Cleaners! Keep your finances tidy this tax time by knowing all the expenses you can claim as a tax deduction for your tax return and maximise your money. Don’t leave anything out of your online tax return. If you save every little bit, and deduct everything you’re entitled to, the tax return can be massive.
When it comes down to it, there are three main criteria that qualifies an expense for tax deduction, which is calculated against your income:
- You must have spent the money
- It must be related to your job
- You must have a record to prove it
However, this in itself can be hard to understand. What constitutes an expense as “related” to your job? Here is what defines your taxable income, and a list of expenses that you as a cleaner can deduct on your next online tax return.
Remember, a record isn’t necessarily a receipt. There are tax deductions you can claim without a receipt. Continue on to find out more.
What Is Your Taxable Income
Your taxable income is money generated from your employer or your cleaning work. Your taxable income also includes:
- PAYG summaries
- Pensions and government allowances
- Interest earned (banks etc)
- Dividends
- Rental property income
- Business income
- Other income earned (capital gains etc)
Tax Deductible Expenses For Cleaners
Cleaner Specific
- Purchasing of compulsory uniforms
- Purchasing of protective clothing & items such as masks, goggles and gloves. If you work outdoors – sun protection.
- The cost of laundry for protective clothing / uniforms
- Purchase of supplies such as cleaning chemicals and products
- Purchase of equipment and tools such as mops, brooms, vacuums (up to $300)
- Depreciation of tools and equipment over $300
- The repair and maintenance equipment used for your work
- Interest on loans payable for work related expenses
- Fees for joining a union/other similar organisations
- Travel expenses to site if you have incurred the cost.
- Meals and snacks if you are provided an overtime meal allowance.
- Driving in your own vehicle for the following reasons:
- All driving if you have to carry around essential heavy items (like vacuum cleaners and supplies)
- Driving from site to site on the same day.
- Driving between employer locations.
Note: you can’t otherwise claim driving to and from the same place of employment each day.
The Cleaner Deduction to Be Most Aware
Usually, you cannot claim your car expense commuting to and from work. Cleaners might be an outlier for this. There is an exception to the rule if you have to transport heavy equipment to and from your work because you are unable to leave them there such as; buckets, mops and other bulky cleaning items. Also, you can claim travel expenses between locations to pick up supplies or do jobs.
There are two ways to calculate your tax deductible expense for the use of your car for cleaning work. They are;
- Cents Per Kilometre: Claim a percentage of your fuel per kilometer up to 5000km.
- Logbook Method: Keep a logbook of your driving for 12 or more weeks and calculate what percentage of use is for business use.
Itemised Purchases Make Up Most of Cleaners Tax Deductions
Every item you buy, every little cloth, sponge, broom and everything in between, can be claimed as a tax deduction. Be hyper aware of the items you are buying for cleaner work and keep a record of them. If you need more help, see a professional.
General
- 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 on work reasons (including meals)
- Phone bills for work
- 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)
Maximising Your Tax Return with One Click Life
There will be more you can deduct that isn’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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