In Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requires taxpayers to keep records and receipts to substantiate their claims for work-related deductions, including meal expenses. It is generally expected that you retain receipts for all expenses you wish to claim as deductions.
Without receipts, you can claim up to a maximum value of $300 per year. Most people are eligible to claim more than $300 and this boosts their tax refund considerably. However, with no receipts you’re stuck below that $300 limit.
While the ATO won’t ask you for receipts if your claim is below $300 they may still ask you to explain what it was, how you paid for it, and how it is related to your work.
Claiming deductions without a receipt can be a tricky part of doing your tax return and we always recommend keeping a receipt where possible.
While the ATO doesn’t specifically provide a set threshold for claiming meal allowances without receipts, it’s considered best practice to keep detailed records and retain receipts for all work-related expenses, including meals. The ATO may request supporting evidence to substantiate your claims if they conduct an audit or review your tax return.
If you don’t have receipts for certain meal expenses, it may be more challenging to substantiate those specific claims. However, you can still make a reasonable estimate of your meal expenses based on other supporting documentation, such as bank or credit card statements, diaries, travel itineraries, or any other evidence that demonstrates the amount and purpose of the expenditure.
It’s important to note that while you can make reasonable estimates for expenses without receipts, having proper documentation and receipts will generally provide stronger evidence to support your claims during an audit or review.
To ensure compliance with ATO requirements and receive accurate advice tailored to your situation, it’s recommended to consult with a tax professional or refer to the official guidelines provided by the ATO. They can provide specific guidance on record-keeping requirements and what evidence is acceptable for claiming meal allowances without receipts.