Tax Claims for Defence Members

[MilkOnTap]

I'm about to do hubbies tax for him via e-tax (cause he's not in Australia to do it himself - I have PA) and was just wondering what the maximum is that we can claim for the following;

- Stationery for the TAFE and other courses he's done
- Wear & Tear on the car due to him driving to work
- Phone usage since he's on call 24/7

Anything else you can think of that we can claim?

Thanks in advance :)

[KJEmum]

Get an accountant to do it. I used to do DH's but decided a few years ago to use an Accountant because they know the boundaries and amounts you can claim. Like if DH has a laptop that he uses for work or his mobile phone and so on.

He can't claim for driving to work only if he has to drive within work time to do work stuff and then it's like so much cents per kilometre. Also he would need a log book for that cos if you get audited you would need to show how you worked it out.

phone usage my DH claims for .. he keeps a note of times and dates of who he calls (or he should be cos he was told to) and then it's a percentage of that. DH isn't on call but he makes alot of calls on his mobile for work things.

Short of that I don't remember the maximum you can claim without receipts or proof.

[3princes]

You can only claim up to $300 of deductions without reciepts.

For self education expenses...(TAFE) you'll need reciepts you also will have to show a direct correlation of study to work. There is a limit you need to cross before you are entiled to a deduction but travel costs can be used if travelling from place of work to TAFE etc.

Etax does/used to have a little guide as to special claims for Defence force members.

Uniform purchases (need reciepts) & maintainence costs ie laundry & dry cleaning are deductible.

Also if your Dh used a tax agent last year to do his ITR, that fee is tax deductible.

You are not entitled to claim for wear & tear on Motor vehicles from travel to & fro work... this only relates to travel done during time of work where you were required to use your vehicle for a work purpose. Cents/km is the easiest option. You won't always need a log book just as long as you can prove it is a reasonable estimate and the reasons for travel.

The other thing you need to remember is that ADF members are exempt from the medicare levy and surcharge this info is required in the other items section.

Etax is easy and free but make sure you do your research as to what you are entitled to claim and what needs to go in... Maybe get a Tax pack from a newsagent and read it so you understand a bit before you complete his return.

Also ask your DH the questions.... i made mine dig out all his uniform recipts as he is hopeless with paperwork and i can't help him if he doesn't give me all the info i need. To enable you to lodge you'll need a recent notice of assessment from his previous tax return.

Goodluck and it is really quick... only took a week for us to recieve refunds in our account.

[MilkOnTap]

I just found this...

http://www.ato.gov.au/content/downloads/NAT2321_07.pdf

Apparantly we can claim up to $300 without proof of receipts etc - and we have a lot of receipts! Now I just have to sort out what receipts we do and dont have... Arrrrghhh!