Department Will Rule On Expenses Claims

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 19

Department Will Rule On Expenses Claims

Persons who thought they had expense claims tinder the new taxation laws but were not sure should get a ruling from the Inland Revenue Department, the District Commissioner of Taxes (Mr C. K. Jones) said. Since returns for last year had started coming in there had been many claims for expenses. Some had been approved but others had been rejected. Mr Jones said he could not lay down hard and fast rules governing claims because there were always cases not specifically covered. For example, people could not claim expenses incurred in I travelling to work but some workers required to be on; stand-by at week-ends could make such a claim. Similarly, people with two jobs could claim the transport costs involved in getting from the first to the second job.

tinder the new law it is now permissible to claim for certain types of clothing peculiar to an occupation and not covered by an allowance from an employer. This does not, as one Christchurch solicitor claimed in his return, cover a suit of clothes worn to work.

Those required to undergo medical examinations to qualify for certain work are entitled to claim the cost of the examination. Claims can

also be made for some educational expenses. , School teachers who spend J some of their own money to buy teaching aids for their J pupils are entitled to claim I the amount. They and ministers of religion are entitled to claim for the use of part of their home for their work.

| People like salaried engineers, doctors and dentists Jean claim expenses involved i in travelling to observe trends land developments in their professions. Plumbers and painters can claim the cost in the upkeep of protective clothing. Mr Jones said the department had already received 23.000 returns from salary and wage earners. About 70,000 are expected.