ATO on work-related clothing and laundry expenses

The ATO has recently expressed concerns about the increase in claims by taxpayers for certain work related expenses, including clothing and laundry expenses, and has advised that it is an area where it will be “increasing attention, scrutiny and education”.

It has also reminded taxpayers that to be eligible for a deduction, clothing needs to be occupation-specific, protective, or a uniform that is unique to the organisation for whom the taxpayer works.

It is a myth that taxpayers can claim a standard deduction of $150 without spending money on appropriate clothing or laundry. While record-keeping requirements for laundry expenses are “relaxed” for claims up to the $150 threshold, taxpayers do need to be able to show how they calculated their deduction.