ATO targets ‘bleisure’ travelers, experts caution.

TLDR:

• The ATO is cracking down on “bleisure” travel claims, urging business travellers to be cautious.
• Travellers should keep detailed travel diaries to substantiate work-related expenses.

In a crackdown on work-related expenses, the ATO is warning business travellers who mix work with pleasure to be extra careful this tax season. Recent data shows that Australians’ business trips are longer than the global average, leading to increased scrutiny. Corporate Traveller advises keeping detailed travel diaries to substantiate expenses, avoiding “double dipping” on claims, and being cautious about claiming leisure expenses. Moneywise Global suggests delaying tax filings until fully prepared to avoid audit triggers, with a focus on understanding tax laws and avoiding common pitfalls.