Save
‘Bizarre’ tax time claims revealed
Cigarettes and luxurious overseas holidays are just some of the things Australians have tried to get over the line at tax time, which is fast approaching for 2017.
‘Bizarre’ tax time claims revealed
Cigarettes and luxurious overseas holidays are just some of the things Australians have tried to get over the line at tax time, which is fast approaching for 2017.
Accounting franchise H&R Block did a sweeping survey of its offices after tax time last year to see what “bizarre deductions" Aussie taxpayers thought they were entitled to.
One taxpayer wanted to claim sunscreen and an umbrella, on the basis that his workplace forced him to go across the road to have a smoke break.
“He felt he needed an umbrella for the rain and sunscreen for sun,” H&R Block’s director of communications Mark Chapman said.
Another person tried to claim the cost of cigarettes, because he regarded smoking as a necessary form of stress relief from his job.
A hairdresser also tried her luck with travelling expenses. Usually, you can’t claim the cost of travel to and from work, unless you’re carrying bulky tools or equipment.
Her definition of bulky tools and equipment were scissors and clippers.
“They are certainly sharp, but they don’t qualify as bulky,” Mr Chapman observed.
A bouncer also seemingly over-estimated the scope of his work and tried to claim a martial arts course.
In an effort to “research his craft”, a tradesperson tried to claim a four-week holiday in Europe.
“All he came back with was pictures and he learnt a bit of French,” Mr Chapman said.
Although seemingly trivial, taxpayers can land themselves in hot water for trying to push such claims through.
One other classic area where taxpayers get it wrong is self-education expenses.
“The ATO looks very closely at self-education deductions,” Mr Chapman said.
“If the course is relevant to what your job is now, it is usually claimable, as a basic rule. If it’s something that is going to enable you to prosper in maybe more senior role later down the line, then you’re getting into some grey areas.”
Read more of unexpected claims here at top 10 tax claims for office workers and tax claims ATO's been watching.
Tax saving
How are Australians planning on spending their tax savings?
Essential bills, savings accounts, Christmas gifts and exchange-traded funds appear to be the big winners from the latest round of tax cuts, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
First in the world: SA imposes EV tax
The South Australian government is the first government in the world to introduce an electronic vehicles tax following an announcement by the treasury. ...Read more
Tax saving
5 tips as tax deadline looms
Australians are being warned that they have just two weeks left to get their finances in order if they have not posted a tax return yet. ...Read more
Tax saving
ATO warns businesses of JobKeeper scam
The ATO is warning the community about a JobKeeper scam which is asking members to enter personal information. ...Read more
Tax saving
Why fast-tracking tax cuts won’t stimulate the economy
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has flagged that previously legislated tax cuts could be moved forward in a bid to help stimulate the Australian economy. ...Read more
Tax saving
Last-minute items to check off before 30 June
With the end of the financial year almost here, an accounting firm has outlined key changes with tax returns this year and flagged some last-minute tax strategies to consider before 30 June. ...Read more
Tax saving
Australia’s richest owe the Tax Office $772m
Australia’s elites and private companies fell $772 million in taxes due to miscalculations and deliberate tax avoidance, the Australian Taxation Office has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
Do you have to pay taxes on a trust?
Trusts are usually set up for business, estate planning and investment purposes to separate the legal and beneficial ownership of assets held within the structure. ...Read more
Tax saving
How are Australians planning on spending their tax savings?
Essential bills, savings accounts, Christmas gifts and exchange-traded funds appear to be the big winners from the latest round of tax cuts, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
First in the world: SA imposes EV tax
The South Australian government is the first government in the world to introduce an electronic vehicles tax following an announcement by the treasury. ...Read more
Tax saving
5 tips as tax deadline looms
Australians are being warned that they have just two weeks left to get their finances in order if they have not posted a tax return yet. ...Read more
Tax saving
ATO warns businesses of JobKeeper scam
The ATO is warning the community about a JobKeeper scam which is asking members to enter personal information. ...Read more
Tax saving
Why fast-tracking tax cuts won’t stimulate the economy
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has flagged that previously legislated tax cuts could be moved forward in a bid to help stimulate the Australian economy. ...Read more
Tax saving
Last-minute items to check off before 30 June
With the end of the financial year almost here, an accounting firm has outlined key changes with tax returns this year and flagged some last-minute tax strategies to consider before 30 June. ...Read more
Tax saving
Australia’s richest owe the Tax Office $772m
Australia’s elites and private companies fell $772 million in taxes due to miscalculations and deliberate tax avoidance, the Australian Taxation Office has revealed. ...Read more
Tax saving
Do you have to pay taxes on a trust?
Trusts are usually set up for business, estate planning and investment purposes to separate the legal and beneficial ownership of assets held within the structure. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
