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StaceyCA(I'm new)I'm new
20 Jan 2023

What deductions can the sole trader claim if they take their client away.

Can they claim the cost of accommodation and meals?


What deductions can the sole trader claim in general?

Can they claim the cost of their admission to attend places with their client, such as a zoo ticket, or a ticket to a concert? Can they claim the food they eat when out with the client?


I feel like this is a really gray area. There is really good advice for support worker employees on the claims on the ATO website in terms of deductions but I can not see anything for the sole traders. And the employees can not claim alot.


I hope someone is able to help. Thank you!

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3,611 views
4 replies

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Most helpful reply

AlliATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 Jan 2023

Hi @StaceyCA


Generally, a business who provides a service of career/support worker and cares for participants/clients under the NDIS will often work within the participants plan. However, there may be times when the participant will request something that may be outside of the plan. The client might also engage private care not covered under NDIS.


When care or services are provided that are outside the scope of a NDIS plan and/or not covered by NDIS the business would invoice the participants directly. If the business is GST registered, they would also charge GST. Anything not covered under a participant’s plan is not GST-free unless it’s a GST-free item.


Employees have deductions associated with their employment. Businesses incur expenses associated with the day to day running of their business.


Both employees and business can only claim deductions that can be substantiated with documented records.


As an example, if you were to take a participant/client to the zoo and this outing was not within the scope of a NDIS plan you would invoice the participant/client for your time and expenses such as entry fee, fuel and incidentals like parking. You would then claim those expenses as a business deduction as they are cost incurred in operating of your business. 


There is no set list of what you can claim, as long as it has been incurred in the normal running of your business and you can substantiate the claim.


Records you would use to substantiate would be your invoice, receipt for payment or bank records showing payment received and the receipt for costs incurred.


Have a look at our website about National Disability Insurance Scheme and Business tax deductions 

All replies

Most helpful reply

AlliATO(Community Support)Community Support
23 Jan 2023

Hi @StaceyCA


Generally, a business who provides a service of career/support worker and cares for participants/clients under the NDIS will often work within the participants plan. However, there may be times when the participant will request something that may be outside of the plan. The client might also engage private care not covered under NDIS.


When care or services are provided that are outside the scope of a NDIS plan and/or not covered by NDIS the business would invoice the participants directly. If the business is GST registered, they would also charge GST. Anything not covered under a participant’s plan is not GST-free unless it’s a GST-free item.


Employees have deductions associated with their employment. Businesses incur expenses associated with the day to day running of their business.


Both employees and business can only claim deductions that can be substantiated with documented records.


As an example, if you were to take a participant/client to the zoo and this outing was not within the scope of a NDIS plan you would invoice the participant/client for your time and expenses such as entry fee, fuel and incidentals like parking. You would then claim those expenses as a business deduction as they are cost incurred in operating of your business. 


There is no set list of what you can claim, as long as it has been incurred in the normal running of your business and you can substantiate the claim.


Records you would use to substantiate would be your invoice, receipt for payment or bank records showing payment received and the receipt for costs incurred.


Have a look at our website about National Disability Insurance Scheme and Business tax deductions 

EBONYMAE(Dynamo)Dynamo
3 Mar 2023

Hey @AlliATO, if a business who offers NDIS support work services, sticks to offering services within their participants plan, are entertainment costs deductible?


For example if the business is offering services of assisting with social activities and they go to the zoo, are meals incurred as part of their social activity by employees of the business and the NDIS participant tax deductible if the business pays for them both?


It seems like it would be odd for these types of employees to have their meals paid for by their employer, but at the same time this is essentially what their job requires, performing and assisting with normal social interactions. Or would it be expected that the employee is to pay for their own meals? Also, can the business still claim costs for meals of the participant?

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Sole trader that does community support work (eg. NDIS), what deductions can they claim? | ATO Community