Keeping your tax records

Lost or destroyed records

There may be time when your records are accidentally lost or destroyed - for example, if your home is burgled or burnt.

In these instances, we can allow you to claim a deduction for certain expenses if either of the following apply:

• you have a complete copy of a lost or destroyed document
• we are satisfied that you took reasonable precautions to prevent the loss or destruction and, if the document was written evidence, it is not reasonably possible to obtain a substitute document.

For more information about when we can allow a deduction where you do not have records to prove the expense, refer to Taxation Ruling TR 97/24 Income tax: relief from the effects of failing to substantiate.