BrisTax FAQs
What documents do I need to bring?
Please bring to your appointment (where applicable):
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annual payment summary(s) from employer,
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bank bsb & account number for deposit of tax refund,
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amount of bank interest received (if over $30)
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private health insurance statement,
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dividend/distribution statements (if you own shares)
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HECS/HELP statement (for students)
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rental property income & expenses,
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details of any shares or other assets sold during the year (including purchase date & cost).
Can I have your fee taken from my refund?
We can deduct our fee from the ATO refund and have the net funds deposited directly into your own bank account if you wish, for an additional fee of $22. This covers our cost of processing funds through our trust account and allows for the risk that the refund may not cover our fee due to an ATO assessment differing from the estimated refund.
Can I claim any deductions if I have no receipts?
Under some circumstances receipts are not required, but in order to maximise your tax deductions, we recommend you retain all your work and business related receipts. If you know amounts for expenses incurred, you do not need to bring receipts with you for your appointment.
How long will my refund take?
Your refund will usually be processed between one and two weeks from date of lodgement. If your refund has been with the ATO for more than 21 days then call us on 1300 883 597.
What if I don't have a Payment Summary from a job?
If you are still missing one or more of your Payment Summaries then you need to contact that employer. If you can't get one from that employer then you will need to complete a Statutory Declaration which we can assist you with.
Can I claim travel for my work?
Home to work and return travel is generally not claimable except in certain circumstances. Travel between jobs on the same day and travel for work (ie. visiting clients, doing pick-ups or deliveries) would be claimable. If you use public transport then keep all receipts and/or diary records. If you use your own car then you need to keep a log book of all business mileage travelled and all expenses of the car including petrol, repairs, registration, insurance and interest on a car loan.
Will I be penalised for lodging my return late?
You may receive a fine or interest penalty charge from the ATO if you lodge your return late. Generally if you are entitled to a refund those penalties are minimal. As a registered tax agent, we can access an extended lodgement deadline.
How much can I claim if I buy a computer?
If you purchase a computer for use in your work or business, you can generally claim a percentage of the depreciation that pertains to your work or business use. The depreciation allowed will depend on the expected life of the computer or how long it is expected to be current.
How much can I claim on my motor vehicle?
There are different methods for claiming expenses in relation to the business use of your motor vehicle. These can be complex so to maximise your potential claim you should maintain a daily mileage log book for at least three months of the year and a record of any expenses for the full year. Local newsagents usually stock motor vehicle logbooks. If you are unsure of how to fill it out, contact us and we can assist you.
Can I claim my work uniform as a tax deduction?
Deductions for uniforms can only be claimed if the work uniform is specific and identifiable to your organisation (such as chef's checked pants) or protects you from injury whilst you are at work. You can't claim the cost of a plain uniform or conventional clothing, such as white shirt and black pants or skirt which is commonly worn by waiters and waitresses, even if your employer tells you to wear them.
What deductions can I claim if I'm studying?
Only study directly related to your current job may be claimed as a self-education expense. For example if you were a waiter and you were studying book-keeping then you wouldn't be able to claim the cost of the course as a work related expense - even if you were looking for work as an accountant.
I received money from the Government during the year, do I include it in my tax return?
Some government payments and allowances are included as taxable income, others are not. It's important that you declare any taxable payments such as age pensions, Newstart allowance, youth allowance or Austudy in your tax return. A complete list of payments which do not need to be included on your tax return can be determined when you meet with us.
Do I get all my tax back if I only work a few months of the financial year?
No. The tax you are required to pay is calculated on your total income earned during the whole year. Whether all your income is earned in 1 day or 12 months makes no difference.
Do I have to lodge a tax return?
Some people do not have to lodge a tax return. Each person's situation will differ due to age, income and expenses. Call us on 1300 883 597 if you are unsure whether you need to lodge a return.
For more questions or tax advice call 1300 883 597 right away!
