Most people only think about their tax return once a year. That means genuine deductions often get forgotten, simply because no one kept a record at the time. A few small habits throughout the year can make a real difference, though. Combine them with knowing what’s actually claimable, and you can boost your refund without doing anything the ATO wouldn’t approve of.
The single biggest reason people miss deductions is simple: they don’t have proof of an expense by the time tax season arrives. Keeping a simple folder — physical or digital — for receipts, invoices, and logbook entries throughout the year makes claiming everything you’re entitled to far easier come tax time.
Work-related vehicle use. If you use your car for work purposes beyond a standard commute, a properly kept logbook can support a meaningful deduction. Accurate records matter here, not estimates.
Home office expenses. Anyone working from home, even part of the time, may be able to claim a portion of internet, electricity, and equipment costs. The claim just needs the right calculation behind it.
Self-education and training. You can often claim courses, certifications, or professional development tied directly to your current role, even when they weren’t compulsory.
Union fees and professional memberships. People frequently forget these simply because the payments happen automatically and rarely register as a tax item.
Tools, equipment, and uniforms. Items required specifically for your job — including protective clothing and branded uniforms — often qualify as deductions, along with their repair and cleaning costs.
Income protection insurance. Premiums for income protection policies held outside super generally qualify as deductions, yet people commonly overlook this claim.
Donations to registered charities. You can claim donations over $2 to a registered deductible gift recipient, as long as you keep the receipt.
Bringing forward a deductible expense — like prepaying a work subscription or making a planned donation — before June 30 rather than in July can shift when you receive the benefit. A short conversation with your tax agent before the end of the financial year can be more valuable than the return itself.
It’s easy to underclaim simply because you don’t know a particular expense qualifies. It’s just as easy to overclaim because you’re unsure of the rules and guess incorrectly. Having someone review your full situation — rather than just typing in the numbers you provide — tends to produce both a safer and a stronger return.
EBATS has helped individuals and businesses across Australia lodge accurate, fully optimised tax returns since 2011. We review your full situation properly, not just enter data.
📍 Suite 2.2/47 Queen St, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia 📞 0404 471 816 🌐 www.ebats.com.au 📧 [email protected]
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