Claiming Transitioning Related Expenses

[Rainbow Bay]

Hello Friends

I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience or has any advice in claiming transitioning related expense with the ATO at tax time. I thought this was unlikely but then I read an article in Polare (I think it was called 'The ATO Bends on Transgender Expenses) where a woman was able to get a private ruling from the ATO which allowed her to claim lots of stuff. The article was a couple of years old I think. Anyway, I've been saving my electrolysis and other receipts just in case. 

[Cindy]

I've not heard of it in Oz to be honest.

I think some of the UK and USA girls can.

Find a good CPA accountant! Let us know how you go.

[Rainbow Bay]

I've not heard of it in Oz to be honest.

I think some of the UK and USA girls can.

Find a good CPA accountant! Let us know how you go.

Thanks Cindy. I think a good account might be useful  From what I've read if you are annoying enough the ATO will yield and give you a private ruling but the thing is such a ruling doesn't create a precedent for anyone else. We'll see what happens and the end of this Financial Year. 

[kelly_aus]

As a former ATO employee who worked in the Personal Tax team, I'm going to suggest a Private Ruling is likely to be your only option..

[Rainbow Bay]

As a former ATO employee who worked in the Personal Tax team, I'm going to suggest a Private Ruling is likely to be your only option..

Thankyou Kelly 

That's good know. I will focus my hopes on a private ruling. I've already spent thousands on electrolysis this financial year. It would be so helpful if I could get some of it back.

[Dana60]

I'm just wondering if anybody has any idea what this was claimed as, does it become medical expenses over the threshold? I've also spent quite a bit on electrolysis this year so being able to claim this would be great.

[Catherine Sarah]

I know of a woman in Sydney who claimed her overseas medical expenses on her tax return and got it. I don't believe a personal ruling was invoked. That was 2 years ago.


Speak to you as soon as I pickle the cherries.

Huggs
Catherine