“Claiming mobile phone, internet and home phone expenses

The Australian Taxation Office has recently issued a fact sheet entitled “Claiming mobile phone, internet and home phone expenses”, which now generally requires many taxpayers making such claims to keep a 4-week diary.

ATO Fact Sheet:

If you use your own phone(s) or internet for work purposes, you may be able to claim a deduction if you paid for these costs and have records to support your claims.

If you use your phone(s) or internet for both work and private use, you will need to work out the percentage that reasonably relates to your work use.

Substantiating your claims

You need to keep records for a 4-week representative period in each income year to claim a deduction of more than $50. These records may include diary entries, including electronic records, and bills. Evidence that your employer expects you to work at home or make some work-related calls will also help you demonstrate that you are entitled to a deduction.

There is further rules and requirements so if you have any concerns please contact the Addition Accounting team for assistance.