Can I claim as a deduction?

[JYK]

If I have an accountant in another city or in a regional centre, can I claim a deduction for the cost to visit him there?

Futhermore, can I have more than one accountant in different cities or centres and claim deductions to visit each of them?

[geoffw]

1. From my readings of the ATO site, yes. However, if you mix business with pleasure, then no. The ATO give an example of someone flying interstate to inspect a property, and then to have a two week holiday. That person can claim the cost of expenses (say taxis, bus fares) for inspecting the property- but they cannot claim one cent from the flight itself.

2. I'm guessing that you would REALLY have to show the need for having accountants in different locations.

[JYK]

Thanks geoffw. Are you an accountant?

[geoffw]

:mad: Thanks geoffw. Are you an accountant?No way. Hence my comment "From my readings of the ATO site". There is a "guide to rental properties" (or similar name) on that site which gives a lot of info as to what is claimable, and in what circumstances. Check it out.

I've been proved wrong many times- I'm always happy to give my opinion- but I am definitely no expert. Just an avid member of the forum and an avid seeker of information.

[skater]

Advise I got from my Accountant is that you can, but you have to document everything and you can then apportion the costs. ie 12 days personal, 2 rental related = 14 days total. In this instance you could claim 1/7 of travel costs.

Hope that helps.

BTW this is not advise, check with your own accountant.

Cheers

[JYK]

Thanks both of you for the replies. As a newbie, Im curoius to know, the little smile faces what do they mean. Geoffw I see you inserted an unhappy face. Does that mean I offended you or that it means ' perish the thought of being an accountant'. Im keen learn the forum edict.

[geoffw]

Thanks both of you for the replies. As a newbie, Im curoius to know, the little smile faces what do they mean. Geoffw I see you inserted an unhappy face. Does that mean I offended you or that it means ' perish the thought of being an accountant'. Im keen learn the forum edict.It just mean- sorry, no I'm not an accountant. You did not offend me in the slightest.

[geoffw]

Advise I got from my Accountant is that you can, but you have to document everything and you can then apportion the costs. ie 12 days personal, 2 rental related = 14 days total. In this instance you could claim 1/7 of travel costs.

Hope that helps.

BTW this is not advise, check with your own accountant.

CheersThe ATO Guide to Rental Proiperties 2002-2003 (http://www.ato.gov.au/content/downloads/NAT1729-03.pdf) states [quote]
Apportionment of travel expenses

Where travel related to your rental property is combined with a holiday or other private activities, you may need to apportion the expenses. If you travel to inspect your rental property and combine this with a holiday, you need to take into account the reasons for your trip. If the main purpose of your trip is to have a holiday and the inspection of the property is incidental to that main purpose, you cannot claim a deduction for the cost of the travel. However, you may be able to claim local expenses directly related to the property inspection and a proportion of accommodation expenses.[/url]

[Brenda Irwin]

Hi JYK, In response to your 'smilies' question, scroll down to the bottom of the posts and on the left hand side there is a section called 'posting rules'. Click on the 'smilies' heading and there will be a list of smilies, what they mean, and how to use them. :)