7 common tax return mistakes the ATO looks for
The mistakes that most often lead to ATO reviews of individual tax returns, from missing income to over-claimed work expenses, and how to avoid them.
The ATO uses data matching to check your return against information from employers, banks, share registries, platforms and government agencies. These are the mistakes that most often trigger a review.
1. Leaving out income
Bank interest, a second job, government payments, side hustles and gig work all need to be included. The ATO usually already knows about them.
2. Claiming work expenses you didn't pay for
You can only claim expenses you paid yourself and that your employer did not reimburse.
3. No records
You generally need receipts or other written evidence for your claims. For working from home, you need a record of the actual hours you worked at home. See our working from home guide.
4. Claiming private expenses
Everyday clothes, normal trips between home and work, and personal grooming are private, even if you only wear or use them for work.
5. Car claims without a logbook or trip records
Large car claims are a focus area. Make sure your method and records match your claim. Read cents per km vs logbook.
6. Rental property errors
Claiming improvements as repairs, and loan interest on the private part of a loan, are common problems. See rental property deductions.
7. Missing capital gains
Selling shares, crypto or an investment property usually creates a capital gain or loss that must be reported.
What if you've made a mistake?
You can usually amend a return. Fixing it yourself before the ATO contacts you generally leads to a better outcome. We can review your past returns and lodge amendments for you. Send us a request.
This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. It is not financial or tax advice. Tax rules change, so please contact us before acting on it. Information current as at the date above.