• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Etax - Online Tax Return 2023

Tax returns are easy at Etax

  • Home
  • “How To”
  • Tax Calculator
  • FAQ
  • Info
    • Etax Blog
      • Tax Advice
      • Tax Guides for Your Job
      • Your Tax and Finances
      • Tax News
    • Tax Return Checklists
    • Non-Lodgment Advice
    • Tax Free Threshold
    • “Tax Refunds 101”
  • About
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Feedback
    • More About the Online Tax Return
    • Tax Return Preparation Fees
    • People at Etax
    • Careers
  • Password Help
  • Login

Claiming Tax Deductions: Get The Best Tax Refund Possible

how to get the best tax refund possible
You work hard for your money, so make sure you claim everything you’re entitled to at tax time to get the best tax refund possible.

Many Australians lose hundreds of dollars each year simply because they forget work-related deductions or receipts for items they can claim back.

Do you compare your tax refund to your friends and family and wonder, “What can I claim on tax to get a better tax refund”?

There are many ways Australians can improve their tax refund. Unfortunately, millions of dollars are left in the hands of the ATO every year. Money lost by taxpayers who simply didn’t know how to make the most of their tax return.

Keeping track – and records – of tax deductions is the best strategy for getting a better tax refund. Be careful though, don’t add fictional or inflated claims to your tax return. The ATO has very clever technology to find them. We all need to pay tax to keep the country going, but we can all get a better tax refund by getting the right help at tax time.

Most taxpayers use a tax agent like Etax to help them get a better tax refund AND avoid ATO audits, but the tips below are still very important.


Ready to lodge your tax return and get that refund?

It takes just a few minutes online, with live online support to help boost your refund.

Get Started NowReturning Users Login

Etax tax deductions section on mobile

Make claiming tax deductions simple:

Etax provides an automated deduction-finder that helps you find the deductions you deserve. Your Etax return will automatically suggest deductions like the ones below, when they are most relevant for you.

Important Update:

Tax cuts (including the LMITO) that were available to many Australians over the past few years have been removed by the Australian Government from the 2022-23 financial year.

Claiming tax deductions to get the best tax refund

Here are 10 of the most under-claimed (but legitimate) tax deductions:

1. Car expenses

Often forgotten, these car costs quickly add up so don’t leave them off your tax return. But, don’t get carried away with car expense claims. Be honest – if you drive a lot or regularly for work, the deduction for car expenses can really get a better refund for you.

  • NOTE: Your journey to and from work cannot be claimed, unless you have to transport bulky equipment that you cannot leave at work.

Read more about car expenses:
Car tax deductions guide | Car logbooks explained | Download a car logbook

2. Home office running costs

Here’s a deduction that gives you a much bigger refund, if you qualify to claim it. Do you regularly fulfil employment duties at home? Do you have additional expenses as a result? If so, read more about home office expenses here.

3. Travel expenses

Include the costs of any work-related travel and/or accommodation. If you receive an allowance from your employer, you must include this amount as income on your tax return. Always keep good records, such as a travel diary, and all your receipts for your travel expenses.

4. Laundry

If you wear a branded uniform for work, you can claim up to $150 per year for laundry expenses without receipts.

5. Income Protection

If you pay for income protection insurance, outside of your Superannuation, you can claim the cost of the premium as a tax deduction.

6. Union or Membership Fees

If you’re a member of a union or a professional body, you can claim those registration fees.

7. Accounting Fees

If you paid a tax agent to prepare your tax return last year, make sure you include the fee you paid as a deduction this year.

8. Books, periodicals and digital information

These are expenses very few people realise they can claim. Educational and trade publications, print or digital, directly related to earning your income, should always be included in your tax return. They can really increase your tax refund.

9. Technology

Claim depreciation on your computer when you use it for work. Your tax agent will help you work this out, as it’s a little complicated. Plus, for a bigger tax refund, remember to claim the work-related percentage of your home internet use and phone expenses on your return.

10. Tools and equipment, including protective items

If you buy and repair items needed to do your job, such as non-slip healthcare shoes, overalls, measuring devices, stationery etc. you can also claim these as tax deductions.

Our Tip:
Keep a diary for anything work-related. This is very helpful for home office, laundry, supplies and tools. Your diary helps you to both calculate and prove the work-related amounts on your tax return. Your diary can be a simple list with a description, date and amount for each item – plus keep the receipts.

