Loading
This thread is archived and the information may not be up-to-date. You can't reply to this thread.
Mighty8(Initiate)Initiate
8 Mar 2023

After the recent announcement of the Revised 67 Cent Fixed Rate Method, the recent changes might leave me ineligible to claim deductions this year?


The bills (electricity, gas, internet) that I want to claim as deductions are not in my name and paid by parents. Currently living at home.


For the Fixed Rate Method, would any of the following arrangements be acceptable?


1 - I transfer the bill amount (e.g. $80) to the parents who still pay the bill. I could produce a bank statement or bank transfer receipt that shows the amount I transferred to the parents for the relevant billing period, or if I'm making up for past billing periods multiple bills amounts together.


2 - Have my name on the bill instead.


3 - Bill stays in the name of the parents, but I pay the whole bill.



As an aside for the Actual Cost Method, I'd imagine the bills situation is the same for this method?


Also, how do you capture each appliance's energy usage rate? Is there a central reference table that's used or just trying to find the info for each exact specific appliance? When trying to calculate deductions.

3,789 views
6 replies
3,789 views
6 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

CaroATO(Community Support)Community Support
10 Mar 2023

Hi @Mighty8,


You're right in thinking about what records you're going to need to show you've spent the money. It's okay for the bill to be in your parent's name as long as you keep a copy of the bill. We'll also need evidence that you've actually paid the money you claim.


The fixed rate method allows you to claim 67 cents per hour for all additional expenses you incur when you work from home once you've met the eligibility criteria.


Have you had a look at the governments energy rating website? It gives you an opportunity to look up an appliance for example to see what the energy rate is. It's also got an energy rating calculator.


You might also want to have a look at the information on our website where it talksa bout the fixed rate method - 67 cents.

All replies

Bruce4Tax(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
9 Mar 2023

This will be a common question, so I will be looking for an ATO response.


Also, how do you capture each appliance's energy usage rate? Is there a central reference table that's used or just trying to find the info for each exact specific appliance? When trying to calculate deductions.


That is why you don't want to go to actual cost for electricity.


Most helpful reply

CaroATO(Community Support)Community Support
10 Mar 2023

Hi @Mighty8,


You're right in thinking about what records you're going to need to show you've spent the money. It's okay for the bill to be in your parent's name as long as you keep a copy of the bill. We'll also need evidence that you've actually paid the money you claim.


The fixed rate method allows you to claim 67 cents per hour for all additional expenses you incur when you work from home once you've met the eligibility criteria.


Have you had a look at the governments energy rating website? It gives you an opportunity to look up an appliance for example to see what the energy rate is. It's also got an energy rating calculator.


You might also want to have a look at the information on our website where it talksa bout the fixed rate method - 67 cents.

  • Avatar of woman with short black bob
Liked by Mighty8
Mighty8(Initiate)Initiate
13 Mar 2023

Hi @CaroATO, @KylieATO


Thanks for the reply. So a few questions based off this then.


1 - If I change the bill name to be in my name, then is keeping a copy of the bill all that is required? 1 bill for each expense type (electricity, internet etc)?


2 - If the bill stays in my parents name, then I need to keep a copy of the bill AND evidence that I paid the bill? Is a transaction listing or screenshot of online banking acceptable?


3 - If my parents still pay the bill (in their name), but I transfer the bill amount to them, or if they use credit card and I pay off their credit card, is that acceptable?



@Bruce4Tax tagged to keep you in the loop of ATO responses. (Or if you're able to help)

Featured articles

Tax tips for managing your side hustle

22 Apr 2024 · 6 min read time

Tax on gifts and inheritances

15 Apr 2026 · 5 min read time

How much tax should I pay on a second job? Claiming the tax-free threshold

15 Apr 2026 · 4 min read time

Top liked users

  1. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    3260 likes

  2. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    2059 likes

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    816 likes

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    529 likes

  5. knaresbro

    (Devotee)

    364 likes

Top contributors

  1. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    10398contributions

  2. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    4752contributions

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    2058contributions

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    1351contributions

  5. YEP

    (Devotee)

    837contributions

Loading
WFH - Claiming Utilities Bills Not In My Name | ATO Community