ATO now targeting: Construction and Sales workers

Written on the 25 June 2013 by Macmillans Waller Fry - Accountants

For the 2013 financial year the ATO has announced that it will be looking closely at the income tax returns in the following occupations:

- Building construction project managers and supervisors
- Building construction labourers
- Sales and marketing managers

The ATO considers individuals in these groups are at a higher risk of making incorrect claims or mistakes with their work related expenses due to the types of deductions they are entitled to claim.

Based on claim patterns and/or errors identified with work-related expense claims in previous years, the following types of claims often made by employees in different occupations are more likely to generate greater ATO audit attention:

- Travel claims involving individuals being ‘on call’ or carrying ‘bulky equipment’
- Claims for home office expense, including occupancy costs
- Claims for work-related tools purchased during the year
- Self-education expense that are considered ‘too soon’ to be deductible.

The ATO website has occupation-specific information for those in sales and marketing and the building and construction industries which can be used as a guide when preparing your 2013 income tax return.

Sales and Marketing Managers -

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/PrintFriendly.aspx?ms=individuals&doc=/content/00193126.htm

Building and Construction Workers –

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/PrintFriendly.aspx?ms=individuals&doc=/content/00280982.htm

For further information please do not hesitate to contact Macmillans Waller Fry – Accountants on 02 49335355.