ATO Motors on Car Claims...
Car expense deductions are one of the most commonly claimed tax deduction items. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have once again advised they will be paying close attention to those claiming work-related car expenses this tax time.
To avoid attention from the ATO you need to understand when you can claim and can’t claim car expenses.
When You Can Claim:
You can claim a deduction for work-related car expenses if you use your own car in the course of performing your job as an employee, for example, to:
Carry bulky tools or equipment (such as an extension ladder or cello) which your employer requires you to use for work and cannot leave at work
Attend conferences or meetings
Deliver items or collect supplies
Travel between two separate places of employment, provided one of the places is not your home (for example, when you have a second job)
Travel from your normal workplace to an alternative workplace and back to your normal workplace or directly home
Travel from your home to an alternative workplace and then to your normal workplace or directly home (for example, if you travel to a client's premises)
Perform itinerant work.
If you receive an allowance from your employer for car expenses, it is assessable income and the allowance must be included on your tax return. The amount of the allowance will usually be shown on your payment summary.
When You Can't Claim:
Most people can't claim the cost of travel between home and work because this travel is private.
For further information on claiming work-related car expenses please follow this link or contact our office.
