Tax essentials for long haul truck drivers 2015 - Part 1

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TAX ESSENTIALS FOR LONG HAUL TRUCK DRIVERS (2015 EDITION)– PART ONE

nationalheavyhaulage.com.au

WHEN YOU CAN MAKE A CLAIMIn simple terms, it has to be work-related and it must have been incurred in the year you’re claiming for. You can make a claim as long as:• You incurred the expense doing your job• The expense is not private, e.g. travelling to and from work• You can prove you incurred the expense with a receipt or other

written evidence.

Tax essentials for long haul truck drivers (2015 Edition) – Part 1

RECORDSProof of expenses can come in the form of receipts or a travel diary. Invoices, receipts or other documents for food, transport, parking, road tolls and other travel expenses are generally easy to obtain and keep.

In situations where it is too difficult to get a receipt, keep a travel diary that shows the dates, places, times and duration of your activities and travel.

MEALS AND TRAVELThis first group of tax deductions is the trickiest as employers typically pay truck drivers a travel allowance that cover meals and incidentals.

Regardless of how much allowance you receive, you can only claim a deduction for the expenses you paid. If you paid $80 in work-related expenses and received $100 in allowance, you can only claim the $80.

MEALS AND TRAVELExamples of expenses in this category are:• Accommodation• Meals• Incidentals e.g. shower fees, laundry, dry cleaning, soap,

shower shoes etc• Air/bus/taxi fares• Parking fees and road/bridge tolls• Fees incurred while attending meetings and training courses

WORKWEARFor many employers, branded workwear comes with the job especially PPE. However, sometimes there may be out of pocket expenses, like:• Boots• Gloves• Sunglasses and safety glasses• Hard hat• Rain gear

• Uniforms (branded only)• Alterations• Sunscreen• Laundry, dry cleaning and

repairs of uniforms

WORK TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTThe right tools can make a big difference when you’re out on the road. If you use tools at work, then there are several deductions you can claim:• Buying and repairing tools (crowbars, electrical tape, hammer,

screwdrivers, wrenches etc)• Truck repairs, maintenance, spillage and cleaning• Load securement (bungee cords, locks, load chains,

wide load flags etc)

STAY TUNEDIn Part 2, look out for more useful tax deductions for truck drivers like training, cleaning products, electronics, office supplies and more.

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Tax essentials for long haul truck drivers 2015 - Part 1

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