The ATO has flagged three areas of concern where errors frequently occur: erroneous work-related deductions, amplified claims on rental properties, and omissions in declared income. Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson emphasizes that even though some inaccuracies are not deliberate, taxpayers should be extra cautious to avoid penalties.
In the last tax season, above eight million Australians lodged work-related expenses, with a significant portion being for home office use. The ATO has revised the way it calculates home office expenses, introducing a new fixed rate and specifying what qualifies for deduction. Clear and detailed documentation to support claims is now mandatory, including records of hours worked from home and associated expenditures such as utility bills.
"If you plan to replicate last year’s home office deduction without the proper documentation, be prepared for a follow-up from us," warns Thomson. He insists that to prevent disqualification, taxpayers must ensure they follow three critical rules: personal expenses must be incurred without reimbursement, the expense should be tied to income generation, and tangible evidence like a receipt is necessary to validate the claim.
Concerning rental property owners, the ATO reports widespread discrepancies in tax returns, with many landlords wrongly logging their income tax. Maintenance and repair claims are a particular focus, with Thomson advising against exaggerating these to compensate for higher rental incomes. Legitimate immediate deductions include routine repairs; however, initial restorations or improvements like kitchen renovations fall under capital works and are deductible over time.
Thomson encourages property owners to thoroughly review their documentation before submitting their tax returns, and if needed, consult a registered tax agent for accurate deduction filings.
To ensure the accuracy of their tax filings, Thomson advocates Australians to avoid hurrying their tax return submissions at the beginning of July. He notes that errors often stem from rushing and neglecting to include all sources of income such as bank interest, dividends, and additional government payments. Taxpayers are advised to wait until pre-filled data is available, ensuring completeness and reducing the likelihood of amendments post-submission.
"While many are eager to check off their tax return early, exercising a bit of patience can be the key to getting your tax return right. Confirm that your employment income statement has been finalized and that your pre-filled information is comprehensive in myTax before lodging," Thomson concludes.
Published:Monday, 6th May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Impact of Budget on Borrowers: A Deep Dive 20 May 2024: Paige Estritori Concerns are mounting among financial experts that the latest federal budget could prompt a rise in interest rates, adding to the challenges faced by borrowers. - read more |
Rookies in Real Estate: Albanese Budget Misses First-Time Buyers 18 May 2024: Paige Estritori The Albanese government's latest housing budget injects billions into housing, aiming to energize the construction of new homes. However, an important demographic has been left disappointed: first-time home buyers who feel sidelined amidst these changes. - read more |
Australia’s Housing Dilemma: Construction Lags as Population Booms 17 May 2024: Paige Estritori In a recent address delivered in Hobart, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter highlighted a mounting concern in Australia's housing market: a significant shortage of homes amidst rapidly growing population numbers, largely driven by net overseas migration. - read more |
Australia's New Pathway to Boost Economic Growth 16 May 2024: Paige Estritori Australian financial sector leaders have expressed strong support following the latest announcement of key budgetary adjustments aimed at streamlining investment processes and deepening engagement within the nation's financial landscape. The Federal Budget has placed a spotlight on the financial service sector's significant position as a promoter of Australia's sustainable economic prosperity. - read more |
Financial Pressures Reshape Australian Job Market Landscape 09 May 2024: Paige Estritori Economic uncertainties and the escalating cost-of-living are prompting a considerable transformation within the Australian labor market, with anxiety over job security influencing employee behavior significantly. This departure from recent trends sees a strategic shift, which could alter the dynamism between staff members and their employers. - read more |
ATO Targets Home Office Claims & Real Estate Deductions 06 May 2024: Paige Estritori Australian residents are being alerted to tighten up their tax return filing, particularly with the deductions claimed for home offices and rental property expenses, as the Australian Tax Office (ATO) sharpens its scrutiny on such declarations. - read more |
Australian Students to Receive $3B Reduction in Loan Burdens 06 May 2024: Paige Estritori In an epoch-making decision, the current Australian government has pledged to substantially alleviate the student loan burden, offering respite to more than three million degree holders. They will collectively witness a remarkable deduction of $3 billion from their outstanding HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) liabilities. - read more |
Loans for Cars: Getting an Even Better Deal If you're in the market for a new car, you're probably wondering what you need to do to get the best car loan. It's no secret that the car dealership will try to sell you a loan, but you don't have to take their offer! In fact, you can get a much better loan if you know what you're doing. - read more
|
Loans for Cars: Finding out if you Qualify Qualifying for a car loan isn't all that difficult. There are a few key things that lenders will look at when considering your application, including your income, credit history/existing loans, employment, age, and residency atatus. As long as you have a good understanding of these factors, you’ll be in a much better position to qualify for a car loan. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about qualifying for a car loan! - read more
|
Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car Welcome to Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car – the ultimate guide to understanding car financing.For a limited time, you can download a free copy of this valuable resource. Our retail price for the eBook is AUD $19.95, but we're offering it to you for free – no strings attached! Click to Download Free - read more
|
Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options The cost of buying a car is a major financial commitment, so it's important to consider all of your options before making a purchase. In this article, we look at some of the pros and cons of the most common car financing options, including leasing, hire purchase and paying cash, and what difference it makes whether you are buying a new or used vehicle. - read more
|
Leveraging Trade-In Values and Loans for an Australian Car Upgrade For many Australians, a car is more than just a means of transportation; it's a symbol of freedom, a tool for exploration, and often, a reflection of personal style. With the auto market continually evolving, staying abreast of current trends is key for car buyers looking to upgrade. New models with advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features enter the market each year, making the prospect of upgrading increasingly appealing. - read more
|
Loans for Cars: Understanding the Impact of Your Credit History If you're in the market for a new car, you may be wondering if you can get a loan with poor credit. The answer is yes, but it's important to understand the impact that your credit history can have on the loan process. - read more
|
The Credit-Savvy Car Buyer’s Guide to Obtaining Affordable Insurance Embarking on the journey of car ownership comes with its share of responsibilities, one of which is securing affordable insurance. Understanding the intricacies of insurance rates is central to managing this recurring expense effectively. Insurers take into account numerous factors when determining your premium, including but not limited to driving history, vehicle type, and geographic location. - read more
|
Leveraging Trade-In Values and Loans for an Australian Car Upgrade For many Australians, a car is more than just a means of transportation; it's a symbol of freedom, a tool for exploration, and often, a reflection of personal style. With the auto market continually evolving, staying abreast of current trends is key for car buyers looking to upgrade. New models with advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features enter the market each year, making the prospect of upgrading increasingly appealing. - read more
|
Your Ultimate Guide to Car Finance in Australia: Top Tips for Finding the Best Deals Car finance in Australia presents a myriad of options for those looking to purchase a vehicle through a payment plan. Understanding how car finance works is crucial to navigating this complex landscape and finding a deal that aligns with your financial goals. From loans offered by banks and credit unions to dealer financing and specialised car finance companies, the choices are extensive. - read more
|