Private Travel (Domestic) - What Can I Claim?
If your domestic travel expense is a personal living expense and includes GST, it can generally be claimed under the Living Expenses benefit.
What you can claim
- Domestic flights
- Accommodation within Australia
- Public transport tickets
What you can't claim
- Expenses paid entirely by someone other than you or your spouse/de facto partner
- Fines, penalties and infringement notices
- Expenses that do not meet the applicable Living Expenses benefit requirements
- Claims that are not supported by the required documentation
Documentation Requirements
Proof of Purchase
To support your claim, you must provide a valid tax invoice that includes:
- The supplier's tax invoice
- Date of purchase or invoice date
- Description of the goods or services purchased
- Total amount charged
- GST amount, or confirmation that the total amount 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 A documented exchange rate applicable on the transaction date (for example, from a recognised currency conversion service)
Documentation That Cannot Be Accepted
Claims may be rejected where:
- The receipt does not clearly identify the expense
- Only an EFTPOS receipt is provided without a supporting tax invoice
- The expense is not an eligible living expense
- Receipts or invoices are provided in a language other than English
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Scenario-Based Examples
Can I claim a domestic flight for a holiday in Queensland?
Sarah purchases return flights from Melbourne to Brisbane and receives a tax invoice showing flight costs and GST charged. As the expense is a domestic travel cost that attracts GST, it can be claimed under Living Expenses with a valid tax invoice and proof of payment.*
Can I claim hotel accommodation for a weekend getaway?
Michael stays at a hotel in Sydney and provides a valid tax invoice showing the accommodation charge and GST together with proof of payment. This is an eligible living expense and can therefore be claimed.*
Can I claim a speeding fine I received while travelling?
Emma received a traffic fine during a road trip. Fines and infringement notices are specifically excluded from Living Expense benefit and cannot be salary packaged.*
Can I claim a flight that my friend paid for on my behalf?
David travelled domestically, but his friend paid for the flight. Expenses must be incurred and paid by the eligible employee (or their spouse/partner where applicable) to be eligible.*
Can I claim an accommodation invoice issued in my partner's name?
Olivia's accommodation invoice is in her partner's name, but she paid half the expense. Olivia can claim the portion of the invoice that she paid for, provided she submits valid proof of payment.*
Can I claim using only an EFTPOS receipt?
Liam submits only an EFTPOS transaction record. The claim cannot be processed as an EFTPOS receipt alone is not a valid proof purchase or payment.*