Tax myths busted!

Tax season is underway and to help Australians get their returns right, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has identified the top 10 tax myths and misunderstandings it says are causing incorrect claims.

Myth: Everyone can automatically claim $150 for clothing and laundry, 5000 kilometres for car related expenses, or $300 for work-related expenses, even if they didn’t spend the money

Fact: The record-keeping exemptions provide relief from the need to keep receipts in certain circumstances. However, they are not an automatic entitlement or a “standard deduction” for everyone. While you don’t need receipts for claims under $300 for work related expenses, $150 for laundry and 5000 kilometres, you still must have spent the money, it must be related to earning your income, and you must be able to explain how you calculated your claim.

Myth: I don’t need a receipt, I can just use my bank or credit card statement

Fact: To claim a tax deduction you need to be able to show that you spent the money, what you spent it on, who the supplier was, and when the purchase occurred. Bank or credit card statements usually won’t contain this information. The only time you don’t need these details is if record-keeping exceptions apply.

Myth: I can claim makeup that contains sunscreen if I work outside

Fact: We all like to look good but cosmetics are usually a private expense and the addition of sun protection does not make it tax deductible. However, it may be deductible if the primary purpose of the product is sunscreen (i.e. it has a high SPF rating), the cosmetic component is incidental, and you were required to wear it because you work outdoors in the sun.

Myth: I can claim my gym membership because I need to be fit for work

Fact: While you might like to keep fit, there are only a very small number of people who can claim gym memberships, such as special operations in the Australian Defence Force. To be eligible, your job would have to depend on you maintaining a very high level of fitness, for which you are regularly tested.

Myth: I can claim all my travel expenses if I add a conference or a few days work to my holiday

Fact: If you decide to add a conference or some work to your holiday, or a holiday to your work trip, you must apportion the travel expenses between the private and work-related components.

Myth: I can claim my work clothes because my boss told me to wear a certain colour

Fact: Unless your clothing is a uniform that is unique and distinct to your employer, or protective or occupation-specific clothing that you were required to wear to earn your income, you won’t be able to claim it. Plain clothes, like black pants, are not deductible even if your boss told you to wear them.

Myth: I can claim my whole Netflix or Foxtel subscription because I need to keep up to date for work

Fact: Unless you only use your subscriptions for work purposes, you will have to apportion the cost between business and private usage, and only claim the work-related portion of your expenses. You will also need to be able to show a strong connection between earning your income and the subscription.

Myth: I can claim home-to-work travel because I need to get to work to earn my income

Fact: For most of us, home to work travel is private since your boss doesn’t pay you until you get to work. There are limited circumstances where someone who has to transport bulky equipment can make a claim.

Myth: I’ve got a capped phone plan, so I can claim both personal and private phone calls

Fact: Unless you only use your phone for work, you will have to apportion the cost between business and private usage and only claim the work-related portion of your expenses.

Myth: If I use an agent, they will take responsibility for my claims

Fact: Even if you use a tax agent, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring the information in your return, including the deductions you claim, is correct. You cannot transfer that responsibility to your agent so make sure you give them complete and accurate information.