Working From Home? Here’s How to Claim Your Home Energy Bills at Tax Time
With more Australians working from home than ever before, household electricity usage has significantly increased. From running computers and monitors to heating, cooling, lighting, and internet equipment — your home is now your office. If you're working from home in Melbourne, you may be eligible to claim part of your home energy costs in your tax return. And even better — improving your home’s energy efficiency can reduce those costs year-round. Let’s break it down clearly. What Home Energy Expenses Can You Claim? The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows eligible taxpayers to claim work-from-home expenses using approved methods. While you should always confirm details with your accountant or the ATO website, generally you may be able to claim: Electricity used for lighting, heating, cooling, and powering office equipment Internet expenses (portion used for work) Phone usage Depreciation of office equipment Office furniture and devices The key requirement? You must be genuine...