Taxation Determination

TD 93/174

Income tax: does the receipt of a travel allowance automatically entitle an employee to a deduction for travel expenses under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997?

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FOI status:

may be releasedFOI number: I 1216043

This Determination, to the extent that it is capable of being a 'public ruling' in terms of Part IVAAA of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 , is a public ruling for the purposes of that Part. Taxation Ruling TR 92/1 explains when a Determination is a public ruling and how it is binding on the Commissioner. Unless otherwise stated, this Determination applies to years commencing both before and after its date of issue. However, this Determination does not apply to taxpayers to the extent that it conflicts with the terms of a settlement of a dispute agreed to before the date of issue of the Determination (see paragraphs 21 and 22 of Taxation Ruling TR 92/20).
[ Note: This is a consolidated version of this document. Refer to the ATO Legal Database (http://law.ato.gov.au) to check its currency and to view the details of all changes.]

1. No. The mere receipt of an allowance does not entitle an employee to a deduction, whether or not the allowance is received under an industrial award.

2. Some taxpayers and tax agents would appear to be confused as to whether a taxpayer receiving an allowance is automatically entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of the allowance.

3. The receipt of an allowance imparts no greater degree of deductibility to an expense which is incurred in relation to that allowance (see Case T100 86 ATC 1169 and Case U156 87 ATC 908). Therefore, whether a deduction is allowable for travel expenses is a separate question, unrelated to whether a taxpayer receives a travel allowance.

4. [Omitted].

Examples

1. Sonia, regional manager for a supermarket chain, is required to inspect stores in Bathurst, Orange and Lithgow. For the three day trip she receives a travel allowance. Sonia is not automatically entitled to a deduction equal to the allowance. A deduction for travel costs incurred is allowable, subject to satisfaction of the substantiation requirements.

2. Robert, a bank teller, was moved to a branch some distance from his home. He is paid a compensatory allowance for the additional travelling time it now takes him to get to work and home again. Robert is not entitled to a deduction against the allowance.

Commissioner of Taxation
2/9/93

Previously issued as Draft TD 93/D107

References

ATO references:
NO SSO TD01

ISSN 1038 - 8982

Related Rulings/Determinations:

IT 112,
IT 113,
IT 117,
IT 2122,
IT 2481,
IT 2487,
IT 2543,
IT 2644,
MT 2027

Subject References:
travel;
allowances: allowable deductions

Legislative References:
ITAA 1997 8-1

Case References:
Case T100
86 ATC 1169

Case U156
87 ATC 908

TD 93/174 history

	Date:	Version:	Change:
	2 September 1993	Original ruling
You are here	17 August 2011	Consolidated ruling	Addendum
	12 July 2017	Consolidated ruling	Addendum

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