Common myths for records, deductions, and work-related expenses

Your record keeping is essential to to substantiate and prove your deductions.
In most cases, a bank or credit card statement on its own will not be enough evidence to support a work-related expense claim.

You will need written evidence (usually a receipt) that shows the supplier, the cost, date of purchase, date the document or receipt was produced, and the nature of the goods or services being claimed.

-If a total claim for work-related expenses is more than $300, you must have written evidence to support all claims.

-If your total claim for deductible work expenses is $300 or less, you can claim a deduction without written evidence (such as a receipt), but you must still be able to show that you spent the money and how you calculated the amount being claimed.

-While some deduction types do not require receipts (e.g., laundry expenses), some kind of record may still be necessary.

For any work-related expense claim, you need to meet the 'three golden rules'

1, You must have spent the money yourself and were not reimbursed.
2, The expense must directly relate to earning your income; and
3, You must have a record to prove it (usually a receipt).

You should also have a record that shows: — the private and work-related use (e.g., a diary), and — how the amount claimed as a deduction was calculated.