Support Workers: Your Ultimate Tax Deductions Guide
Support workers are the backbone of our community, providing essential services to those in need. Navigating the tax landscape can be daunting, but fear not! We're here to break down the key tax deductions you can claim, highlight common traps, and provide practical examples to help you maximise your refund.
Key Tax Deductions for Support Workers
1. Car Expenses: Many support workers use their own cars for work-related travel. You can claim car expenses using either the cents per kilometre method or the logbook method. Remember to keep a logbook for at least 12 continuous weeks to substantiate your claim.
Example: Emma, a support worker, travels between clients’ homes daily. She maintains a detailed logbook and receipts for her car expenses, which she claims at tax time.
2. Travel Expenses: If you use public transport for work-related travel, these costs are deductible. This includes buses, trains, and taxis.
Example: Liam uses the bus and train to visit clients and keeps all his travel receipts. He claims these costs in his tax return.
3. Uniform and Laundry Expenses: You can claim the cost of purchasing and laundering uniforms if they are distinctive to your employer or have a logo. Protective clothing, such as gloves and non-slip shoes, is also deductible.
Example: Olivia buys branded uniforms and protective shoes required for her job. She keeps receipts and claims these expenses, as well as a portion of her laundry costs, on her tax return.
4. Training and Education: Expenses for courses, seminars, and workshops directly related to your current job are deductible. This includes course fees, travel expenses, and textbooks.
Example: Noah attends a workshop on advanced caregiving techniques. He keeps all receipts and claims the cost of the workshop and related travel expenses.
5. Work-Related Phone and Internet Expenses: If you use your phone or internet for work purposes, you can claim a portion of these costs. Keep a record of work-related usage to substantiate your claim.
Example: Ava uses her mobile phone to coordinate with clients and her employer. She calculates that 40% of her phone use is work-related and claims this percentage of her phone bill.
Common Traps to Avoid
1. Insufficient Records: The ATO requires detailed records to substantiate your claims. Keep receipts, logbooks, and any other relevant documentation.
2. Personal vs. Work-Related Expenses: Ensure that expenses claimed are directly related to your work. Personal expenses are not deductible.
3. Claiming Without Proof: Never claim deductions without proper evidence. The ATO can disallow unsupported claims, leading to penalties.
Gotax Deduction Grabber App
Simplify your tax time with the Gotax Deduction Grabber App. This handy tool includes all the logbooks and tax expense recording systems you need. Scan the QR code to download and keep track of your deductions effortlessly.
Gotax Tax Advice
Gotax Tip: Always keep your records up-to-date and organised throughout the year. This habit will make tax time a breeze and ensure you claim every deduction you're entitled to.\
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