I always struggle to find these figures every year ... so here are the acceptable amounts for the reasonable food component in the 2011-12 financial year in respect of Living Away From Home Allowances (LAFHAs) for expatriate employees, per ATO Tax Determination TD 2011/4, as follows:
| One adult |
$233 |
| Two adults |
$373 |
| Three adults |
$419 |
| One adult + one child |
$301 |
| Two adults + one or two children |
$419 |
| Two adults + three children |
$488 |
| Three adults + one child |
$488 |
| Three adults + two children |
$558 |
| Four adults |
$558 |
| Additional adult |
$140 |
| Additional child |
$68 |
The ATO have been cracking down on LAFHAs in recent years so beware ... even if your employer approves the LAFHA doesn't get you out of trouble when the taxman comes sniffing. The Australian Tax Office have been known to charge fines and penalties going back a number of years for those that try to pull a swifty. I suggest that you see a registered tax agent or a Chartered Accountant if you are unsure of the rules.