Tax Return:: Tax Deductions for Cleaners

Hello, this is your tax and super specialist, P&C Tax Professionals.

Following on from our previous blog post, today we will introduce to you some of the tax deductions you may be able to claim as a cleaner.

<Clothing expenses>

If you have bought, hired, mended or cleaned your work uniforms or any of your protective gear, you can claim a tax deduction for the cost of doing so.

For example:

> Apron or overalls which will help protect your ordinary clothes from damage

> Gloves

> Glasses

> Sun protection if you are working outdoors

> Breathing masks to protect yourself from chemicals

> Cleaning/laundering expenses to clean your compulsory work uniform or protective wear.

However, please keep in mind that you cannot claim a deduction for the cost of either buying or cleaning your own, plain clothes that you wear to work. This is even if your employer tells you to do so and even if the clothes are only worn at work (e.g., jeans or the plain shoes you wear everyday).

<Car expenses>

You may claim a deduction for:

> Trips made between 2 separate jobs that are done on the same day (e.g., driving to your second job as a retail assistant)

> Trips made between 2 or more different workplace for the same employer done on the same day (e.g., driving to different houses which you have to clean)

As a general rule, you cannot claim the cost of trips that are made between home and work, even if you work outside the normal business hours (e.g., working for night shifts).

The only exception may be if you are required to carry bulky tools or equipment for the purpose of carrying out your work (e.g., an extension ladder which may be needed for you to clean the higher windows). The cost of travelling from home to work and vice versa can only be deducted if:

> your employer needs you to transport the relevant tools or equipment for work

> the equipment was absolutely essential to you earning your income as a cleaner

> there was no secure storage space to keep the equipment at your workplace, and

> the equipment is bulky (e.g., at least weighing 20kg)

If you do happen to claim your car expenses, you would need:

> A 12-week consecutive logbook --> if you are opting for the Logbook Method

> Be capable of demonstrating to the ATO a valid calculation for your car expenses --> if you have selected the Cents per Km Method

<Meal expenses>

Overtime meals can also be claimed as a tax deduction whereby:

> You have worked overtime and consequently had an overtime meal break during your work

On the other hand, any cost of meals that were eaten during your normal work hours is considered a private/personal expense. This is even if you have received an allowance for your meal expense.

<Tools and equipment expenses>

Generally, you can claim the cost of purchasing your essential tools and/or equipment that is required for your job. Tools and/or equipment can be under $300 in which case you would be able to claim the full amount of the cost or over $300 which would mean that the cost of the item would have to be depreciated across the useful life of the asset, unless you are operating your own cleaning business with your ABN.

Examples of tax-deductible tools/equipment for cleaners:

> Chemicals used for cleaning

> Wash/bathroom products

> Cleaning machines

> Miscellaneous parts and accessories

> Garbage bags for disposal of rubbish

> Cleaning cloths and wipes

> Sponges and scourers

> Dusters

> Scrapers and blades

> Cleaning mops

> Applicators

> Buckets and wringers

> Brooms and other brush ware

> Trolleys and carriers for easy transport

> Accessories used for carpet cleaning

> Vacuum cleaners

> Floor polishing machines

> Carpet cleaning machines

> Blowers

And the list goes on.

As always, you must only claim the work-related portion of the cost. For example, if you have bought a vacuum cleaner which you use 50% of the time for private purposes, you are only allowed to deduct 50% of the total acquisition price as your work-related deduction. If the tools and equipment were provided by your employer, this too cannot be claimed as a tax deduction on your tax return.

<Other work-related expenses>

Some of the other common work-related expenses that are often claimed by cleaners include:

> Union fees

> Work-related phone expenses if you are required to make calls or send texts as part of your job

In order to claim your work-related expenses as tax deductions:

> you must have paid for the expense yourself and you weren't reimbursed for the expense you have incurred

> it must have a direct relation to earning your income

> you must have proper, valid records of all your expenses

> you must only claim for the work-related portion of your expenses

I hope this blog post will assist you in preparing for your tax return as a cleaner. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via our Facebook Page (P&C Tax Professionals – Australia) or by using our email address at pnctax@naver.com.

Thank you and bye for now!