The Australian Taxation Office has issued a warning to around 500,000 Australians ahead of tax time, urging them to avoid common mistakes in their claims.

The ATO is focusing on incorrect work-related expense claims, especially car expenses, where some taxpayers may be claiming costs they are not eligible for.

Officials say taxpayers should only claim genuine work-related expenses and keep proper records to support their deductions.

The tax office is also warning Australians not to rush their tax returns, as missing information can lead to errors, delays, or adjustments later.

The ATO says it uses data matching and advanced technology to identify unusual claims and ensure tax returns are accurate.

Australians are being reminded to check their details carefully before lodging their returns to avoid potential problems.