TWU CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SORT OUT ATO TAX MESS OVER DRIVER EXPENSES
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The move by the Australian tax office has the potential of heaping more pressure on transport operators and drivers, who are already operating under tight margins, the union said.
“The move by the ATO to reduce the amount a driver can claim by 43% without receipts was done without warning or consultation and will have significant consequences. We have asked the ATO for an urgent meeting to discuss why this move was taken and to seek amendments to the changes,” said TWU National Assistant Secretary Michael Kaine.
“The transport industry is under significant financial pressure with no organisation it can turn to for redress, following the abolition of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal. This move by the ATO shows how out of touch the Federal Government’s administration is on these realities in transport,” Kaine added.
A taxation determination issued on July 3 stated the reasonable amount a truck driver can claim for travel expenses without substantiation was to be reduced by $42.10 for the coming 2017-18 year.
The TWU has been contacted by a number of truck drivers expressing concern at the move.