Did you know that the average tax refund for Australians is around $2,600?
For flight crew members, this figure could potentially be even higher due to the unique nature of your work and the various deductions available to you.
As the end of the financial year approaches, it’s crucial to understand how to maximise your tax return and claim all eligible deductions.
Here’s a comprehensive blog to help you file your tax return and take full advantage of relevant deductions.
What You Need Before Filing Your Return?
Before filing your tax return, you’ll need an income statement (previously known as a payment summary or group certificate). This statement contains essential information such as your salary, wages, allowances, and bonuses.
Your employer will lodge this statement directly with the Australian Tax Office (ATO), and once it’s available, your tax agent can access it to help you complete your return.
Apart from your income statement, here’s a checklist of key documents and details you’ll need:
Document Type | Details Required |
---|---|
PAYG Summaries | Summary of your annual income from employment |
Bank Statements | Interest earned from savings accounts |
Investment Statements | Dividend and rental income |
Private Health Insurance | Details of your policy |
Government Payments | Any pensions or benefits received |
Deductions Flight Crew Can Claim
As a flight crew member, you’re entitled to claim deductions on work-related expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of common deductible items:
1. Travel Expenses
If you have to stay at a different location overnight from your home for work, you can seek to recover travel costs that include accommodation, meals, and transport, such as flights, taxis, etc. However, such costs shall not be treated as recoverable by the employer, and one should be keeping record of receipts or invoices of those costs.
2. Uniform And Protective Gear
You can also recover the cost of purchasing, replacing, and maintaining your airline uniform if the airline uniform is required and carries the logo of your employer. Protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, sunglasses, and moisturisers applied to counter dry conditions in the aircraft cabin can also be recovered.
3. Self-education Expenses
You may also claim any courses or training that are related to your current role – for instance, re-certification in first aid. Course fees and study material, as well as travel costs associated with attending courses fall under this area.
4. Work-Related Luggage
Flight crew members might require special luggage for working-related business travel. You are also reimbursed when you buy luggage that is used in carrying out work activities, for example, cases and carry on baggage.
5. Meals And Overtime Allowances
When working overtime and your employer provides a meal allowance, you can claim the cost of the meal. Additionally, meals incurred during overnight trips away from home are also deductible, provided you have not been reimbursed by your employer.
Deductible Item | Explanation |
---|---|
Uniform | Cost of purchasing, repairing, and cleaning uniforms |
Moisturisers and Conditioners | Used to protect against dry cabin conditions |
Work-Related Luggage | Suitcases and carry-on bags used for work travel |
Self-Education | Costs of courses related to your job (e.g., first aid) |
Meals | Meals purchased during overtime or overnight stays for work |
Expenses You Can’t Claim
Actually, though there are many expenses for which you can claim, it is fundamental to realise what you cannot claim. That way, your tax return is accurate and there should be no ATO setbacks.
- Wear-and-Tear Item: You cannot depreciate ordinary clothing, no matter how rarely you wear it at work. For example, you may not depreciate a pair of ordinary black shoes or a white everyday shirt.
- Cosmetic Expenses: The expenses of haircuts, makeup, and all other beautification treatments and services are not deductible because you must look good for the job.
- Travel Between Home to Work: You cannot deduct the cost of travelling from your home to work, no matter how many miles it is. Travel expenses can be claimed only when you travel out of town for the actual performance of your work.
Get Expert Help With Your Flight Crew Tax Return
Filing your tax return as a flight crew member can be complex, but KPG Taxation is here to make it easy. Our experienced team of tax accountants make sure that you take every deduction you are eligible for in order for you to come out with the most refundable check possible.
Don’t miss out on such important tax benefits—let us help you take care of it with speed and efficiency. Contact KPG Taxation today for professional support with your flight crew tax return.