Tax Tips for Teachers
Learn about the tax deductions you may be able to claim on your tax return...
Common Work-Related Expenses
- Stationery & Teaching Aids/Resources or materials that were not paid for by the school
- Computers, Laptops & Other Equipment e.g. Printers, Tablets, Calculators etc.*
- Annual Teacher Registrations
- Working with children/blue card applications
- Union/Membership Fees
- Personal Superannuation Contributions
- Books and Professional Libraries that are used to improve or maintain your skills
- Sun protection e.g. sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen while out working in the sun on playground duties
*Computers, Laptops or Equipment that cost over $300 will have to spread the tax deduction over a few years.
Self-Education
- If you complete any training or courses that will improve or maintain your skills directly related to your current role, you can claim the training/course costs.
- You can also claim Travel, Accommodation, Text books/Manuals, Computers, Equipment & Stationery related to the course.
Phone, Internet, Home Office
- If you need to use phone for work, you can claim the work use %.
- If you need to use your internet for work, you can claim the work use %.
- If you need to take work home with you e.g. to mark exams or write report cards, and work from a designated office, you can claim the home office running expenses.
*Keep a one month logbook tracking your usage to claim these expenses as a tax deduction.
Motor Vehicle Expenses
You can claim a tax deduction for your motor vehicle if:
- You needed to use your personal car to travel to excursions, camps, school sporting events etc.
- You are driving between separate workplaces (e.g. to a second job)
*to claim your car expenses you need to keep a 12 week consecutive logbook to work out your work-related percentage, or you need to keep a record of the kilometres travelled to claim using the cents per kilometre method.
Our Tax Blogs -
What can a teacher claim on their tax?
Tax Returns - Claiming Home Office
Can I Claim Driving to work on my Tax?
Self Education Expenses on your Tax
Our Tax Videos -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-aC4AvkSzc
