Cost of managing tax affairs

You can claim a deduction for expenses you incur in managing your own tax affairs, such as the cost to lodge through a registered agent.

Costs you can claim include:

• costs associated with preparing and lodging your tax return and activity statements, such as    
  • buying tax reference material
  • tax return preparation courses
  • lodging your tax return through a registered tax agent
  • getting tax advice from a recognised tax adviser (a registered tax agent, barrister or solicitor)
  • dealing with us about your tax affairs
  • buying software that allows you to prepare and lodge your tax return (you can only claim a portion of the cost if you also use the software for other purposes)
   
• travel costs to get tax advice – for example, the travel costs of attending a meeting with a recognised tax adviser
• litigation costs, including court and Administrative Appeals Tribunal fees, and solicitor, barrister and other legal costs
• the cost of a valuation for a deductible gift or donation of property, or for a deduction for entering into a conservation covenant
• an interest charge we impose
• some fees you incur when you pay your tax obligations by card, such as
  • credit and debit card fees for a business tax liability – for example, GST
  • debit card fees when paying an individual tax liability
   
• costs to comply with your legal obligations for another person's (or other entity's) tax affairs.

If you receive a single invoice for preparing your tax returns and the tax returns for associated people (such as a spouse), you need to split the fees you incur. You must also:

• be able to show how you work out the cost for each
• keep evidence to support the deduction you claim.

You generally incur the fees in the income year you pay them.