ATO Targets Home Office Claims & Real Estate Deductions

1

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The ATO has flagged three areas of concern where errors frequently occur: erroneous work-related deductions, amplified claims on rental properties, and omissions in declared income. Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson emphasizes that even though some inaccuracies are not deliberate, taxpayers should be extra cautious to avoid penalties.

In the last tax season, above eight million Australians lodged work-related expenses, with a significant portion being for home office use. The ATO has revised the way it calculates home office expenses, introducing a new fixed rate and specifying what qualifies for deduction. Clear and detailed documentation to support claims is now mandatory, including records of hours worked from home and associated expenditures such as utility bills.

"If you plan to replicate last year’s home office deduction without the proper documentation, be prepared for a follow-up from us," warns Thomson. He insists that to prevent disqualification, taxpayers must ensure they follow three critical rules: personal expenses must be incurred without reimbursement, the expense should be tied to income generation, and tangible evidence like a receipt is necessary to validate the claim.

Concerning rental property owners, the ATO reports widespread discrepancies in tax returns, with many landlords wrongly logging their income tax. Maintenance and repair claims are a particular focus, with Thomson advising against exaggerating these to compensate for higher rental incomes. Legitimate immediate deductions include routine repairs; however, initial restorations or improvements like kitchen renovations fall under capital works and are deductible over time.

Thomson encourages property owners to thoroughly review their documentation before submitting their tax returns, and if needed, consult a registered tax agent for accurate deduction filings.

To ensure the accuracy of their tax filings, Thomson advocates Australians to avoid hurrying their tax return submissions at the beginning of July. He notes that errors often stem from rushing and neglecting to include all sources of income such as bank interest, dividends, and additional government payments. Taxpayers are advised to wait until pre-filled data is available, ensuring completeness and reducing the likelihood of amendments post-submission.

"While many are eager to check off their tax return early, exercising a bit of patience can be the key to getting your tax return right. Confirm that your employment income statement has been finalized and that your pre-filled information is comprehensive in myTax before lodging," Thomson concludes.

Published:Monday, 6th May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's banking sector, Nuno Matos, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) council. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as Matos brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. - read more

APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a proactive move to address potential risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026. This measure is designed to curb the issuance of loans that could pose systemic risks to the financial system. - read more

Australian Home Prices Expected to Climb by 7% in 2026

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, marking a significant upward revision from previous forecasts. This anticipated growth is attributed to constrained housing supply and a resurgence in buyer demand, following interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in 2025. - read more

RBA's October 2025 Review: Navigating Global Financial Risks

26 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system amidst a backdrop of global uncertainties. The report underscores that while Australia's financial institutions remain robust, external factors pose significant risks that warrant vigilant monitoring. - read more

Leadership Turmoil at Santos: CFO Sherry Duhe Steps Down

26 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within Australia's energy sector, Santos Limited's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Sherry Duhe, has resigned after a brief tenure of one year. Duhe's departure is attributed to an 'untenable leadership environment' and irreconcilable differences with CEO Kevin Gallagher, raising questions about the company's internal governance and strategic direction. - read more

Click for more Finance News