ATO warns over claiming is easier to detect than ever

This year the ATO will be focusing on unusually high work-related expense claims across all industries and occupations, a much wider approach than in previous years.

It has become easier to identify claims that are significantly higher than those claimed by people with similar occupations and employment income.

In addition the ATO will also be paying particular attention to claims that have already been reimbursed by employers, and for private expenses such as travel from home to work.

There are three key points for people to remember when claiming work-related expenses: you must have spent the money yourself, it must be related to your job, and you must have a record to prove it.

When claiming work-related travel, it’s important to remember you cannot claim for a normal trip between home and work, unless you use your car to carry bulky tools or equipment which you use for work and can’t leave on the work premises your home is a base for employment or you have shifting places of employment (you regularly work at more than one place each day).

This information is of a general nature and people should contact a tax professional for advice pertaining to their individual circumstances.