Which advertising costs can I claim in my tax return?
June 21, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Wolfgang Lenzner
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Felix Schaaf and I have a question regarding my tax return. I work as an employee in an office and incurred some work-related expenses last year. I am not sure which deductible expenses I can include in my tax return and how to properly claim them.
For example, in my job, I need a laptop to work from home. I have also taken training courses to enhance my professional skills. Additionally, I have purchased work tools such as writing utensils and office supplies. I am unsure if these expenses qualify as deductible expenses and if I can include them in my tax return.
My understanding of deductible expenses is limited, and I am concerned that I may be leaving money on the table by not considering all relevant expenses in my tax return. That is why I am reaching out to you to seek clarification and ensure that I can take advantage of all tax benefits available to me.
Could you please explain which expenses qualify as deductible expenses and how I should properly report them in my tax return? Are there specific documents or receipts that I should collect and keep in order to substantiate my deductible expenses? I would greatly appreciate your assistance on this matter.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Felix Schaaf
Dear Felix Schaaf,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your tax return and the correct declaration of business expenses. I would be happy to assist you with this matter and explain which expenses qualify as business expenses and how you can report them in your tax return.
Business expenses are costs related to your professional activity that are necessary to generate and secure income. This includes expenses for work equipment, further education, professional literature, travel expenses, telephone costs, office supplies, and more.
In your case as an office employee, the expenses you mentioned can indeed be claimed as business expenses. The laptop you need for working from home, as well as your training courses and work equipment, are deductible business expenses.
To report these costs in your tax return, you should collect and keep all relevant receipts and invoices. This includes receipts for the laptop, certificates for the training courses, and invoices for work supplies such as writing utensils and office materials. These receipts serve as evidence for the tax authorities and should be kept carefully.
In your tax return, you can then report the business expenses in the attachment N under the appropriate categories such as "work equipment" or "training measures". There, you have the opportunity to list the individual expenses and, if necessary, also claim flat rates if you cannot provide receipts for certain costs.
I hope this information helps you and that you now have a better understanding of which expenses qualify as business expenses and how to correctly report them in your tax return. If you have further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Thank you for your trust and your inquiry.
Best regards,
Wolfgang Lenzner
