TAX OFFICE: 👩‍💼👨‍💼 Work in an office? Get your head around which deductions you can (and can’t) claim this tax time.

👍 If you have to work from home, you may be able to claim a percentage of the running costs of your home office, which includes work-related phone and internet charges.

👎 You generally can’t claim the cost of rates, mortgage interest, rent and insurance if you work from home. (??)

 👍 You can claim self-education expenses if your course relates directly to your current job (eg HR training for a manager). 

👎 You can’t claim the cost of buying or cleaning plain clothing, even if you’re required to wear it or you only wear it for work (eg a business suit).

👍 You can claim a deduction for the cost of attending seminars and conferences, and subscribing to professional publications or associations, as long as they relate to your job. 

👎 If you receive a travel allowance from your employer, this doesn’t automatically entitle you to a deduction – you still need to meet the three golden rules!

 Whether you’re in business, IT, sales and marketing, law, or journalism, check out our occupation guides for more tips at https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/Deductions-you-can-claim/Deductions-for-specific-industries-and-occupations/