Disability Support Worker deductions
If you work as a disability support worker, some of the tax deductions you may be able to claim on your personal tax return are:
Meals & Travel
The cost of buying meals when you work overtime, provided you have been paid an allowance by your employer (you can claim for your meals without having to keep any receipts, provided you can show how you have calculated the amount you spent)
The cost of parking, tolls, taxis and public transport if you are required to travel to attend seminars, conferences, meetings and training courses not held at your usual place of work, or between 2 or more jobs (if you need to stay away overnight you can also claim for the cost of all meals and your accommodation)
The cost of using your own car for work, including travel to attend meetings, conferences or training courses that are not held at your workplace, between 2 different jobs or to visit clients at their homes or workplaces (to claim for car costs it is usually best to keep a diary record of the number of kilometres you travel during the year for work purposes and then we can calculate the amount of your tax deduction at the end of the year)
Work Clothing
The cost of buying uniforms (including shirts, pants, skirts, jackets, jumpers, stockings, socks and shoes – but only where they are an essential part of a distinctive compulsory uniform, the characteristics of which—colour, style, type—are specified in your employer’s uniform policy, or where each item has the employer’s logo on it)
Non-slip nursing shoes if required (even if these are not part of a compulsory uniform)
The cost of laundry, dry cleaning or repairs of your uniforms
Training
The cost of work-related training courses, for example first aid, OH&S, wound-care, treatment updates and conferences, provided they relate to your CURRENT work. You can claim for the cost of any course fees, books, stationery, internet connection, telephone calls, tools or equipment and travelling to and from the course. You can also claim any accommodation and meal expenses you have to pay if you are required to stay away overnight for your course)
The cost of self-education courses run by a University (not including HECS/HELP) or TAFE, for example Nursing qualifications, provided they relate to your CURRENT work. If you are studying, you can also claim for the cost of books, stationery, equipment and travel required for your course
Work Equipment
The cost of buying and repairing equipment you use at work, including medical equipment and tools, electronic organisers, computers and mobile phones
The cost of stationery, diary, log book or briefcase
Other Work Expenses
The cost of union fees
The cost of professional memberships and subscriptions
The cost of renewing your annual practicing certificate if you are also a Registered Nurse
The cost of work-related books, magazines and journals
The cost of work-related mobile or home telephone calls and rental (you should keep a diary record of the number of phone calls you make for work for one month and then we can use that to estimate your usage for the whole year)
The cost of work-related internet connection fees (you can only claim the proportion of your monthly fees that relate to work use, which could include emailing, research relating to your job or training)
The cost of a fob watch (but not a conventional watch)
General Expenses
There are some tax deductions that all employees can claim on their personal tax returns:
The amount of any donations to registered charities (as long as you haven’t received anything in return for your donation, such as raffle tickets or novelty items)
The cost of bank fees charged on any investment accounts
The cost of income protection or sickness and accident insurance premiums (this type of insurance covers you if you hurt yourself (including when you are not at work) or become sick and you are unable to work. It will pay you your normal wage until you are fit to return to work – if you don’t have this insurance you should see a financial adviser or ask us and we will refer you to someone who can organise it for you. It is definitely worthwhile)
Your tax agent fees (the amount you pay to your accountant to prepare your tax return each year)
The cost of travelling to see your tax agent (you can claim the cost of travelling to see your accountant to have your tax return prepared. You should keep a record of the number of kilometres you travel and any other incidental costs such as parking, meals, accommodation etc)
We suggest that you keep receipts for all purchases that are work related, even if they are not listed above. That way, when we prepare your tax return, we can decide whether you are allowed to claim a tax deduction for them or not.