As you would be aware, the TWU has been in discussions with the ATO since it issued a determination on July 3 reducing by 43-per-cent the amount a truck driver can claim for travel expenses without substantiation.
The 2017/18 tax claim change has the potential of heaping more pressure on drivers who are already operating under tight margins and was done without warning or consultation.
NOW YOU CAN TAKE OUR SURVEY & HELP DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
The TWU has been privately and publicly pushing to have the determination changed and, in a positive development, the ATO has asked the TWU for evidence regarding patterns of work, amount of travel and meal breaks taken by long distance truck drivers.
So that the 2018/19 determination actually reflects the reality of a truckies current working life we have created an online survey (that should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete) to gather up-to-date information from drivers that captures all the information that the ATO is seeking. Unfortunately, the timeframe provided by the ATO is short so don’t put it off if you can avoid it.
Take the survey now by following this link
The information you provide will help formulate any revised ATO determination for the 2018/19 financial year.
The TWU remains in talks with the ATO in regards to what will happen in the current financial year.
To ensure we can mount the strongest argument possible with the ATO, share the survey link with other long distance truck drivers – whether they are members of the TWU or not – we are STRONGER TOGETHER.