The surprising items you probably didn’t know you could claim 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 1st, which means people can file their returns with the ATO.

CPA Australia has compiled a list of things that many people didn’t know they could claim for.

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 reclaim it.

‘This includes the costs of attending conferences or seminars relevant to your work, including travel and hotel costs. Just no costs that are reimbursed by your employer,” says Australian spokesperson for the CPA, Gavan Ord

2. Essential items

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 clothing items, 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 declare the car costs that are necessary for their work.

“For example, if you are a cleaner and you have to drive from one office or location to another, you can claim those 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. Keeping clean

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

“If you have a job that involves a lot of contact with customers and surfaces, you can even give up the cost of things like gloves and hand sanitizer,” Ord said.

6. Sleeping bags and pillows

This applies to truck drivers.

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

7. Tools and equipment

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

“You can claim a deduction right away if the expense is up to $300. Otherwise, you can deduct the expense over a number of years,” Mr. Ord said.

8. Media subscriptions

Mr Ord says: ‘If you have signed up for news publications, a trade journal or other media services as part of your job and you pay for them yourself, then you can claim them.’

9. Home office

Since the pandemic, working from home has become increasingly common – and you may be able to reclaim the costs of your home office.

“Your computer desk and chair are tax deductible, provided you paid for them yourself,” Mr Ord said.

‘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 if it’s worth seeking help from a tax advisor, but since you can claim the costs as a deduction, it’s definitely worth it,” says Mr Ord.