Episode 46 - COVID-19 and tax time

The ATO’s Tax Time spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh joins podcast host David Jepsen for another episode of Tax inVoice, to help taxpayers understand what they can and can’t claim relating to COVID-19 and the tax implications of COVID-19 Government support payments.

Over the course of the pandemic, the Government delivered multiple COVID-19 support payments, each with different tax requirements.

COVID-19 Disaster Payments, for instance, are non-taxable support payments and don’t need to be included in your tax return. Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments however are taxable and must be reported as income in your tax return.

COVID-19 work-related expenses and working from home expenses may change what deductions can be claimed in your tax return. Eligible deductions may include:

• electricity expenses for heating, cooling or lighting
• the decline in value of office furniture and items used for work 
• internet and phone expenses
• COVID-19 tests (if purchased for work-related purposes)
• personal protective equipment (PPE) if required for work and not provided by your employer.

For more information visit:

• Support for individuals and employees
• Home office expenses calculator
• Government grants, payments and stimulus during COVID-19 – tax implications  
• COVID-19 vaccination incentives and rewards for employees  
• Working from home expenses
• Protective items, equipment and products
• ATO podcast in your language