Living away from home allowances

Donaldhump on 24/06/2016 - 05:57

Unsure how this works.

So I live on the Gold Coast

if i were to take. a 3 month job in Melbourne and maintain my home up here, can I claim the following as a tax expense?

initial drive to and from gc to melb
rent for a one bed / studio
flights back every 2nd weekend
food

is this just claimed as an expense, or will a agency handling the payment pay this as an amount and then the rest as income?

any it contractors recommend an agency?

also I am currently working in North Brisbane, and the commute sucks so was thinking of staying in a hotel mid week, ca this be claimed on tax too?

thanks

Financial

Comments

  • dasher86 on 24/06/2016 - 06:49
    -1

    See your accountant.

    • xoom on 24/06/2016 - 07:11

      This. Get what you want to claim on tax as an expense wrong and you could end up getting audited.

  • PVA on 24/06/2016 - 07:18
    +3

    See your accountant.
    But, no, what you are wanting to claim isn't a work expense.
    Just because you don't like commuting doesn't mean you can claim renting a home closer.

    Same working in another city, flights home every few weekend you can't claim. None of what you are saying is work related deductions.

  • the-mal on 24/06/2016 - 08:23
    +1

    if i were to take. a 3 month job in Melbourne and maintain my home up here, can I claim the following as a tax expense?

    No. Here's a quick run down of the Living Away from Home Allowance.

    The key part is that the living away from home part has to be a requirement of your employment. Choosing to take an interstate job is a choice, not a requirement. If you worked for a company near your home and they had to temporarily relocate your position for 3 months interstate, that would qualify. Choosing to take a new job interstate does not.

    As others have said though, see a financial advisor, accountant or tax consultant.

    • Donaldhump on 24/06/2016 - 12:44

      simple, set up your company local, and have the client contract your company …
      but what you say is probrably the nail in the coffin.
      sort of think it sucks as its money im spending to earn money

  • StewBalls on 24/06/2016 - 09:09
    +1

    food

    Let us know if you get that one over the line, I've got four hungry, hungry hippos under my roof that would make a great write-off! ;)

  • bemybubble on 24/06/2016 - 12:52

    The key is whether it was a vocation to move to Melbourne, or if work sends you…

  • shazam7 on 24/06/2016 - 15:42

    A decent payroll company can work this out and set it up for you.
    Note that your employment agency may not be able to set it up for you but payroll companies do this regularly.
    Depending on your circumstances, u may be able to claim living away from home allowance (covers rental, food expenses) or travel allowance (covers more, but must leave state every 2 weeks).
    Again, general advice only. Pls seek a finance professional.

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