Tax Return Tips - Off The Deduction Menu

The ATO is focused on helping taxpayers get their deductions right, but it’s also on the lookout for red flags that identify people who are doing the wrong thing. Here’s a list of deductions you usually can’t claim on your tax return.

• Travel between home and work, which is generally considered private travel.

• Car expenses, unless you are transporting bulky tools or equipment that you need to do your job, and that your employer requires you to transport (and there is no secure area to store the equipment at work).

• Car expenses that have been salary sacrificed.

• Meal expenses, unless you were required to work away from home overnight.

• Private travel, including any personal travel portion of work-related travel.

• Everyday clothes you bought to wear to work (for example, a suit or black pants), even if your employer requires you to wear them.

• Self-education expenses where there is no direct connection to your current employment.

• Phone or internet expenses that relate to private use.