The ATO has released its final guidance about how taxpayers can claim deductions for additional running expenses incurred while working from home starting 1 July 2022.
Previously, the ‘shortcut method’ was a popular and simple way to claim a deduction based on an hourly rate of 80 cents per hour, which was intended to provide administrative relief for the many people forced to work from home temporarily during COVID restrictions. However, this method is no longer available, and employees now have two options: the ‘fixed rate method’ or the ‘actual cost method’.
Both require employees to keep detailed records to claim the WFH deductions.
The Fixed Rate Method
The ‘fixed rate method’ allows employees to claim 67 cents per hour, previously 57 cents per hour, if they incur additional running expenses due to WFH.
A new benefit is that employees no longer need a dedicated home office to use the fixed rate method.
Taxpayers can use the revised fixed rate method (RFRM) to claim deductions at a rate of 67 cents per hour if they meet the following criteria:
- Working from home;
- Incurring deductible additional running expenses; and
- Keeping and retaining relevant records.
The revised fixed rate covers the following:
- energy expenses (electricity and gas),
- phone usage (mobile and home),
- Internet,
- stationery,
- computer consumables (such as ink cartridges, USB cables, power adaptors, or batteries).
No additional deduction for expenses covered by the rate can be claimed if this method is used.
However, the decline in value of assets used while WFH, such as computers and office furniture, repairs and maintenance of these assets, and the costs associated with cleaning, may all be claimed separately.
To use this method, employees must keep records of the total hours worked from home and receipts for expenses for the whole income year.
Records could be shared as timesheets, rosters, logs of time spent accessing employer or business systems, or a diary for the entire year.
Records must be kept for each expense employees have incurred covered by the fixed rate per hour (one bill for each – electricity, phone, internet, etc.).
The Actual Cost Method
Under the ‘actual cost method’, employees can claim a deduction for WFH expenses with a detailed 4-week diary for accurate calculations.
To claim a deduction, employees need to maintain a record of the hours worked from home (timesheet, roster) and a diary showing their usual pattern of working from home.
They also need to keep receipts, bills, and other documents that substantiate the expenses incurred and how the work use was determined.
The work-related use needs to be determined over a representative four-week period for phone and internet expenses. For other costs like heating, cooling, and lighting, the price is based on the total annual hours used for work-related purposes.
To claim a tax deduction for home office expenses, it is vital that the costs directly relate to earning assessable income and that appropriate records are maintained.
If employees claim their actual WFH expenses, they can’t claim a deduction for costs their employer has already reimbursed.
Transitional arrangements existed for 2022-23, but only until March 2023.
No matter which method is used, any assets or equipment purchased for work over $300 can’t be claimed at the total amount immediately, only the current work usage value. This is known as the decline in value or depreciation.
If your employees need assistance or advice about claiming WFH expenses, contact us at enquiries@afpaccounting.com.au or call (02) 7804 1849.
