Deductions
Deductions for finance on a rental property
Interest can be claimed for the cost of funds borrowed to purchase a rental property and to meet maintenance costs or running expenses while the rental property is being let (or is available to be let) under a commercial arrangement to generate assessable income. In these circumstances the interest paid is deductible even if it…
Read MoreSubstantiation for mobile, home phone and internet costs
The ATO has issued guidance on making claims for mobile phone use as well as home phone and internet expenses, and says that if you use any of these for work purposes you should be able to claim a deduction if there are records to support claims. But the ATO points out that use for…
Read MoreDeduction tip: Can you claim the cost of travelling to this office?
Tax time has arrived, but before you have us lodge your return here is another deduction tip — should your circumstances allow (or file this away for next income year.) The ATO recently issued what it calls a “tax determination” which more clearly spells out the circumstances of what may be an allowable claim (under…
Read MoreATO waves a red flag on deductions for holiday rentals
Just when many Australians are considering getting away for a mid-winter break, the ATO is reminding taxpayers that it is paying close attention to rental properties located in popular holiday destinations around Australia. The ATO recently issued a statement saying that last year it identified a large number of mistakes with deductions for rental properties,…
Read MoreBusiness costs and deductibility of interest expenses
If a business racks up an interest bill from borrowing funds to pay for the expenses of running the business, or to acquire other income-producing assets or investments, this expense is generally allowed as a tax deduction for the relevant year. For business taxpayers under the accruals accounting method, a claim can be made for…
Read MoreAre personal carer travel costs claimable? It depends…
A recent Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision has ramifications for taxpayers with disabilities, and who are in need of a personal carer. The decision centres around what is or is not acceptable as a tax deduction in relation to the costs that arise with regard to that carer under certain conditions. The circumstances of the taxpayer…
Read MoreGetting deductions for clothing and laundry expenses right
The ATO allows certain taxpayers to claim a deduction for the cost of buying and cleaning occupation-specific clothing, items of protective wear and for certain unique, and usually distinctive, uniforms. To claim a deduction it is generally expected that you will be able to provide evidence that you purchased the clothing concerned, and will have…
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