RICHMOND, Australia - AussieJournal -- With the 2025 tax season already underway, a common question is coming up across Australia: Can you claim deductions without receipts?

The answer is yes, but only in certain cases, and always within clear rules set by the ATO.

At Clear Tax Accountants, we've seen many clients get caught out for thinking they can "guestimate" their expenses or rely on memory alone. This approach can cause more problems than it solves.

So, What's Actually Allowed?

The ATO allows individuals to claim up to $300 in total work-related expenses without receipts. However, these expenses must still be real and connected to earning your income. You also need to be able to show how you worked it out if asked.

"A lot of people believe they're allowed to claim $300 no matter what, but that's not how it works," says Ash Jindal, Director at Clear Tax Accountants. "You still need to have spent the money, and you need a reasonable explanation behind the claim."

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What Counts as Proof Without a Receipt?

Even if you don't have a receipt, you can still support your claim with:

• Bank or credit card statements
• Diary entries or calendar records
• A written summary of your expenses

These are especially useful if you lost the original receipt or made a purchase online.

What About Car and Travel Deductions?

Travel claims are another area where people go wrong. If you're claiming car expenses, you need a logbook or a consistent record of work-related trips. A guess or rough total won't be enough.

The ATO looks for patterns, and repeated claims without evidence can trigger a review.

Honest Mistakes Can Still Cost You

We understand that receipts go missing. But guessing your deductions or inflating figures could lead to penalties. That's why our team helps clients stay within ATO guidelines without losing out on what they're rightfully owed.

"Even if you're not sure what can be claimed, we'll help you get clarity," says Jindal. "It's always better to ask than to assume."

At Clear Tax Accountants, we offer reliable support for personal and business tax returns, including advice on what to do if your paperwork is incomplete.

If you've got questions this tax season, we're ready to help you file with confidence.