The ATO advises that the “shortcut” rate for claiming work from home running expenses has been extended again, in recognition that many employees and business owners are still required to work from home due to Covid-19. This shortcut deduction rate was previously extended to 31 December 2020, but will now be available until at least 30 June 2021.

Eligible employees and business owners therefore can choose to claim additional running expenses incurred between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021 at the rate of 80 cents per work hour, provided they keep a record (such as a timesheet or work logbook) of the number of hours worked from home during the period.

The expenses covered by the shortcut rate include lighting, heating, cooling and cleaning costs, electricity for electronic items used for work, the decline in value and repair of home office items such as furniture and furnishings in the area used for work, phone and internet expenses, computer consumables, stationery and the decline in value of a computer, laptop or similar device.

This shortcut rate will suit many people, but if you choose to use it for your additional work from home running expense, you can’t also claim any further deductions for the same items.