Working From Home

Section 1 of 2

Fixed Rate Method

Simplest option — 70 cents per hour worked from home

Covers electricity, internet, phone, stationery, and computer consumables. Just track your hours. The rate rose from 67c to 70c from 1 July 2024.

Example

Work from home 8 hrs/day, 3 days/week, 48 weeks = 1,152 hrs x 70c = $806.40

Must keep a record of hours worked from home (timesheet, roster, or diary)

You can still separately claim depreciation on furniture and equipment (desk, chair, monitor).

Example

Bought a $600 office chair? Claim depreciation on it AND the 70c/hr rate.

The 70c rate doesn't cover furniture — that's a separate claim

Section 2 of 2

More paperwork but potentially bigger claim

Calculate the work portion of electricity, internet, phone, stationery, and depreciation individually.

Example

Your electricity is $2,400/yr and your home office is 10% of your home = $240 for electricity alone.

Need receipts and records for every expense you claim

Sole Traders

Rent, mortgage interest, rates, and insurance — only if you have a dedicated office space.

Example

Sole traders with a dedicated home office may be able to claim a portion of rent.

Employees generally can't claim occupancy costs — mainly for sole traders