Did you know that there are tons of types of work expenses you can claim as a tax deduction?

If you have been working for a while, there are some tax deductions that you can claim without much fuss. But claiming them can be tricky if you are new to work or in between jobs.

Here are some common deductions that don't require proof:

Bucket Donations

For donations up to $10, you can claim a tax deduction without a receipt provided you made them to bucket collections, like those run by authorized organizations for victims of natural disasters, and donated at least $2 to them.

A receipt is required to claim donations that are worth more than $10.

If a charity provides you with a receipt showing the amount of your donation and the date it was made, no further information is required. It's best to keep copies of all receipts and other documents related to charitable giving separate from your tax documents so they're easy to find when needed.

Stationery used for work

You can claim $20 or less on stationery used for work if you have not already claimed it in the past five years. This includes notebooks, diaries and pens. If you have already claimed this deduction before, you will need to keep all your receipts and invoices as proof of purchase.

Laundry

If your laundry costs—which include washing, drying, and ironing but not dry-cleaning costs—are $150 or less, you can claim the full amount without presenting written proof of your laundry expenses. Even if your entire claim for work-related expenses, including your laundry expenses, is greater than $300, this is still the case. However, you must provide written proof for all additional work-related expenses if your total claim for such expenses exceeds $300.

You must be able to demonstrate the method you used to calculate the sum of your laundry expense claim. This is not a default deduction.

C/km claim

If you can prove an amount of travel with your own personal vehicle that is for work purposes, then you can claim that number of kilometres at a set rate per kilometre.  While there is no specific requirement to have a log book to prove your driving, you will be asked how you came up with the number of kilometres, and substantiate it another way, such as showing your work diary to show meeting dates and locations.

See this blog for more information: https://www.northwestaccountancy.com.au/blog/how-to-make-travelling-in-your-own-car-claimable

It might take some time if you're just starting out, but it's essential to understand what's deductible and how these deductions might add up over time. Additionally, it never hurts to seek help from an expert!

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