Australians have discovered a surprising item they can claim on their tax return this year, and it’s something thousands of people use every day.
Financial content creators Sal and Al, who go by Two Broke Chicks on TikTok, revealed that handbags ($300 and under) can be claimed as a tax deduction in many cases.
“You can actually claim the cost of a bag, however it must be used and suitable for work purposes,” the couple said, adding that “your little Jacquemus isn’t going to cut it.”
“A more modest bag used for work may qualify for a deduction…this is your cue to treat yourself to a new work bag if you need it.”
And it seems many are, with fashion brand Alf The Label confirming that bags are flying off the shelves at this time of year.
Sal and Al, who go by Two Broke Chicks on TikTok, revealed that handbags ($300 and under) can be claimed as a tax deduction in many cases.
Louis Vuitton’s Atlantis BB bag would be an unlikely candidate for a refund, costing $4,400 with a small, sleek design that wouldn’t be practical enough to wear just for work.
“We have a lot of girls shopping right before tax time,” they said, before warning shoppers to make sure their order confirmation contains the required tax information.
To be claimed, the bag must be used for work, and “for work purposes only.”
Bags used to transport personal items such as lunch, gym clothes or makeup are not eligible.
Handbags have to meet stricter ATO criteria than briefcases, laptop bags, briefcases and suitcases. If your bag passes the test and costs less than $300, then you are eligible for an immediate deduction.
If the bag costs more than $300, then you can only claim a deduction for the decrease in value over the useful life of the item.
However, financial expert Molly Benjamin, founder of Ladies Finance Clubwarns Australians not to be overconfident when claiming their bags.
“I wish I could claim a bag for my tax expenses, but unfortunately I was out of luck,” she told FEMAIL.
‘However, if it is a laptop bag that is strictly for work purposes and cannot be used for private use, then no problem. I mean, who wouldn’t want to reclaim their corporate work clothes? True, but it’s the same story.
‘Unless it has a logo or is a requirement unique to your job (think chef’s hat and plaid trousers), the ATO won’t let you through!’
Ms. Benjamin advised “using discretion” and being aware that you will, in fact, “take a bit of a risk if you go ahead and claim it.”
‘To be safe, stick to those items with branded or job-specific logos, and I don’t think attaching a logo to a trainer is going to work (again we wish)! ‘
