are exposed to the risk of damage from sunlight. This includes protective sunglasses, prescription sunglasses, photochromatic and anti-glare glasses.

Some examples of occupations that may qualify for this deduction are:

- Builders and other tradespeople
- Farmers and gardeners
- Landscapers and horticulturists
- Lifeguards and surf instructors
- Marine biologists and fishermen
- Miners and geologists
- Outdoor educators and tour guides
- Pilots and meter readers

What are the criteria for claiming sunglasses as a tax deduction?

To claim sunglasses as a tax deduction, you must meet the following criteria:

- You must have paid for the sunglasses yourself and not been reimbursed by your employer.
- You must have a receipt or other proof of purchase for the sunglasses.
- You must wear the sunglasses while performing your work-related duties.
- You must be able to show that wearing the sunglasses has a direct connection with your work and protects you from the real and likely risk of illness or injury.

How much can you claim for sunglasses as a tax deduction?

The amount you can claim for sunglasses as a tax deduction depends on the cost of the sunglasses and how long they last.

If your sunglasses cost $300 or less, you can claim the full amount as an immediate deduction in the year you bought them.

If your sunglasses cost more than $300, you have to depreciate the cost over a number of years. This means you can only claim a portion of the cost each year based on the effective life of the sunglasses.

For example, if you bought a pair of sunglasses for $500 and the ATO determined that they have an effective life of 5 years, you can claim $100 per year for 5 years.

How to claim sunglasses as a tax deduction?

To claim sunglasses as a tax deduction, you need to keep a record of your purchase and your work-related use of the sunglasses. You can use a diary, a logbook or the Gotax Deduction Grabber app to track when and how often you wear your sunglasses for work.

You also need to apportion the cost of your sunglasses between your work-related use and your private use. You can only claim a deduction for the work-related portion.

For example, if you wear your sunglasses 80% of the time for work and 20% of the time for personal use, you can claim 80% of the cost as a tax deduction.

You can include your sun protection expenses in your tax return under "other work-related expenses". If your total work-related expenses are more than $300, you may need to provide additional information or evidence to support your claims.

Sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory but also a health necessity for many outdoor workers in Australia. If you are one of them, you may be able to save some money on your taxes by claiming your sunglasses as a tax deduction. Just make sure you follow the rules and keep good records.

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