Increase Your Tax Refund with Simple Record Keeping

If you want to get the best tax refund every year, simple record keeping is the trick. Keep every receipt for every work-related expense – even if you’re not sure if you can claim them.

Here’s a guide on easy tax record keeping guide to help you.

The key to a better tax refund: Easy record keeping

Getting the best tax refund and avoiding ATO trouble isn’t easy on your own.

That’s why we’re here! At Etax.com.au, it’s our job to help you claim the maximum possible deductions, to get the best tax refund that you’re entitled to.

It’s no wonder that most taxpayers use a registered tax agent such as Etax.com.au to prepare their tax return.


If you’re ready to start your tax return, simply click here and you could be finished in just a few minutes!


Ready to lodge your tax return and get that refund?

It takes just a few minutes online, with live online support to help boost your refund.

Get Started NowReturning Users Login

Popular Articles

  • 5 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
  • Tax Deductions for Nurses (with infographic)
  • Being made redundant could re-ignite your career
  • 10 Easy Ways to Pay Less Tax
  • Manage Your Receipts and Boost Your Tax Refund
  • How To Use a Car Logbook
  • Claim Work-Related Travel Expenses
  • How Much Super Will Be Enough?
  • Deductions for Rental Property Owners
  • Simple Ways to Improve Your Tax Refund

Primary Sidebar

Important Dates and Tax Deadlines

2023 Tax Return
For your income between
01 July 2022 – 30 June 2023
Click To Start Your 2023 Tax Return

2022 Tax Return
For your income between
01 July 2021 – 30 June 2022
Overdue – click to start now

All Other Years 
Overdue – click to learn more

You can do your tax return right now, online, with friendly support

Search

Categories

  • Tax Advice
    • 2023 Tax Return
    • Increase Your Tax Refund
    • Medicare and Private Health Insurance
    • Tax Deductions
    • Tax Rebates
  • Tax Guides for Your Job
    • Australian Defence Forces
    • Home Office
    • Small Business
    • Your Occupation
  • Tax News
    • Etax Announcements
    • Income and Economy
    • The ATO and Government
  • Your Tax and Finances
    • Budget and Savings
    • Money Tips
    • Rental Income
    • Superannuation

Finish Your Tax Return in Minutes

Get Started Now

Returning Users Login

Click here for password help.

At Etax, your return will be reviewed and checked twice before lodgement – giving you the confidence it was done right.

Recent Tax News & Updates

  • Reportable Superannuation Contributions – what you should know…
  • Claiming the tax free threshold: What you should know…
  • Want to raise little entrepreneurs? Start by teaching kids about money
  • What is negative gearing and is it the right strategy for you?
  • Etax Property Investment Tax Hub
  • Tax deductions for IT professionals – what you can claim

Facebook

Social

Find Etax on Twitter Visit Etax on LinkedIn Share on YouTube Etax on Google+Share on PinterestShare on Facebook

Finish your tax return in minutes

Get Started NowReturning Users Login

Forgot your password? Click here for login help


Verified Security

Etax Accountants Secure SSL Encryption

Registered Tax Agent
TPB Registration #69399005

Etax Accountants is a TPB registered tax agent

Accredited Members
Etax Accountants is a CPA Practice

Etax is a member of CPA Australia

Quality Assurance

Etax maintains ISO 9001 certification for quality management systems

Information Security

Etax holds the ISO 27001 information security certification

Popular Pages

► Get Started (new users)

► Login (existing users)

Password & Login Help

myTax, e-tax, tax agents…?

Tax Help in 40 Languages

About Tax Agents

Tax Online: Your Options

Etax Reviews

myGov Tax Return and Etax

myTax vs Etax.com.au

Find Tax Deductions

The Etax Blog: Tax Tips

Important Links

What’s New at Etax

2023 Tax Return

Tax Deduction Basics

The Etax Mobile App

Online Safety

Terms and Conditions

Security | Privacy

Etax FAQ

Income Statement

Where’s My PAYG?

Download Etax Resources

Late Tax Returns

Non-Lodgment Advice

Tax Checklists

Etax Careers

 

Etax is Australia's #1 online tax service

© Copyright 1998–2023 Etax Accountants Pty Ltd
Etax® is a Registered Trade Mark of Etax Accountants Pty Ltd
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work
  • Etax Home
  • FAQ
  • New Users Start Here
  • Etax Login
  • Password Help