Welcome to the Income Tax Guide for Teachers. As a Teacher, you spend your valuable time preparing for lessons, writing reports, keeping students in line and dealing with pesky parents in the ordinary course of your profession.
So when it comes time to do your Income Tax Return, rather than read a dry and long-winded Tax Ruling we have produced this Income Tax Guide for Teachers so you can enjoy your free time.
The purpose of the Tax Guide for Teachers is to provide a quick, simple and definitive guide as to whatyou can and cannot claim as a deduction on your income tax return.
SO WHAT CAN I CLAIM?
1) Can I claim travel between work and home, or vice versa? No
2) Can I claim travel between work and a place of study/workplace training/work? Yes
3) Can I claim ordinary work clothing for work? No, unless it has your employer’s logo on it or is a registered uniform
4) Can I claim the dry cleaning/laundering of my ordinary work clothing? No, unless it has your employer’s logo on it or is a registered uniform
5) Can I claim the subscriptions/membership to the VIT? Yes
6) Can I claim my teacher’s union fees? Yes
7) Can I claim for the time that I spend at home doing work? Yes, subject to the rules that apply to such claims
8) Can I claim the cost of the internet for work that I do at home? Yes, but only a portion of it.
9) Can I claim the cost of the Foxtel subscription? Yes, but only the work related portion.
10) Can I claim for the calls made from my mobile phone for work? Yes, but only a portion of it.
11) Can I claim the cost of protective equipment (sunglasses, safety glasses, sunscreen, steel capped boots, etc….)? Yes, provided that they relate to the role that you have.
12) Can I claim for a briefcase/work bag that I use for work? Yes
13) Can I claim for the purchase of an organiser/mobile phone/mobile phone accessories? No
14) Can I claim my staff association fees? Yes
15) Can I claim the cost of books and reference materials for work? Yes
16) Can I claim the amount paid for my laptop lease? Yes
17) Can I claim for the cost of work items and equipment? Yes
18) Can I claim the cost of items used to reward students for good performance? Yes
19) Can I claim the cost of an Income Protection Insurance policy? Yes
20) Can I claim the cost of an Insurance policy for work items and equipment? Yes
21) Can I claim the cost of seminars, conferences and training courses? Yes, providing that relate to your income earning activities.
22) Can I claim the cost of stationery? Yes
23) Can I claim the costs incurred for developing a professional library? Yes
24) Can I claim the cost of technical and professional journals? Yes
25) Can I claim the cost of the mobile phone per month? Yes
26) Can I claim the cost of organising and attending excursions/education trips? Yes
27) Can I claim the amount paid for fines and penalties? No, tax law specifically prevents one from claiming these.
DISCLAIMER
Please Note that these items can only be claimed if you have physically made payment with your own money. The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives and needs.
Should you have any questions in relation to this document, please do not hesitate to contact MarkPeterson on (03) 5996 1990, 0438 873 668 or at mark@markedfocus.com.au
©Marked Focus 2015
