Travel tax allowances

[Samstorm]

I'm a newbie so apologise if this has been asked and responded to already. I did search the forums but didn't find anything specifically related to my situation.

I am about to embark on a regular BNE to SYD commute for a new job, I'll be flying out every Monday AM and returning Friday PM and therefore staying in SYD for 4 nights every week for at least the next 12 months.
Does anyone know what travel expenses are claimable from a tax perspective ? Can I claim the airfare ? accommodation ? meals ? taxis to and from airport ? etc. etc. etc.
My employer will not be paying me any allowances so it will all be paid for out of my own pocket. Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

 

[sjf]

I'd say non-deductible as it's basically your commute to/from work and you have decided to get a job in another city.

If you had a job in BNE and they wanted you to work from the SYD office for a period, then you'd have a claim... However in that case the employer would be either paying LAHFA or picking up the tab.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I'm a newbie so apologise if this has been asked and responded to already. I did search the forums but didn't find anything specifically related to my situation.

I am about to embark on a regular BNE to SYD commute for a new job, I'll be flying out every Monday AM and returning Friday PM and therefore staying in SYD for 4 nights every week for at least the next 12 months.
Does anyone know what travel expenses are claimable from a tax perspective ? Can I claim the airfare ? accommodation ? meals ? taxis to and from airport ? etc. etc. etc.
My employer will not be paying me any allowances so it will all be paid for out of my own pocket. Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

As much as I prefer to do my own tax returns rather than pay a tax agent, on this occasion I would have to recommend seeking professional advice.
Preferably before you finalise arrangements with your employer. It may be possible to structure the relationship to maximise the taxation benefits.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Every situation can be different, so it's best to talk to your accountant. However, as stated above, if it's your choice to commute to SYD, then most likely you would not qualify for any tax deductions. In a very brief summary, instead of catching a bus to work, you're catching a plane to work. And instead of going home after work, you're staying out in town. So in this sense, nothing is claimable.

 

[travelislife]

Now correct me if I am wrong. If you are a contractor living in BNE and pick up a contract in SYD you could then claim all costs?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Does anyone know what travel expenses are claimable from a tax perspective ? Can I claim the airfare ? accommodation ? meals ? taxis to and from airport ? etc. etc. etc.

Sam don't take this personally but there are 2 types of fools in this world:
1. Those who do not attend MEL AFF functions &
2. Those who seek financial advice from AFF forum
As posted - seek independent professional advice to overcome 2. - and front up to a MEL social function ASPIT to overcome 1.

 

[Samstorm]

Thanks for all the opinions and advice, I can assure you Cruiser Elite my goal here was to see if anyone categorically knew what the tax rulings are and as that doesn't seem to be the case I will of course be seeking professional financial advice to give me the definitive answers I need.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Sam - cool - so we will see you at a MEL function soon? penegal, Tuapekastar and Tommy are full of advice if that helps your cause?

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Disclaimer: this is NOT legal advice.

I've had a read through the relevant rulings and the key distinction is between travel IN THE COURSE OF work and travel IN ORDER TO work.
Your flights would not be in the course of your employment, but in order to present yourself for your employment.
As such they would probably not be deductible as an employee.
I would be investigating whether you could do this work as a contractor rather than as an employee.

 

[wandering_fred]

Even as a contractor there are time limitations with respect to travel and accommodation expenses.

Your accountant is a necessary expense...

Happy wandering

Fred