With tax time underway the Australian Taxation Office has produced a work-releated expense guide  specifically for meat processing workers.

The ATO has also informed Beef Central that it is hoping to have a similar guide developed specifically for people who work in agriculture in time for next year’s tax period, which we will provide to readers as soon as it becomes available.

In the meantime the following links are provided for readers working in the following areas.

• Meat Processing employees work related expenses poster  
• Truck Drivers WRE poster
• Earthmoving plant operators: work-related expenses
• Tradies work related expenses poster
• Office Worker poster
• Clothing and Laundry guide
• Self-Education guide
• Travel Expenses guide
• Claiming mobile phone & internet guide
• Retail workers WRE poster

More specific guides for a range of professions and occupations can be found on the ATO website at this link

The ATO has also provided links to the following tax time information on its website for small businesses.

How can I prepare for Tax Time? ATO information for small businesses

The ATO knows that small businesses have a lot to think about and tax is not always at the top of your list. To help you, the ATO has a range of support, tools and tips to make it easier for you to get your tax and super right.

Brush up on your obligations and entitlements before the end of the financial year. After all, a taxpayer is responsible for their own return, even if they lodge through a tax agent. There are plenty of ways you can find out about which deductions you can claim, the concessions that are available to you, or best practices for record keeping.

• Small business webinars
• Small business workshops
• atoTV Business channel

Throughout tax time, the ATO will be publishing articles and tips to help you. Subscribe or follow us now to keep up to date with everything small business.

• Small business newsroom
• Twitter (@ATOSmallbizExec)

There is also a wide range of tools and services tailored to help small businesses.

• Supporting your small business

To get you started here are some tips for small businesses below to help you get prepared:

1. Report all of the income you make through your business in your tax return, whether you receive the money in person or electronically.
2. To claim deductions for the costs of running your business, the money must have been spent for your business – not a private expense. If the expense was partly for private use, only claim the portion related to your business.

For more information, visit ato.gov.au/incomeanddeductions

1. Take advantage of the concessions that may apply to your small business, such as the instant asset write‑off. Find out more at ato.gov.au/concessionsataglance

Don’t forget to keep records to prove what you report and claim in your tax return.  Good record keeping should underpin everything you do for your small business – it can make it run smoother and point out any issues before they become problems.

Source: Australian Taxation Office