STACK #260 June 2026

FEATURE TECH

Myths, busted

Tax time advice is everywhere, but not all of it is right. “If I bought it, I can claim it.” Only if it’s tied to your current job – and only the work-use portion. “I can claim rent or my mortgage if I work from home.” Not for most workers. That’s usually limited to genuine home-based businesses. “Receipts don’t matter for small purchases.” They do matter. The ATO requires evidence. “Anything that helps my career is deductible.” Only if it relates to your current role, not a future one. “It’s all about getting a bigger refund.” It’s all about getting it right. Over-claiming can cost you later.

Less clutter, more flow The best setups don’t have more gear; they’re just less complicated. Start with cables. If you’ve got three chargers doing the job of one, you’re already losing time. Consolidating to fewer, more versatile options – like USB-C – can instantly clean up your space. Then tackle digital clutter. A simple backup system (cloud, external storage drive, or both) means less time searching and less risk of losing important files. The goal is flow – wireless peripherals for flexibility, a second screen for fewer tabs, and a dedicated spot for your gear. A good setup fades into the background, and that’s when you know it’s working.

Phone and internet usage

If you use your phone or home internet for work, you can claim a percentage, but only the work-use share. For phone and internet use, keep records that show your work-use pattern – the ATO commonly refers to a continuous four-week representative period. The same applies to routers, modems, and data plans.

Small business tips Don’t just track expenses – make them work harder. For small businesses, EOFY isn’t just about what you spent. It’s about what your time is worth. Most business-related expenses – equipment, software, operating costs – are claimable. But the smarter question is: what actually delivers value? Worth it • Accounting software that automates admin • Reliable devices that don’t slow you down • Backup systems that prevent costly mistakes

If you run your business from home, you may be able to claim a portion of expenses like electricity, internet, and workspace costs, based on business use. For 2025-26, eligible small businesses using simplified depreciation may also be able to immediately deduct the business portion of eligible assets costing less than $20,000 per asset, if first used or installed ready for use during that income year.

Think twice • Overpowered tech you don’t fully use • Duplicate tools doing the same job • Forgotten subscriptions draining cash

This guide contains general information only.Tax rules can change and individual circumstances vary. For the latest guidance, visit the Australian Taxation Office website or speak to a registered tax agent.

9