Tax deductions can be as confusing as passengers not being able to raise their backrest during landing and takeoff. Is it really that hard? It doesn’t have to be! In both situations, all it takes is a little understanding as to how and why.
We think tax is pretty straight forward, but, we’re numbers geeks! We’ve set out this easy to use guide to help you get the most out of your tax return and hopefully assist in making it a bit easier!
Generally speaking, to be able to claim work related deductions, the ATO requires you to meet the following criteria:
- You must have spent the money yourself
- The expense must be related to your job (earning an income)
- You must not have been reimbursed
- You must have a record to prove it (usually a receipt)
- If the expense was for work and personal, you can only claim a portion of the costs related to work
Remember, a record isn’t necessarily a receipt. There are tax deductions you can claim without a receipt. Continue on to find out more.
Below we have set out what defines your taxable income, and a list of some of the expenses that you as cabin crew can deduct on your next online tax return.
What Is Your Taxable Income
Your taxable income is money generated from your employer or your work. (You’ll receive a PAYG summary for this each financial year). Your taxable income also includes other income that you generate outside of work, which can include:
- Pensions and government allowances
- Interest earned (banks etc)
- Dividends / Shares / Crypto
- Rental property income
- Business income
- Other income earned such as capital gains etc.
Tax Deductible Expenses For Cabin Crew
Cabin Crew Specific
- Buying compulsory airline uniforms if required
- The cost of laundry for clothes/uniforms
- Rehydrating moisturisers and rehydrating hair conditioners used to combat the abnormal drying of skin and hair when working in the pressurised environment of an aircraft.
- Luggage and bags used for work related purposes (if over $300 you will need to depreciate the cost)
- Visa application fees if you are required to enter a different country as part of your job
- Phone costs with records showing your work-related usage
- Job related self-education
- Work union fees/other similar organisations
Overtime Meals
You can claim a deduction for the cost of meals under the following circumstances:
- When you travel away from home overnight for work,
- You were working overtime, had a break and purchased a meal, or
- You were paid an overtime meal allowance under an industrial law, award or agreement
General tax deductible expenses
- Car expenses and general wear (estimated Km or a logbook with all expense items)
- Travel expenses for your work (flights, taxis and trains etc)
- Accommodation needed for work reasons (including meals)
- Phone bills
- Work related computing
- Working from home costs
- Self-education
- Tax return fees dating to the year previous
- Insurances
- Rental expense (if you are renting)
- Charity donations and gifts
- Sun protection (if you have to work outside from time to time)
- Driving between two places of work in your own vehicle. This is usually best claimed using the cents per km method of claiming a tax deduction.
Uniform Deductions and Laundry Expense | One Click Life
Want to know how to make the most out of tax deductions for laundry expenses and work-related clothing expenses? Then this blog is for you!
Maximising Your Tax Return With An Online Tax Service
There will be more tax tips and deductions for Cabin Crew that aren’t on this list. Tax deductions are not only industry specific, but also change from individual to individual.
The best way to claim the most you can (which will maximise your refund) is with One Click Life.
Check out how easy it is to lodge your Tax Return with One Click Life
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Let One Click Life take care of your Tax Return, and life’s essential tasks so you can spend more time doing the things you love.
