Question

Roy Roberts is an automobile engineer and a member of the Automobile Engineers Association a professional accrediting body that, amongst other things, provides continuing professional education [CPE] to members. Members must complete 24 hours per year of CPE and in October 2014 Roy attended a four day conference of the International Automobile Engineers Association in Hawaii. He arranged a package that included conference fee ($800), air fares ($1,600) and accommodation and meals ($1,100) for eight days. He spent the extra four days holidaying.

Q. Required Advise Roy what tax deductions he can successfully claim.

Answer 1

Common Tax Deductions for Engineers

1. Internet use

While it seems obvious, it’s surprising to see just engineering workers miss out on this valuable tax deduction. If you sometimes work from home or out and about, you can claim a work-related portion of your internet bill on your next tax return. Simply keep a log of your internet use for a typical month to work out how much is work related. Then you can claim that percentage of your Internet bill on your tax return.

2. Mobile phone use

Another common tax deduction for engineer’s workers is mobile phone use. Whether you’re making or receiving calls, or using your phone for security purposes at work, you can claim a portion of your mobile phone bill back on your tax return.

3. Work Related Car Tax Deductions for Engineers

Engineer workers often find themselves on the road as part of their job. And, if they use their own car, then car use is a handy refund boosting tax deduction. Unless you carry heavy or bulky tools, travel from home to work is not claimable. On the other hand, if you travel between work locations, to meetings, events or conferences, the cost of that travel is tax deductible.

4. Clothing and Laundry Expenses

If a piece of clothing you have purchased has a business logo or branding, it can be claimed back on tax. This does not apply to general items that are available to the public. Unfortunately this means general corporate/business clothes are not tax deductible.

5. Computer / Laptop

If you use your personal computer or laptop for work related purposes, you can claim the purchase cost on your tax return. This includes software, hardware such as keyboards, printers as well as the device itself.

6. Conferences, Seminars or Training:

An Often Missed Tax Deduction for Engineers.

If you are completing further training, or attending work related events or conferences, these are tax deductible. Furthermore, required items to complete training like textbooks, software and stationery can be included as well.

7. Annual Union and Membership fees

In fields like engineering, science and dietetics, there are often requirements that you join certain regulatory bodies and unions. These membership fees can be claimed back on tax as they directly benefit your current role.