I’m currently permanently employed on a tourist island where I’m required to reside for most of the work week for work purposes.
I’m required to pay rent and utilities to my employer for the accommodation provided by my employer.
I often work ‘on call’ shifts which means that I can’t physically leave the island overnight when normal commuter ferry and air travel operators aren’t running services.
I also currently own and maintain my own private residence on the mainland which I return to weekly on my days as an owner/occupier. This is my normal permanent residential and postal address.
I don’t receive any “stay over” or meal allowances from my employer whilst staying/working on the island. Other colleagues/employees that normally commute daily are given stay over and meal allowances on the nights when they stay over for similar ‘on call’ shifts. They are not charged for accommodation during these “stay overs”.
In this circumstance, is it possible for me to claim the roughly $15,000 that I’m required to pay back to my employer each year in the form of rent and utilities as a tax deduction when it’s a requirement/condition of my permanent employment?
I have official monthly rental and utility bills as proof of the costs incurred.
Any clarification on this would be much appreciated!
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