Let’s talk record keeping

Here are a couple of things to remember:

• Having records of your work-related expenses is essential. If you don’t have the proof to support your claim, you can’t claim it.
• A bank or credit card statement (on its own) is not enough evidence to support a work-related expense claim. In most cases, you’ll need a receipt.
• Speaking of receipts, they must show all of the following:
  • the cost
  • the supplier
  • the date of purchase
  • the nature of the goods and/or services.

You may need to keep other records depending on the expense type, such as a logbook of your car journeys or records of the hours you work from home.

To give you a hand, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has provided a handy guide for teachers and education professionals to help you understand what you can and can’t claim this tax time.

Have further questions about your work-related expenses? Speak to a registered tax agent, or check out the ATO website for information on:

• car expenses
• claiming a working from home deduction
• clothing and laundry expenses
• keeping records for work-related expenses