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Even though women in Australia won the right to vote in 1902, there are still countless areas of life where that notion of equality hasn't always been fulfilled. Just recently the Australian Tax Office made a clarification on the use of hand bags as being a potential work-related deduction in the same way that a briefcase can be.

Traditionally a briefcase has been easier to claim as a work-related deduction than a handbag. Of course that isn't right and the ATO has recently clarified that a person "can claim a deduction for assets that are predominantly used for work purposes, such as bags and satchels used to carry work papers or electronic devices, to the extent that such items are used for work purposes." As with all work related claims it is the use of the item, rather than its description that is relevant. For example, if a briefcase is primarily used to carry lunch and other personal items to work it is not being used for work and no deduction for its cost can be made. 

If you aren't sure whether you can claim your hand bag as a work related expense then it may be prudent for a woman to keep a record of the work use of a handbag. Make a note in your diary or use a logbook for a period of about three months so that in the event of a tax audit you can clearly show the handbag is being used for work. Fundamentally, if you are carrying working items, such as a laptop, work papers or work equipment, then you are in the a position to claim a deduction for the cost of a handbag, briefcase.

Handbags aren't the only surprising item women or men can claim. This general rule applies to most goods where you can prove that they are clearly linked to your job or relate to job safety and can include sunscreen, gloves, sunglasses and hats. For example, someone who is working as a courier or in a sales role and spends most of their time in the car visiting clients, could claim the purchase of driving gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect them from the sun while in the car.

Always remember to keep your receipts and we can work through it on your next visit.