Submit Your 2014-15 Tax Return

If you’ve paid tax  in Australia from 1st July 2014 – 31st June 2015, you need to submit your 2014-15 Tax Return before 31st October. If you don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help.
When you start working in Australia, you need to apply for a Tax File Number and give it to your employer. It’s important to get your Tax File Number as soon as you start working, otherwise you may have to pay emergency tax, which will take a great, big 45% of your earnings, but you can claim this back. While you’ve been working, you’ll also have been paying into a superannuation fund, which is about 9.5% of your earnings, and you have the right to claim this back if your visa expires and you leave Australia.
If you’re a non-resident, you will pay 32.5% tax on your income. By submitting a tax return, you can claim back on work-related expenses, but these must have been paid for by you and not reimbursed, be related to your job, and you need records to prove the expense in the form of a receipt. If the expense is for professional and personal use, you can claim a deduction for the professional use only.
So what comes under “work-related expense”?

Travel

You can claim for travel expenses that are directly related to your work with the exception of your regular commute between home and work. For example, you can claim for the cost of travelling between two separate workplaces or from your normal workplace to an alternative workplace.

Clothing

You can only claim for clothing that is specific to your job, that you can’t use everyday, and that makes you recognisable for that job, for example high-vis jackets, steel-capped boots, chef checked trousers and aprons. The clothing must also have been paid for by you and may require evidence of such. You can also claim cleaning costs for clothing that is specific for your job.

Electronic Devices

If you use your computer, phone or any other electronic devices for work purposes, you may be able to claim back a deduction of the cost of the device and the cost of running it e.g. phone calls, repairs to office furniture, and electricity. If you use your computer half the time for personal use and the other half for work purposes, you can only claim for 50% of the cost.

Tools

If you buy tools for your work and aren’t reimbursed by your employer, you can claim for some or all of the cost. These include computers, desks, chairs, filing cabinets, power tools, protective clothing and equipment and technical items. You can also claim back the cost of repairing and insuring these items.
For help on making your claim and submitting your tax refund, contact a registered tax agent today.