The Possibility to make Deductions on Work Wear
Resuming work after a long summer vacation could be challenging, especially for those who need unique clothing for their jobs. Other than adjusting to the rules for work clothes, the cost of acquiring the right attire and tools for your job might be high. In an aim to boost productivity, governments have set up deductions on work cloth expenses. These deductions make acquiring and maintaining work clothes easier for the people returning to work after holidays. Before claiming deductions, you need to understand the kind of clothes you need and the amount of deductions allowed.
What are work clothes?
Work clothes are of different forms depending on the type of industry you work in. The most famous work clothes are uniforms. Uniforms are a specific kind of clothing that identifies you as a worker in a particular institution, such as the police, nurses, or people working in transport companies. Unlike other forms of work clothes, uniforms are usually provided by employers. You can only wear uniforms at your place of work; this makes it an ideal work clothing that you can claim a deduction for. Other forms of work clothes include official wear such as suits. Some jobs, such as lawyers, require you to dress in suits for a professional impression. You cannot claim deductions for a form of clothing that can be worn outside the place of work. Suits and t-shirts that aren’t branded and can be worn outside the place of work. Therefore, you cannot claim deductions when purchasing them.
Who should pay for work clothes?
Financing the acquisition and maintenance of work clothes vary depending on the nature of the job and the industry you work in. The government funds most government officers that need uniforms or any other form of select clothing. These include the police and fire brigade. If you work in a private company, it is the responsibility of your employer to provide unique work wear. For instance, employers should provide protective clothing if you work in a chemical manufacturing facility. Some institutions, such as food truck companies, require you to have select colours that represent their brand. If the clothes are branded, you can claim deductions for their maintenance.
If you operate as a self-employed, you will cover the entire cost of work clothes by yourself. However, when purchasing the clothes, some special clothing comes with tax relief from the government. If the clothes you wear to work can be worn anywhere else, you will be required to finance them by yourself. For instance, unbranded t-shirts or suits can be used as everyday clothing; thus, you will finance them yourself even if you only wear them at work.
What you should know when purchasing work clothes
There are several factors you need to consider when buying work wear, either for you or your staff. One of the most important factors is cost. The type of work cloth you purchase should be affordable for you to benefit from deductions. Most deductions on work clothes are less than twenty per cent of their actual cost. The cost of maintaining the work clothes should also be affordable to keep them in use for a longer time. Quality is another essential factor to consider when procuring work clothes or any other tools for your job. For people who spend most of their time at work, such as long-distance truck drivers, the work clothes need to be strong enough to avoid the need for regular repairs and replacements.
Comfort is also a vital aspect to look at when buying work wear—comfortable clothing guarantees higher productivity for any professional individual. The work clothes you procure should be comfortable enough for both work and outdoors. For instance, branded t-shirts can be used in office and for outdoor activities such as field trips. When purchasing work clothes, you also need to consider the theme colour of your company. Most employers instruct their employees to dress in colours that portray their brand. Dressing to match a company’s theme colour is a way of marketing it.
Why you should have work clothes
Work clothes are essential in all professions. One of the reasons why work clothes are encouraged is for identity. If you are at a business premise, it easier for clients to tell you from other clients. Another reason for having work wear is protection. Special work clothes protect you from injuries or damage to your clothes. Deductions on work clothes make them economical; thus, you don’t spend a lot of money on clothes while going to work.
Despite their importance and tax relief attached to them, you have to be careful when purchasing work clothes. The clothes you buy should be suited for your job. For instance, you don’t need cumbersome clothing when your job requires you to be outdoors during the day. The relevant authorities should approve the clothes you purchase for safety.