As we head into another round of tax season, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has outlined key areas it will be focusing on — and it’s a timely reminder to check your claims and records carefully.
Whether you work from home, have multiple income streams, or just want to make sure your return is accurate, this guide is here to help you navigate your personal tax return and stay on track this tax time.
Each year, the ATO puts extra scrutiny on certain types of claims. For the 2024–25 financial year, it is focusing on:
Why these areas? Because they’re where the ATO sees the most mistakes — often due to misunderstandings or lack of documentation.
To claim a deduction for work-related expenses, you must meet three key rules:
While many claims are genuine, the ATO has flagged some surprising examples:
All were denied as personal expenses, not essential for earning income.
With more people working remotely, working from home (WFH) deductions are common — but the ATO has tightened the rules.
You can choose between two methods:
a. Fixed Rate Method – 70 cents per hour
Acceptable records include: A diary, spreadsheet, roster or timesheet — showing start and finish times for each session.
b. Actual Cost Method
Note: Rent and mortgage expenses are generally not deductible unless your home is a dedicated place of business, which may trigger capital gains tax when you sell.
If you’ve earned income outside of your main job, it must be included in your tax return. This includes:
Each type of income may come with different deductions, but all income must be reported. Missing these can result in penalties or delays.
Tip: Keep track of both your income and related expenses, and let us know if you’re unsure how to report it correctly.
The ATO expects that you can prove every claim you make. If you don’t have records, your deduction may be denied.
Recommended tool: myDeductions on the ATO app lets you store receipts and track hours worked — and you can share it directly with us when it’s time to lodge.
Tax can be confusing — and that’s what we’re here for. We can:
We’re here to make tax time easier, whether it’s helping you understand what you can claim, reviewing your records, or making sure your return is accurate and complete.
In Summary
✅ Only claim work-related expenses that meet ATO rules
✅ Use the correct WFH method — and keep proper records
✅ Declare all sources of income
✅ Avoid guesswork — check with us if you’re unsure
Contact our team today. We’ll help take the stress out of tax time and make sure everything’s in order.
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