Work related expenses on ATO radar

The ATO is launching a work-related expenses program telling people what they can claim in their 2009 returns. The ATO looks closely at tax returns from last year and identifies particular occupations where:

	average amounts of claims are high
	there is an increase in the number of people making claims
	there are a lot of people making claims for the first time.

This year, the ATO will write to about 180,000 employees in the following occupations outlining common mistakes and providing advice on how to avoid them in this year's tax return.

	truck drivers
	sales and marketing managers
	sales representatives and
	electricians

Some of the common mistakes seen by the ATO in previous years by employees in these occupations include:

	claiming motor vehicle expenses associated with transporting bulky tools when not entitled
	failing to keep appropriate records for internet and mobile phone use
	over-claiming home office expenses such as rates, rent and electricity
	not keeping an up to date log book when required for claiming motor vehicle expenses
	claiming the living away from home allowance when not entitled.

Published : 14 July 2009