ATO's Three Focus Areas This Tax Time

The ATO will be taking a close look this 'tax time' at the following common errors made by taxpayers:

Work related expenses: Taxpayers using the 'revised fixed rate method' of calculating a working from home deduction must have comprehensive records to substantiate their claims, including records that show the actual number of hours they worked from home, and the additional running costs they incurred to claim a deduction.

Rental properties: Performing general repairs and maintenance on a rental property can be claimed as an immediate deduction.  However, expenses which are capital in nature (such as initial repairs on a newly purchased property) are not deductible as repairs or maintenance.

Failing to include all income in tax return: The ATO warns taxpayers against rushing to lodge their tax return on 1 July.  If they have received income from multiple sources, they need to wait until this is pre-filled in their tax return before lodging.

If you have any questions in relation to the matters discussed in this blog, please get in touch with us.