So you’re travelling around for work and want to know what you can and can’t claim with your travel?
In order to claim travel expenses as a tax deduction, you need to ensure that the correct substantiation is maintained. The type and length of the business / work-related travel will affect the documentation you require and need to keep.
The main issues to consider are:
Principal Reason – Business vs Private Travel
Travel expenses are deductible when they are incurred for business or work-related purposes.
| Type of Travel | Allowable Deductions |
| Main purpose for business / work | Costs are fully deductible |
| Incidental business/work purpose | Apportion |
| Accompanying relatives – non business / work purpose. | Not deductible |
Allowable Deductions
If the other conditions of claiming a deduction for travel are met, examples of tax deductible travel expenses include:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
Deductions cannot be claimed for the following travel-related expenses in any circumstances:
- Visas
- Passports
- Travel insurance
Substantiation Requirements
In order to claim the allowable deductions outlined above, you must keep written evidence (receipts) in certain circumstances. This will depend on the amount of the deduction that is being claimed and you receive a travel allowance.
Each year the ATO sets a reasonable travel allowance that covers accommodation, meals and incidentals incurred while travelling for work purposes.
- For domestic travel where a travel allowance is received – no written evidence is required for deductions claimed up to the ATO reasonable travel allowance amount (otherwise written evidence is required for all expenses).
- For domestic travel where no allowance is received – written evidence is required to claim any deduction.
- For overseas travel where a travel allowance is received – No written evidence is required for a deduction claimed up to the ATO reasonable travel allowance amount for meals and incidentals (otherwise written evidence is required for all expenses). Written evidence is required for accommodation expenses as it is not included in the allowance.
- For overseas travel where no allowance is received – written evidence is required to claim any deduction.
Travel Diary Requirements
As well as the substantiation requirements outlined above, when you are away from home for 6 or more consecutive nights (whether domestic or overseas), a travel diary must be maintained in order to claim a deduction for travel expenses. At the very least, the diary should include details for each business activity performed including:
- The nature of the activity
- The date, time and duration of the activity
- The location of the activity
Want to find out more or need assistance in understanding what you can claim? Feel free to give one of our tax specialists a call on (07) 3510 1500.
Disclaimer- The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
