The Surprising Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Can Include on Your Tax Return

A tax expert has revealed the stuff Aussies may not know they can claim back at tax time.

Monday is July 1, which means people can lodge their returns with the ATO.

CPA Australia has provided a list of items that many people did not realise they were entitled to.

What is appropriately deductible depends on your job and CPA Australia says that all claimed expenses must relate to your job and you must have evidence of this.

1. Work-related education

If your job requires education or training and you pay for it, you can claim it back.

“This includes the cost of attending conferences or seminars relevant to your work, including travel and hotel costs. Just not costs that are reimbursed by your employer,” says CPA Australian spokesperson Gavan Ord

2. Essential Items

A tax expert has revealed the things Australians may not know that they can claim back on their tax returns (stock image)

In principle you can claim all items that are essential for your work.

“If you drive for work, things like sunglasses may be tax deductible,” Ord said.

‘If you need specific items of clothing, such as safety shoes, these also count. As long as you paid out of pocket and have the receipts, you can claim.”

3. Transport costs

Many people can claim the costs of driving a car they need for work.

“For example, if you are a cleaner and you have to drive from one office or location to another, you can claim these costs,” Mr Ord said.

4. Overtime meals

You can declare the overtime you work and eat while working overtime.

Mr Ord says you can claim overtime meals.

‘If your employer has paid you an overtime meal allowance for overtime hours under a labor law, remuneration or agreement and this is included in your taxable income.’

5. Keep it clean

This applies to people who may have jobs as shop assistants or at a train station.

“If you have a job that requires interaction with a lot of customers and surfaces, you can even claim the cost of things like gloves and hand sanitiser,” says Mr Ord.

6. Sleeping bags and pillows

What is appropriately deductible depends on your job and CPA Australia says any expenses claimed must relate to your job and you must have proof of this (stock image)

This applies to truck drivers.

“You can declare the cost of a sleeping bag and pillows if you use them during your mandatory long rest breaks and if you sleep away from home for work,” Mr Ord said.

7. Tools and equipment

People can claim the costs of tools and equipment they use for their work.

‘You can claim an immediate deduction if the costs are up to $300. Otherwise you can deduct the costs over a number of years,” said Mr Ord.

8. Media Subscriptions

Mr Ord says: ‘If you have registered with newspapers, a trade journal or other media services as part of your work and you pay for them yourself, then you can claim them.’

9. Home office

Since the pandemic, working from home has become more common. You may be able to claim back your home office expenses.

“Your computer desk and chair are tax deductible as long as you paid for them yourself,” says Mr. Ord.

‘If you travel to the office, you can even declare the laptop bag you use.’

10. The costs of preparing your tax return

Mr Ord says it is often overlooked that you can reclaim the costs of preparing your tax return if you seek professional tax advice from an accountant.

“Some people may wonder whether it is worth seeking help from a tax advisor, but since you can claim the costs as a deduction, it is certainly worth it,” says Mr Ord.