The temporary shortcut method (80 cents per hour) ended on 30 June 2022.

The fixed-rate method (which was 52c per hour) has been revised with big changes. For the 2022/23 income year, the revised fixed rate is 67 cents per hour and this covers:

• Home and mobile internet and data expenses
• Mobile and home phone usage expenses
• Electricity and gas (energy expenses) for heating, cooling and lighting
• Stationery and computer consumables, such as printer ink and paper

If you want to use the revised fixed rate method, you need to keep a record of all hours worked from home for the entire income year (for example, on a spreadsheet, timesheet, roster or in a diary).

If you haven’t kept a record of all hours worked from home, you can use a representative record of your hours only from 1 July 2022 to 28 February 2023. You will need a record of the total number of your actual hours worked from home from 1 March 2023 to 30 June 2023, and beyond.

Tax deductions for the following are separate to the fixed rate calculation:

• Office furniture, e.g. desk, chair, bookshelf
• Computer, laptop, iPad, tablet, printer

You can also separately claim the decline in value of depreciating assets and equipment, including any repairs and maintenance costs.

Please note that for individuals, any work-related asset costing over $300 must be depreciated, so please include details for me such as the date of purchase and price paid.

As always keep records of all work-related expenses and I will advise you, e.g. Union Fees, Subscriptions, Memberships, Tools and Equipment, Safety Equipment, Self-Education, Uniform and Laundry expenses and Income Protection Insurance. Refer to my Tax Checklist for more ideas.