Claiming Deductions for Working at Home
The ATO has introduced a simplified method for claiming deductions for anyone working from home as a result of COVID-19.
Between 1 March and 30 June 2020, taxpayers will be able to claim 80 cents per work hour for all their additional running expenses, rather than needing to calculate costs for specific running expenses.
This new method is designed to make tax returns simpler for anybody who has recently transitioned to working from home due to COVID-19, and ensures they are able to easily claim their relevant deductions.
Applies to: All staff working from home
Requirement: Staff to maintain a register of hours work, at home, during the period of 1 March and 30 June 2020.
Tax Deductions for Lawyers
Lawyers are able to claim deductions for work-related expenses. In order to do so:
- You must have spent the money yourself and weren't reimbursed
- It must be directly related to earning your income
- You must have a record to prove it
- You can only claim the work-related part of expenses. You can't claim a deduction for any part of the expense that relates to personal use.
Possible deductions include:
- Car expenses
- Travel expenses
- Clothing and laundry expenses
- Self-education and study expenses
- Home office expenses
- Other expenses
Applies to: Lawyers. Other employees should visit the ATO website for further details on eligibility for these and other deductions: www.ato.gov.au
