I worked recently at the Federal election. The pay was determined by an collective determination. A meal 'allowance' and a PPE 'allowance' were included and are shown as separate items in the determination. On the payslip the PPE allowance is shown as non-taxable, but the meal allowance was not shown separately and the amount bundled with pay, overtime, training etc into one amount ('package').
As far as I understand, the meal allowance ($31.25) is as we were not allowed any breaks in the overtime period (as they wanted the vote counting finished as quickly as possible).
Have read the ATO page https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/Deductions-you-can-claim/Other-work-related-deductions/Overtime-meal-expenses/ and none of the examples seem to cover this type of situation.
I have asked the employer, but are yet to get back to me.
Is the meal allowance taxable or non-taxable?
If it is non-taxable, how, on the tax forms, do I make it so I don't pay tax on this amount?
Thanks.
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