We know how hard the cleaning industry is. You work on your feet all day, and you deserve to keep as much of your salary you earn as possible. Yet many cleaners do not realize how much of their salary is given away to the ATO unnecessarily.

It’s for that reason that our team of tax professionals at Immunity Accounting is here to make sure you get the largest return possible. We have drafted up a comprehensive list of deductions you can make yourself, to help you maximize your return this tax season.

All you’ll need to get started is an income statement, which is often provided directly to the ATO by your employer. If you have a physical copy, this is perfectly fine as well.

Am I eligible to claim any deductions? 

Absolutely!

There are a wide range of deductions you can claim as a cleaner. This includes any money you’ve spent for the purposes of your work. Any products or services you have utilized for your income, and any money you’ve invested into yourself for your work.

Let’s break down exactly what you can claim down below.

What deductions am I eligible to claim? 

Let’s explore all of the deductions you can make as a cleaner this tax season:

• Any car expenses you have incurred due to your job. This includes the transport of heavy and bulky equipment to and from your workplace (such as cleaning supplies and tools), as long as you cannot store this equipment on site.
• If you travel between locations during your workday, you can claim your travel costs. You’ll be required to keep a logbook of these travels for the ATO.
• Any costs related to the buying, cleaning, or repairing of work-specific clothing. This clothing must be unique to your work, most commonly a t-shirt with a logo, or a branded smock or overall.
• Any costs you incur for the purchase of protective clothing used for your work.
• You can claim any costs related to your phone or internet use if you are required to use these utilities for your work. Any claim over $50 will require a record for your deduction.
• Self-education costs can be claimed back for their full amount. This only includes self-education that directly relates to your current position, and is required for your work.

What can’t I claim? 

There are several expenses you won’t be able to claim, these include:

• The costs related to the cleaning, repair, or purchase of regular clothing you use in the workplace, which are also worn outside of work. This includes any plain piece of clothing you may have purchased for work purposes.
• You cannot claim the cost of any tools, equipment, or supplies that are provided by your employer.
• The cost associated with any meals, snacks, or drinks you consume throughout your workday.

What records do I need to keep? 

Record keeping is the backbone of a strong tax return. So, you’ll need to make sure you stay on top of your receipts and have a system set up for keeping track of your work-related costs. This can include a logbook for travel costs, or bank statements reflecting asset purchase.

It’s important to note, you don’t need to keep physical records. It is perfectly acceptable to keep a digital copy, or photo of a receipt, as long as it reflects the following information:

• The name of the supplier
• Amount of the expense
• Nature of the goods or services
• Date the expense was paid
• Date of the document

You are not required to keep records for any expenses under $10, as long as these expenses do not cumulatively add up to more than $200.

Should I be worried if I make a mistake on my return? 

It’s important not to panic. The ATO will not suddenly reject your return or punish you for simple mistakes. They understand that sometimes an innocent mistake will happen. We’re all human.

If you do think you’ve made a mistake, it’s important that you attempt to amend it as soon as possible. You can do this by contacting the ATO or reaching out to our accountants at Immunity Accounting.

We’ll be happy to amend any mistakes you’ve made and help you get the biggest return possible.

IMMUNITY ACCOUNTING CAN HELP

To find out more speak to one of our tax consultants by clicking this link to book an appointment online or call 1300 514 191.