𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏/𝟐𝟐 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫?

Unless you were on the tools you certainly did from July to about September 2021.

There are two methods of calculating working from home.

1. Traditionally the ATO fixed rate is $0.52 per hour. This includes cost of electricity, depreciation of furniture, and repairs to your home office. You will need to have a dedicated work area to claim this method and a 4-week diary record showing your usual pattern of working from home. This method allows you to claim the actual costs of associated expenses, e.g. internet, phone, consumables, depreciation of computer equipment, etc.

2. During the COVID 19 pandemic the ATO allowed a shortcut rate of $0.80 per hour. This is for the entire 2021/22 financial year. Your record-keeping for shortcut rate requires your timesheets, roster, diary or similar document showing the hours you worked. You do not need a dedicated work area. However, this shortcut rate includes everything in the fixed-rate, plus all associated expenses, e.g. internet costs. If you claim the $0.80 per hour method, all actual expenses cannot be claimed separately.



You can choose which one is better, however, you need to use the rate for the entire financial year. We have found clients who have a dedicated work area, the fixed rate of $0.52 plus actual costs usually works out better.