For many, working from home due to COVID-19 has presented new challenges and additional financial costs. Increases in utility bills, internet usage and, in some cases, the need to purchase new office equipment and furniture can put a strain on household budgets.

The good news is that Maxxia is here to help. Did you know that there are range of home office expenses that can be salary packaged – along with everyday living expenses up to a cap of $9,010 (depending on your industry)? These are mostly expenses that you incur anyway, so why not think about salary packaging them and potentially save on tax?

What work-related expenses can be salary packaged?

Home office

Purchases made to perform your usual work duties at home, which could include:

1. Laptop or notebook computers
2. iPads and other tablets
3. Mobile phones
4. Stationery
5. A leased or rented computer
6. Work-related software 

Claim WFH running costs at tax time!

If you’ve been working from a multi-purpose area of the house, such as the dining table, the ATO now allows you to claim 80c per hour in running expenses while working from home, backdated to March 1. These include: 

1. Heating, cooling and lighting
2. Phone and Internet
3. Repairs to home office equipment, furniture and furnishings
4. Cleaning costs
5. Other running expenses e.g. printer paper/ink and stationery

Please note this is not a salary packaging benefit. There may be other methods to claim a tax deduction.  We recommend that you obtain professional tax advice before making any decisions.

For more information about tax deductions for working from home, visit the ATO website by clicking here.  

Education sessions

Although the COVID-19 crisis has temporarily changed the way we’re able to support you, we’re still here to help with salary packaging and novated leasing education sessions through the popular video conferencing platform BlueJeans. Simply click on this link and complete the form within, and a Maxxia representative will be in touch to discuss a time that suits you.

Remember, if you’re an existing novated leasing customer and you’ve had a lifestyle change – who hasn’t in 2020? – you can amend your budget at any time. (For example, if you’re driving less, you can reduce your fuel budget.) 

And if you’re experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, we’re here to help. Please email [email protected] with COVID-19 financial support in the subject line. A consultant will work with you and provide all the options available to you.

For any other queries relating to salary packaging and novated leasing, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.