The 2023/24 tax season is here and it’s time to submit your tax return. But with all the changes the ATO have introduced this past year, it’s hard to know what can and can’t be claimed this tax time.
We’ve pulled together a comprehensive (and simple) list of the most commonly thought of deductions you can claim to ensure you achieve the best tax return outcome. If you work in any of the following industries, jump to the industry to learn what can and can’t be claimed.
Not sure if you can claim a deduction? Reach out to a Nexis advisor today.
Building and construction
| Do claim | Don’t claim | |
| Car expenses | The cost of using a car you own when you drive directly between seperate jobs on the same day and to an alternative workplace for the same employer on the same day | The cost of trips between home and work, even if you live a long way away from your usual workplace or have to work outside normal business hours. There can be exceptional circumstances such as being required to carry bulky equipment with no ability to lock up and leave onsite |
| Travel expenses | If you travel away from your home overnight in the course of performing your employment duties | A deduction if the travel is paid for, or you are reimbursed by your employer or another person |
| Clothing expenses | The cost to buy, hire, repair or clean protective clothing | The cost to buy, hire, repair or clean conventional clothing you wear for work, even if your employer requires you to wear it and you only wear these items of clothing at work. There can be exceptions to further consider – where the clothing identifies you in your profession or has your employer’s logos / branding |
| Tools and equipment expenses | The cost of tools and equipment you use for work, including repairs and insurance | Tools and equipment that are supplied to you |
Public servants
| Do claim | Don’t claim | |
| Car expenses | The cost of using a car you own when you drive directly between separate jobs on the same day | The cost of normal trips between home and work. Even if you live a long distance from your usual workplace or have to work outside normal business hours |
| Clothing and laundry expenses | Generally these costs are not deductible | With a few exceptions, clothing can’t be deducted as a work-related expense. You can’t claim the cost to buy, hire, repair or clean conventional clothing you work for work. Check with your Nexis advisor if any exceptions apply to you |
| Self-education and study expenses | Self-education and study expenses if your course relates directly to your employment and it maintains or improves the skills and knowledge you need for your current duties, or results in or is likely to result in an increase in income from your current employment | A deduction if your study is only related in a general way or is designed to help get you a new job. Or if your employer pays for or reimburses you for these expenses |
| Working from home expenses | A deduction for expenses you incur that relate to your work, This can be claimed on an actual costs approach or a hourly rate method (currently 67 cents per hour). | Items your employer provides, e.g. a laptop or phoneAny items where your employer pays for or reimburses you for the expenseCoffee, tea, milk and other general household items, even if your employer provides these at work |
IT professionals
| Do claim | Don’t claim | |
| Car expenses | The cost of using a car you own when you drive directly between separate jobs on the same day or to an alternative workplace for the same employer on the same day | The cost of normal trips between home and work, even if you live a long distance from your usual workplace or have to work outside of normal business hours |
| Working from home expenses | A deduction for expenses you incur that relate to your work, This can be claimed on an actual costs approach or a hourly rate method (currently 67 cents per hour). | Items your employer provides, e.g. a laptop or phoneAny items where your employer pays for or reimburses you for the expenseCoffee, tea, milk and other general household items, even if your employer provides these at work |
| Self-education and study expenses | Self-education and study expenses if your course relates directly to your employment and it maintain or improves the skills and knowledge you need for your current duties, or results in or is likely to result in an increase in income from your current employment | A deduction if your study is only related in a general way or is designed to help get you a new job, or if your employer pays for or reimburses you for these expenses |
| Clothing and laundry expenses | Generally these costs are not deductible | With a few exceptions, clothing can’t be deducted as a work-related expense. You can’t claim the cost to buy, hire, repair or clean conventional clothing you work for work. Check with your tax accountant if any exceptions apply to you |
Doctors
| Do claim | Don’t claim | |
| Car expenses | The cost of using a car you own when you drive directly between separate jobs on the same day or to an alternative workplace for the same employer on the same day | The cost of normal trips between home and work, even if you live a long way from your usual workplace or have to work outside normal business hours. |
| Travel expenses | If you travel away from your home overnight in the course of performing your employment duties. Travel expenses can include meals, accommodation and incidental expenses you incur when travelling for work | If you are taking private travel and add on a work-related component or a deduction if the travel is paid for, or you are reimbursed by your employer or another person |
| Clothing and laundry expenses | The cost to buy, hire, repair or clean clothing if it is protective or a compulsory uniform | The cost to buy, hire, repair, or clean conventional clothing you wear for work, even if your employer requires you to wear it and you only wear these items of clothing at work |
| Self-education and study expenses | If the course relates directly to your employment as a medical professional and it maintains or improves the skills and knowledge you need for your current duties, or results in or is likely to result in an increase in income from your current employment | A deduction if your study is only related in a general way or is designed to help you get a new job |
Learn more at Occupation and industry specific guides | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)
If you are looking for assistance with your individuals or business tax return, contact Nexis today
