If you’re a Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) worker, there a number of tax rules and deductions available to you. We have summarized a list of tax deductions.

Zone Tax Offset

To be eligible for the Zone Tax Offset, a taxpayer must reside or work in a specified remote or isolated area of Australia for more than 183 days in an income year. Since 1 July 2015, FIFO workers are excluded from the zone tax offset where their normal residence is not within a zone. Those FIFO workers whose normal residence is in one zone but who work in a different zone will retain the zone tax offset entitlement associated with their normal place of residence

Travel

Unfortunately you can’t claim the cost of travelling between your home and your FIFO work site. Therefore travel to and from the airport and airfares etc cannot be claimed as a deduction. However, as a regular work traveler, you can claim a deduction for the cost of your luggage. If the cost is more than $ 300 then you only can claim a deduction for the luggage depreciation.

If you are required to travel to an alternative place of work for a meeting, seminar, training, conference or any other work-related activity, you can claim any travel expenses incurred.

Clothing

You can claim deductions for the cost of compulsory uniforms and protective clothing such as overalls and steel-capped boots. However, you can’t claim a deduction if these items have been provided free of charge by your employer.

You can’t claim a deduction for the cost of buying or cleaning plain clothing worn at work, even if your employer tells you to wear it.

Tools and Equipment

If a tool or item of equipment cost you $300 or less, and you use it for work only, you can claim a deduction for the whole cost in the year you purchased it. Otherwise, you can claim a deduction for the cost over the life of the item that is depreciation.

 Other Work Related Expenses

-Overtime meal expenses

-Work-related books, magazines and journals

-Annual membership or union fees

-Fees to renew machinery operating licences and tickets required for your work

-Self-education

-Telephone and internet fees (for the work-related portion only)

If you have any enquiry, please contact our Business Mantra experts. You can call us on (08)9242 3555 or email us at info@businessmantra.com.au.

Source: ATO