If you do some work from home, then you are able to claim some home office expenses and running costs in your return.
You have two options of claiming home office expenses:
The first is the ATO's fixed rate of 52 cents per hour, this rate takes into account heating, cooling, lighting and depreciation of office furniture.
The other option is to keep a diary of the actual costs and assigning an accurate estimate of a work related percentage. This work related percentage is apportioned per the square meterage your home office in comparison to your whole dwelling.
The claims above and beyond the ATO's rate are explained in further details below.
You will be able to claim deductions for your computer, phone and other electronic devices that you are using for work directly related to your small business. You are also able to claim the running costs of these devices such as:
Stationery
Computer expenses
Internet
Electricity
We recommend that you keep a diary of the actual expenses and running costs so that you can ensure you are accurately claiming the cost you incur!
Please click here to see another article we have written on claiming home office expenses.