Reasonable travel expenses...

[cosi]

I have always used the ATO travel allowance for myslef and straff as I belive the amounts are fair and reasonable.

Some of my staff pocket the extra money by staying with friends or in cheaper hotels.

Our external accountants have never quiered the expenses claimed.

Also if you are subject to a tax audit, then you have NO worries because all claims are within the guidelines.

This is the ATO link for the current financial year.


http://http://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/view.htm?rank=find&criteria=AND~2009-10~basic~exact:::AND~travel~basic~exact:::AND~allowance~basic~exact&target=FA&style=java&sdocid=TXD/TD200915/NAT/ATO/00001&recStart=1&PiT=99991231235958&recnum=4&tot=6&pn=ALL:::ALL

 

[Natt]

Why don't you just use the Public Sector Allowances in your state as a minimum

Heres the Tasmanian ones for instance:

Adelaide
$157.00
Brisbane
$201.00
Canberra
$145.00
Darwin
$159.00
Melbourne
$173.00
Perth
$164.00
Sydney
$183.00
Tasmania
$117.00 ​

Breakfast

​

$22.30

Lunch
$25.00

Dinner
$43.00

Incidental Expenses
Payable per overnight stay:
$16.50 ​

 

[notmensa]

Are the state gov't ones based on the ATO allowances? The NSW policies are set by the Dept of Premier & Cabinet and specifically reference the ATO ruling for the amounts.

 

[serfty]

With regard to the ATO's defined reasonable expenses limits, the employee still needs to have spent the allowance, otherwise it becomes "income" - it's just that any spending up to the reasonable limits does not require substantiation.

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com.../business-class-options-10443.html#post134390

 

[Natt]

Are the state gov't ones based on the ATO allowances? The NSW policies are set by the Dept of Premier & Cabinet and specifically reference the ATO ruling for the amounts.

I can only comment on Tasmania, these rates come from the Public Sector Award system which is basically what the unions vs the Tas Govt have bargained out.

Should be similar in other states

 

[thewinchester]

I can only comment on Tasmania, these rates come from the Public Sector Award system which is basically what the unions vs the Tas Govt have bargained out.

Should be similar in other states

As a servant of the public, that's pretty much how it goes in most states. You'll be able to find the various rates from each Government with a quick Google search to see how they rule things in your area.

Interestingly, the WA agreement provides for travel above or below a specific parallel (similar to the zone allowances from the ATO) which increase the allowances payable/claimable. WA agreements also cover maximum allowed hotel spend per night for locations within Australia to ensure a level playing field for everyone.

 

[oz_mark]

Interestingly, the WA agreement provides for travel above or below a specific parallel (similar to the zone allowances from the ATO)

Usually, the 26th parallel is used for these things, so I imagine it would be the same in the WA agreement.

 

[11sjw]

Thanks Dave - very useful website!

Thanks dosborn! (now wont feel bad staying in something better than the formule 1 motel i stayed in - gross)

One more thing, I assume it's okay to charge meals to the company?

Mal - I understand. I am travelling by myself. I would not charge alcohol to the company, as it's not a necessary expense. The company is a multinational mining company, so I hope its okay.

All meals, drinks etc along the way are fine. Even a Coke and Chiko Roll morning tea is claimable.

Provided you go middle of the road (3.5-4 stars as others have said) with your hotels/motels then you'll be fine.

Plenty of people will include a beer/glass of wine with dinner. A bottle of wine or 10 beers would be much more difficult to justify.

Put it this way, you can try it once and be told not to do it again. No harm there.