As we head towards the last month of the financial year, this is your last opportunity to create the diary records you will need to meet the substantiation requirements for different types of work deductions. Here’s what you need to know for the most common claims.

As we head towards the last month of the financial year, time is running out to get on top of your work deductions.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Even if you are relying on the reasonable allowance amounts, you should keep a copy of all receipts for at least one month, supported by bank statements, plus a record of the times you ate the meal, which must be within normal meal times.

For the whole year you must record the number of days you travelled, including the time you left and arrived back home. Truck drivers can use their logbook and are allowed to eat at irregular times. You must receive a travel allowance from your employer to qualify for this “concession”.

If this all seems more trouble than just keeping receipts for the whole year, I think you are right. Just keep receipts and prove you........

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