This is general information only. A tax deduction generally needs to be paid by you, not reimbursed, directly connected to earning your income, and supported by records. Check the ATO myTax 2026 claiming deductions guidance or ask a registered tax agent before lodging.
Income records
Start with income statements, payment summaries, bank interest, dividends, managed fund statements, government payments and any side income records. Your return is easier when income sources are complete before deductions are reviewed.
If you changed jobs, had more than one employer or earned casual income, check each income stream separately.
Work-related expenses
For work deductions, keep records that show the expense was paid by you, not reimbursed, and connected to earning income. Receipts, invoices, diary notes and usage logs can all help.
Work-related claims can include tools, equipment, uniforms, self-education, phone, internet, travel or home office expenses depending on your role and records.
Home office and phone use
Working-from-home and phone claims need usage evidence. Keep work-from-home hours, phone bills, internet bills and a reasonable work-use calculation.
Do not claim the private portion. A clear apportionment record is better than a neat but unsupported estimate.
Investments and rental property
Rental property, shares, ETFs, managed funds and crypto can add extra records. Keep annual statements, sale dates, purchase dates, fees, interest, repairs and capital gains information together.
If you sold an asset, keep both purchase and sale records. Missing cost-base records can slow lodgement.
Quick checklist
- Income statements and bank interest.
- Receipts for work-related expenses.
- Home office hours and usage records.
- Private health insurance statement.
- Rental property statements and loan interest.
- Dividend, ETF, managed fund and crypto records.
- Prior-year return and any ATO correspondence.
Common questions
How long should I keep tax records?
In most cases, keep records for 5 years from when you lodge your return. Some records, such as asset purchase records, may need to be kept longer.
Do I need receipts for every deduction?
Records are usually required. The right record depends on the claim, but receipts, invoices, statements and usage records are safest.
Can Oz Tax Online lodge if my records are messy?
Yes. The team can help you organise what you have and identify what still needs to be sourced before lodgement.
Ready to lodge online?
Oz Tax Online can help turn your records into a cleaner, more confident tax return.
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