Groceries – What Can I Claim?
This benefit allows you to salary package everyday grocery and household shopping expenses. Eligible expenses must be costs you have personally incurred and be supported by acceptable proof of purchase and payment.
What you can claim
- Grocery purchases
- Everyday household shopping expenses
- Mixed grocery purchases that include both GST-free and GST-inclusive items
- Overseas grocery or living expense purchases, provided you can supply supporting documentation and evidence of the AUD conversion rate
Documentation Requirements
Proof of Purchase
Acceptable proof of purchase includes a tax invoice showing:
- The retailer or supplier details
- Date of purchase or invoice date
- Description of the items purchased
- Total amount charged
- GST amount, or a statement that the total is GST inclusive
Proof of Payment
You must also provide proof of payment that confirms the expense has been paid. Acceptable proof of payment includes:
- Direct debit confirmations
- Tax invoices that show payment details
- EFT receipts with the matching tax invoice
- Bank statements showing the transaction
For overseas purchases, provide:
- The tax invoice; and
- Evidence of the currency conversion (such as a credit card statement showing the converted amount or a documented exchange rate at the time of the transaction)
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Examples
Can I claim my weekly supermarket shop?
Emma spends $220 on groceries at a supermarket and provides a tax invoice showing the purchase details and GST-inclusive total along with proof of payment. This expense is an eligible living expense and can be claimed.*
Can I claim groceries purchased overseas?
Daniel purchases groceries while travelling overseas and provides the tax invoice along with a credit card statement showing the AUD conversion. The expense can be considered with the required supporting documentation.*
Can I claim a grocery bill paid by my friend?
Sarah provides an invoice for groceries, but her friend paid the full amount. Sarah cannot claim this expense as she did not incur the expense herself, the claim is not eligible.*
Can I submit an EFTPOS slip as proof of purchase?
Michael submits only an EFTPOS receipt showing the transaction amount. The claim cannot be processed as an EFTPOS receipt alone is not a valid proof purchase or payment.*