Do you work as a flight crew member and wonder what expenses you can claim on your tax return?
Many airline staff miss out on valuable deductions simply because they’re not sure what’s allowed.
But worry not! This blog will help you understand the process, ensuring you maximise your tax refund by claiming all eligible deductions.
Common tax deductions for flight crew
Here is a breakdown of the most common deductions available to flight crew members:
| Category | What You Can Claim | What You Cannot Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Expenses | Costs for overnight accommodation, meals, and work-related transport. | Daily commutes from home to work. |
| Uniforms | Cost of purchasing, repairing, and cleaning employer-branded uniforms. | General clothing, even if worn only at work. |
| Protective Gear | Gloves, sunglasses, moisturisers, and other protective items for work. | Regular beauty products or grooming expenses. |
| Work-Related Luggage | Suitcases or carry-on bags specifically used for work travel. | Bags used for personal purposes. |
| Self-Education | Course fees and materials related to your current job role. | Courses aimed at changing careers. |
| Meals and Allowances | Meals during overnight trips or overtime (if not reimbursed). | Meals consumed during daily work hours. |
Detailed breakdown of deductions
As a flight crew member, understanding your deductions is key to maximising your tax refund. Here’s a more detailed look at the expenses you can claim:
Travel expenses
Overnight travel constitutes specific costs for work; they can include:
- Accommodation expenses: A charge that these would otherwise be referred to as hotel or other costs incurred while on official business travel.
- Meals: Expenses incurred in providing overnight food at work.
- Transport: Charges for air ticket, taxi, car hire, or public transportation engaged under official need.
Important: All receipts or invoices are kept for travel expenses. You cannot claim any cost borne by your employer.
Uniforms And protective gear
Expenses incurred in purchasing clothes for work uniform and protective clothing will be claimed if:
- Mandatory Uniforms: Clothing emblazoned with the employer’s logos or branding.
- Protective Items: Gear such as gloves, aprons, non-slip shoes, sunglasses, and even moisturisers used to combat the dry conditions in the aircraft cabin.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Costs for laundering, dry cleaning, or repair of work uniforms are every bit deductible.
Non-branded or normal clothing, even if solely used in work, is not deductible.
work-related luggage
Flight crew members often require specific luggage for their job. Deductible items include:
- Suitcases and carry-on bags used solely for work purposes.
- Replacement or repair costs for work-specific luggage.
Ensure you differentiate between personal and work-related luggage, as only the latter is deductible.
Self-education expenses
Investing in your professional skills can also provide tax benefits. You can claim expenses for:
- Course Fees: Training or certifications directly related to your role, such as first aid recertification.
- Travel Costs: Transport and accommodation expenses related to attending the course.
- Materials: Costs for textbooks, stationery, or study equipment.
Courses aimed at changing careers or unrelated to your current role are not deductible.
Meals and overtime allowances
Certain meal expenses are deductible, including:
- Overtime Meals: If your employer provides a meal allowance under an award or industrial agreement, the cost of the meal is deductible.
- Meals During Overnight Stays: Food expenses incurred when travelling overnight for work, provided these costs are not reimbursed.
Daily meals or snacks consumed during regular work hours are not claimable.
Phone and internet costs
If you use your phone or internet for work-related purposes, such as coordinating schedules or accessing work emails, you can claim the work-related portion of these bills.
How to Calculate:
- Keep records of work-related calls or internet use.
- Apportion the percentage of usage that is work-related.
Union and professional membership fees
If you’re a member of a relevant union or professional association, the membership fees are deductible. These fees often support your professional growth and offer industry benefits.
Other work-related expenses
Additional costs you can claim include:
- Industry Subscriptions: Magazines or online resources directly related to the aviation industry.
- Tax Agent Fees: Fees for preparing your previous year’s tax return.
Expenses you cannot claim
Understanding what is not deductible is just as important as knowing what you can claim. Common non-deductible expenses include:
- Daily Commutes: Travel between home and your regular workplace.
- Regular Clothing: Plain items of clothing, even if required for work.
- Personal Grooming: Haircuts, makeup, and beauty treatments, even if job-related.
- Personal Meals: Meals consumed during standard work hours.
Tax tips for flight crew
- Stay Organised
Keep all receipts and records throughout the year to simplify the lodgement process.
- Use Technology
Consider using apps like the ATO’s myDeductions to track expenses and generate reports for your tax agent.
- Seek Professional Help
A registered tax accountant can help identify deductions you may have overlooked and ensure compliance with ATO regulations.
- Lodge Early
File your return early to avoid last-minute stress and receive your refund sooner.
Maximise your flight crew tax refund
Take the hassle out of tax time with help from Leading Tax Experts. Our tax accountants specialises in flight crew tax deductions, ensuring you claim every eligible expense and get the refund you deserve.
