As a graphic designer or art director, you have a number of tax filing obligations. Bambridge Accountants are an expert team of accountants that specialise in accounting for creative industry professionals such as graphic designers and artistic directors.Being aware of the tax deductions you are entitled to can save you thousands of pounds against paying unnecessary tax.Below are some of the tax deductions you can be entitled to as a graphic designer or artistic designer:
The cost of buying meals when you work overtime, provided you have been paid an allowance by your employer
The cost of meals and incidental expenses when you are required to stay away overnight. If you didn’t receive an allowance, you should keep receipts to prove the amount you have spent on all meals and accommodation
The cost of parking, tolls, taxis and public transport if you are required to travel to attend seminars, meetings and training courses.
The cost of using your own car for work, including traveling to clients’ premises, attending meetings, attending training courses and collecting supplies for the business.
WORK CLOTHING
The cost of buying compulsory uniforms. Conventional clothing is NOT deductible, even if your employer tells you to wear a certain style or quality of clothing
The cost of laundry, dry cleaning, alterations or repairs of your uniforms
The cost of buying sun protection items if you are required to work outside at least part of the time
The cost of work-related short training courses, for example training in new software packages, OH&S and management skills, which are not run by a university or TAFE.
The cost of self-education courses run by a University (not including HECS/HELP fees) or TAFE (for example Bachelor of Arts, Graphic design, Communications or Marketing). If you are studying, you can also claim for the cost of books, stationery, equipment and travel required for your course
WORK TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
The cost of buying and repairing equipment you use at work, including electronic organisers, laptop computers, work-specific software and mobile phones
The cost of any materials or supplies that you buy for use at work, for example memory cards, USB sticks stationery, diary, work bag or briefcase
MEMBERSHIPS, BOOKS, PHONES & INTERNET
The cost of annual association membership fees
The cost of work-related magazines, journals or books
The cost of the work-related portion of your pay TV rental, where it is used for research in your job
The cost of work-related mobile or home telephone calls and rental
The cost of work-related internet connection fees
The cost of maintaining a home office if you are required to complete work at home
GENERAL EXPENSES
There are some tax deductions that all employees can claim on their personal tax returns:
The amount of any donations to registered charities
The cost of bank fees charged on any investment accounts
The cost of income protection or sickness and accident insurance premiums (this type of insurance covers you if you hurt yourself
Your tax agent fees
The cost of travelling to see your tax agent