Tax deductions for journalists
You should consider getting an ABN (Australian Business Number).
Because of GST (the Goods and Services Tax of 10%), the publications you sell to might withhold 48.5% of your fee if you do not have an ABN.
I am not qualified to offer tax advice, so you MUST talk to an accountant or tax advisor.
For an ABN registration kit call 13 2478.
As a freelance journalist you are entitled to claim deductions in the pursuit of making fees from your writing.
I NOTE AGAIN: I do NOT give tax advice.
If you'd like to know more about tax-and-journalists, you should access this website:
http://ato.gov.au/content/Individuals/22293.htm
You may be entitled to claim for all or part of:
- mobiles
- bank fees
- beepers
- calculators
- batteries
- some car expenses
- child care expenses
- computers
- computer peripherals
- computer paper, toner
- conferences
- conventional clothing
- deductible expenses
- depreciation on equipment
- driver's licence
- fares
- fines (sometimes)
- footwear
- glasses
- grooming
- home office
- internet access
- laundry
- levies
- meals
- newspapers
- pay-TV access
- professional library (dictionaries, atlases, thesauruses, encyclopaedias)
- repairs
- self education expenses
- social functions
- stationery
- technical and trade publications
- telephone expenses
- tolls
- travel expenses
- union fees
- watches and timepieces
PLEASE don't email me with tax questions.
I won't answer them as I am not professionally competent to answer.
You MUST discuss these matters with your accountant or your tax advisor.