Union to take up issue with Australian Taxation Office
The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has criticised a 43 per cent reduction in the amount a truck driver can claim in expenses.
The move by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has the potential of heaping more pressure on transport operators and drivers, who are already operating under tight margins, the union says.
“The move by the ATO to reduce the amount a driver can claim by 43 per cent without receipts was done without warning or consultation and will have significant consequences,” TWU national assistant secretary Michael Kaine says.
“We have asked the ATO for an urgent meeting to discuss why this move was taken and to seek amendments to the changes.
A taxation determination issued on July 3 stated the reasonable amount a truck driver can claim for travel expenses without substantiation was to be reduced by $42.10 for the coming 2017-18 year.
The union says a number of members reached out expressing concer over the rule change.
Click here for the ATO’s up-to-date guide on claiming work-related expenses as a truck driver, or see below for their handy guide.