Calling all corporate queens! We all know the struggle of finding the best work bag that’s functional enough to hold your entire life (laptop, planner, documents, you name it) but still chic enough to turn heads in that morning elevator ride.
Gone are the days of boring work bags! Today, you can find stylish options for every taste, from bold and classy to neutral and athletic. Whether you need a formal, casual, or street-style bag, there's something for everyone.
When it comes to function, your work bag should be durable, have plenty of pockets for your essentials, and offer ample space for organising documents. As a busy professional, carrying your laptop or tablet and keeping it safe is a whole other story.
Did you know that you can claim your work bag on tax?
Yes, you read that right and you’re welcome. But don’t go shopping just yet! There are some important rules that you need to be aware of before claiming a tax deduction for your work bag:
- You must purchase the bag
- You must carry the items you need for work including laptops, tablets, work papers or other work items
- You must have bought it within the same financial year
- You must have proof of purchase
Remember, while a work bag can be a tax-deductible expense, it's crucial to meet the specific criteria and maintain proper documentation to support your claim.
If you use the bag for both private and work purposes, then you can only claim a portion of it on tax. This includes carrying personal items to work such as your lunch, beauty products, personal phone, gym gear and other items you mainly use for private purposes.
How to calculate tax deduction on your work bags?
Work bags typically decrease in value over time. If your bag costs less than $300, you can claim the full deduction in one tax year. For bags costing more than $300, you'll need to spread the deduction over several years to account for depreciation. We recommend checking this with an accountant.
Claiming your work bag on tax
Now that you know if your work bag counts, it’s time to claim your tax deduction! You must keep the following records to support your tax claims:
- Original purchase receipt
- Evidence of work use (e.g., work diary, project notes)
- If used for both work and personal use, a record of the work-related percentage
For more information regarding tax deduction on bags and cases for work items, please visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website here.
If you’re keen and eager to get your new work bag, here’s a quick rundown of Tottie’s picks for you:
The Tottie Leather Tote Bag, $299
Timeless work bag with a classic silhouette. The Tottie Tote Bag in microfiber leather comes in two neutral colours - Black and Tan. It has multiple pockets including a laptop sleeve, pen holder, tablet sleeve and keychain.
The Tottie Leather Backpack, $329
Best all-rounder bag - a bag that literally has your back! It has a built-in laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets for all your essentials.
So there you have it!
A stylish, functional, and tax-deductible work bag, a win-win! Remember to keep the ATO guidelines in mind when making your purchase, and with a little planning, you can claim your dream work bag as a tax deduction. Now go forth and conquer the corporate world.
