Tax deductions for teachers, just like a large number of other professionals, often pay for work-related expenses out of their own pockets. In the majority of cases, these items can become highly valuable tax deductions for teachers.
The tax deductions you claim back can significantly improve your tax refund if you know what you’re doing. Here is a list of the most common tax deductions for teachers.
- Teacher supplies such as teaching resources or materials that were not reimbursed or paid for by the school you work.
- Working with children or blue card applications.
- Teaching registration fees and related costs.
- Work uniforms or clothing with the company or school’s logo on it. This includes laundry costs.
- Self-education that is related to your current teaching role.
- Some travel and meal expenses when staying overnight for work.
- Any other expenses that occur when staying overnight for work.
- Relevant car expenses.
- Union or membership fees.
- Home internet bill when you are working from home, for example, when you are marking school assessment at home.
- Work-related magazines, books, and journals.
- The cost of relevant memberships.
- Protective hat and sunscreen when working outside.
- Tax deductible phone expenses.
Other Work-related Expenses that Can Be Claimed When Working from Home
The majority of teachers will at some point have to work from home, but there is a silver lining to that. If you do some of your work at home, there is an opportunity to claim a deduction for it. Depending on how often you work at home, you may be able to claim the work percentage costs of:
- Your internet expenses.
- Computers, printers, and any other equipment you use.
- Depreciation of the value of the above items.
The ATO’s “cents per hour method” is the best way to claim tax deductions for work-at-home expenses.
If you have worked at home between 1st March 2020 and 30th June 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are most likely eligible to use the 80 cents per hour shortcut method when claiming your work-from-home expenses.
Are Teachers Able to Claim a Portion of Rent, Rates, and Bills as a Tax Deduction?
You can only claim these types of expenses if you always work from home. Teachers, who mostly work out of schools and other educational facilities, are ineligible. Teachers should be very cautious about this, as the ATO has made clear rulings about this and now watch out for teachers who attempt to over-claim.
Travel and School Excursions: Common Tax Deductions for Teachers
Travel and other costs for day trips or school excursions are often a common expense for teachers. It is important for you to keep a record of all of them. This includes costs such as meals, transport, and accommodation – unless paid for or reimbursed by the school. It’s worth noting that you can’t claim travel to and from work or any social functions the school may host.
Other Tax Deductions for Teachers
You might also be able to claim a deduction for some of your personal items if you use them for work. For example, a portion of your mobile phone bill and the costs of work-related car use can be claimed.
