Most delays in a tax return come from one missing document: a settlement statement, a logbook, or the agent’s year-end summary for a rental property. Having everything together before you send it through means a faster return and less chance of a deduction being missed.
Our four checklists make that easier. Download the ones that apply to you, tick off what you have, and send them to us with your records.
Work-related and other deductions checklist
For employees claiming work expenses, working from home, or making donations and personal super contributions.
What you will need:
- Work-related expenses: car, travel, clothing, self-education, union fees, tools and licences
- Home office expenses: hours worked from home, mobile and internet bills, and assets purchased
- Other expenses: donations, personal super contributions, income protection and last year’s tax agent fee
Tip: car claims need a logbook covering a representative 12-week period that is less than five years old. Working from home claims need diary records of your hours each day for the whole financial year.
Download the work-related and other deductions checklist
Rental checklist
For anyone who owns an investment property or bought one during the year.
What you will need:
- Rental income: your agent’s year-end summary, or your own records if you manage the property yourself
- Rental expenses: rates, land tax, water, insurance, interest, body corporate fees, repairs and new assets
- New rental properties: purchase contract, settlement statement, stamp duty, and the date first available for rent
Tip: deductions are claimed in the financial year they were paid, so check all four quarterly payments are included. Send receipts for any repair over $300 so we can work out whether depreciation applies.
Property capital gains checklist
For anyone who sold a property during the year, including a former home, vacant land or a holiday home.
What you will need:
- Purchase documents: contract, settlement statement, stamp duty, legal fees and capital improvements
- Sale documents: contract, settlement statement, agent commission, marketing and styling costs
- Other details: dates the property was your main residence, and any expenses not already claimed
Tip: the date contracts were exchanged, not the settlement date, decides which financial year the capital gain is declared in.
Download the property capital gains checklist
Business income and expenses checklist
For sole traders and contractors reporting business income in their personal tax return.
What you will need:
- Business details: trading name, industry and GST registration
- Business income: everything received during the financial year
- Business expenses: advertising, equipment, subscriptions, subcontractors, insurance, travel, and wages and super
Tip: if you have employees, include your Single Touch Payroll (STP) report for the year. Let us know if any expense has a private-use portion.
Download the business income and expenses checklist
Before you send your documents
- Use every checklist that applies. An employee who owns a rental and sold another property during the year may need three.
- Keep your receipts. A summary is fine, as long as you confirm you hold the receipts in case the ATO asks.
- New client? Send a copy of last year’s tax return so we can keep claiming depreciation on assets you already own.
Need a hand?
If you are not sure which checklists apply, or you have something that is not listed, contact DFK Everalls and we will help you work it out. A quick question now saves chasing a missing document later.
