PPE equipment on the COVID claims list.

 

Officeworks has kicked off its 2022 end-of-financial year advertising campaign with a focus on work-from-home tax tips.

 

The retailer compiled a special report which states that thanks to COVID and its associated restrictions and changes to the way people work, the expenses that can be claimed are now very different if an employee worked an entire year in their normal external office space.

 

“Work-from-home claims will loom large this year due to COVID and you can use the shortcut method set out by the ATO, but it may not give you the biggest deduction,” Mark Chapman, director of tax Communications at H&R Block, commented in the Officeworks report. 

 

While there have been no significant changes to what can be claimed for 2021–22, it’s worth noting many people are now claiming personal protective equipment (PPE), an expense that wouldn’t have been commonly claimed pre-COVID. 

 

“Workers in an occupation that requires physical contact or proximity with customers or clients during the COVID period can claim a deduction for items such as gloves, face masks, sanitiser and antibacterial spray,”  Chapman said. “Relevant claimants could include those in industries such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, beauty and hairdressing.” 

 

“To claim a deduction, you must have paid for the PPE item yourself. You can’t claim a deduction if your employer reimburses, pays for or provides these items. The PPE must protect you from both the real and likely risk of illness or injury while performing your work duties,” he added.