ATO Resources for Performing Artists & Teachers June 2023

It’s almost show time!

Tax time is right around the corner. Not sure what deductions to claim as a performing artist? Well, good news, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have shared some helpful tips and resources to give you a hand!

For Performing Artists

‘To claim, or not to claim?’

From agent fees, to travel expenses – the ATO’s tailored occupation guide for Performing artists helps you understand what you can and can’t claim in your tax return. It also covers the income and allowances you’ll need to declare, and the records you need to keep.

Can I claim grooming expenses?

When it comes to grooming expenses, you can’t claim the cost of hairdressing, cosmetics, hair and skin care products not relating to your role or costume

However, you may be able to claim the cost of:

• a particular hairstyle if it’s required for a role
• hairdressing to maintain a required hair length or style as part of a costume
• stage makeup, including the cost of cleansing materials for removing stage makeup.

Keeping on top of your records

Keeping the right records is essential. Use the myDeductions tool in the ATO app for a fast and easy way to store your receipts and to keep on track of your records! The ATO app is also one of the best ways to keep track of the progress and outcome of your tax return after you’ve lodged.

Your tax assessment

The ATO is reminding people that the low and middle income tax offset has ended and you may get a lower refund this year, or you may get a bill. A list of this and other reasons that may affect your tax refund are available on the ATO website at ato.gov.au/mytaxresult

Want to learn more? Visit ato.gov.au/performingartist

For Teachers

Time to ‘study up’ on your deductions

Tax time is right around the corner. Not sure what deductions you can claim this year? Well good news, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have shared a range of helpful tips and resources to help make tax time simple.

‘So what can I claim?’

From self-education, union fees, school supplies and working from home costs – the ATO’s tailored occupation guide gives great insight to common deductions in your role. It also covers information on the income you’ll need to declare, and the records you need to keep.

Worked from home?

If you’ve worked from home this financial year, there are two ways to calculate your deduction this tax time – the revised fixed rate method, or the actual cost method. From 1 July 2022, the revised fixed rate method has increased from 52 cents to 67 cents per hour worked from home, and no longer requires you to have a dedicated home office space. The expenses covered in the rate, and the records you’ll need to keep, have changed too.

Keep your records

Keeping the right records is essential. Use the myDeductions tool in the ATO app for a fast and easy way to store your receipts and keep track of your records!

And the best time to lodge?

The best time to lodge is from late July, when most of your information from employers, banks and health funds has been automatically included in your tax return. All you’ll need to do is check the pre-filled information is correct, add any income that’s missing, and claim your deductions!

Remember, most tax returns lodged online take about two weeks to be processed.

Want to learn more? Visit ato.gov.au/teacher