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stevehk(Newbie)Newbie
4 June 2024

I am an OT working in the community which requires me to carry all these documents, forms, notes, various of measurement equipment and computer in my bag all the time.

I checked on the claiming requirement on work related expenses and criterion on these claims. It seems like as long as the bag is solely use of work to carry work/income producing equipment, it will be eligible to claim under Tax.


My question is if I am to get an expensive/designer bag and solely use for work would ATO accept these claims? Or if there is any claim criteria or allowance celling to work related work bag?

7,023 views
1 replies
7,023 views
1 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

mackapacka(Initiate)Initiate
4 June 2024

If it costs over $300, you cannot claim it in full and will need to depreciate it over it's effective life. The effective life of a bag/carry case is 5 years depending on what type of bag it is.


If you plan to use it outside of work at all you will have to only claim the work related percentage of the bag.


If you don't know how to depreciate an item over it's effective life you may want to get help from a tax professional because you also need to be careful when claiming luxury goods.


You will need to be able to PROVE you need it and use it ONLY for work. Usually the ATO is fine with expensive bags as long as you can prove it's work related usage but with luxury bags you may be questioned.


Consult with a tax professional to be safe

All replies

Most helpful reply

mackapacka(Initiate)Initiate
4 June 2024

If it costs over $300, you cannot claim it in full and will need to depreciate it over it's effective life. The effective life of a bag/carry case is 5 years depending on what type of bag it is.


If you plan to use it outside of work at all you will have to only claim the work related percentage of the bag.


If you don't know how to depreciate an item over it's effective life you may want to get help from a tax professional because you also need to be careful when claiming luxury goods.


You will need to be able to PROVE you need it and use it ONLY for work. Usually the ATO is fine with expensive bags as long as you can prove it's work related usage but with luxury bags you may be questioned.


Consult with a tax professional to be safe

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Work Bag claim | ATO Community