I've been wondering this for a while. When you're on a phone plan and want to claim phone charges for tax, do you use the "value" as given by the carrier or a proportion of your actual costs?
For example, if I
Can I claim $75, or a proportion of the actual money spent eg $240 * $75/$750 = $24?
Can only claim the component of the total cost (i.e. the money you spend, rather than the dollar value your carrier puts on the calls) which is for work purposes.
In your case 10% is for work so you can claim $24.
What happens if you only use $250 of your $750 credit (as most people usually have much more credit than they use)? Would this mean you can claim a higher proportion i.e. $75 of $250?
Interesting point. That could work out well.
Head over to the ATO - Home Office Expenses page for some information. The main point to note is;
"…itemised phone accounts from which you can identify work-related calls, or other records, such as diary entries (if you do not get an itemised account from your phone company)"
Just kept in mind, although the amount you would be claiming is minimal, the ATO have annouced that they are placing an order of focus on work related claims.
I have a unlimited prepaid account , ie calls are free, but I pay $40 a month for this, so my claim is $480. I need a phone for work so I'm well in my right to claim the full amount.
I'm on $40 a month plan, my tax deduction is $480.00 mobile easy
12 x $40
I need a mobile for business, this is the best plan for me. Its a legitimate claim.