Being a travel agent sounds like a dream job, helping people plan exciting adventures. But when tax time rolls around, it can feel like a different adventure altogether.
The good news is, that you can claim a bunch of deductions on your tax return to get some money back – like putting that dream getaway within reach! Here at KPG Taxation, we are tax experts, and we can help you find all the deductions you deserve.
So in this blog, we have an exclusive tax return and deduction checklist which can help you get good tax savings.
Getting Started - What You Need to Know?
An income statement from your employer (formerly known as a payment summary or group certificate) is required in order to file your return. This document outlines your salary, wages, allowances, and bonuses for the year.
Don’t worry, your employer should send this directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You can then check it and download the information through myGov. Once we have this, we can help you figure out what deductions you can claim.
Okay, I Can Claim Deductions? What Exactly Can I Claim?
The key is claiming deductions for work-related expenses you paid yourself, and have records for (receipts or invoices). Here’s a breakdown of some common deductions for travel agents:
- Discounted Travel: Those “educational” or “familiarisation” trips (family) you go on to learn about new destinations? You can claim expenses for these trips, but only if the main purpose is work-related, not just a holiday.
If the trip involves more than light refreshments, or entertainment is provided, then the travel costs probably aren’t deductible.
- Training and Education: Attending courses, workshops, or seminars related to your job? Claim those fees! This could be anything from learning a new ticketing system to attending a travel industry conference.
- Phone and Internet: Do you use your own phone or Internet for work-related calls, emails, or research? Keep track of that usage and claim a portion of your phone and internet bills.
- Work Clothes and Uniforms: If you have a compulsory uniform with a company logo or special work clothes you need to buy or clean, you can claim those expenses.
Here's What You Can't Claim
- Regular clothes you wear to work, even if your employer requires them (sorry, that business suit isn’t deductible!).
- Entertainment costs such as business meals, sporting events, or concerts (even if you talk about some business while you’re there).
- Passport fees and travel insurance.
- Tools or equipment provided by your employer (like a laptop).
- Grooming costs like haircuts or makeup, even if looking your best is part of the job.
Real-Life Example - Making the Most of Your Deductions
Let’s imagine David, a travel agent who puts in extra effort to learn about different destinations. Here’s how some deductions can benefit him:
- David attends a short course on adventure travel trends. He can claim the course fees, travel costs, and even the cost of his textbooks.
- David goes on a family trip to Fiji to learn about a new eco-resort. The trip itinerary is packed with resort inspections and meetings with tourism officials. David can claim the travel expenses for this trip because the main focus is work-related.
- David pays for a subscription to a travel industry magazine. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest destinations and trends, and David can claim the subscription cost.
Travel Agent Tax Return - Don't Leave Money on the Table!
There’s more to travel agent tax deductions than families and phone bills! Here’s a deeper dive into some additional deductions you might be eligible for:
Home Office Expenses
Do you set aside a particular area of your house for work? If so, you can claim a portion of your home office expenses. This includes things like electricity, depreciation of furniture and equipment, and internet usage.
There are two methods for claiming these deductions: the “diary method” which tracks actual running costs, or the ATO’s simplified “set rate per hour” method. We recommend speaking with your tax accountant to see which method works best for you.
Car Expenses
Generally, travel between home and work isn’t deductible. But there are exceptions! If you regularly transport bulky equipment for work or travel between multiple workplaces throughout the day, you might be able to claim those car expenses.
For example, David from our previous example could claim the cost of driving to a client meeting if he needed to bring brochures and presentation materials.
Meals and Travel
There are specific situations where you can claim meal expenses:
- Working overtime: If your employer pays you an allowance for overtime meals (up to a set limit per meal in 2024), you can claim that amount without receipts.
- Travelling for work: If you need to stay away overnight for work and don’t receive an allowance, keep receipts for your meals and accommodation to claim them on your tax return.
- Parking, tolls, and public transport: These are deductible if incurred while travelling for work-related meetings, training courses, or picking up supplies.
Other Work-Related Expenses
There are various other work-related expenses you might be able to claim:
- Professional Fees: Annual memberships or union fees you need for your job.
- Continuing Education: Costs of self-education courses directly related to your work, including fees, travel, books, and materials.
- Work-Related Tech: The work-related portion of depreciation on your computer, calculator, or electronic organiser.
- Work Phone and Internet: A portion of your phone and internet bills if you use them for work calls, emails, or research.
- Stationery and Subscription: The cost of work-related magazines, journals, and professional books.
Get Expert Help
By following these guidelines and keeping accurate records, you can handle tax season with confidence, knowing you’re getting the most out of your deductions.
Here at KPG Taxation, we have a team of experienced tax accountants who can help you understand what deductions you’re eligible for and ensure you claim everything you’re entitled to. We can also help you navigate the ATO’s ever-changing rules and regulations.
