Latest News
ATO reminder about family trust elections
Taxpayers may be considering whether they should make a family trust election (‘FTE’) for a trust, or an interposed entity election (‘IEE’) for a trust or other entity. Making an FTE provides access to certain tax concessions (assuming the relevant tests and conditions are satisfied), although there are important things to consider. In particular, once […]
Taxpayer’s claims for various ‘home business’ expenses rejected
In a recent decision, the AAT rejected in full a taxpayer’s claims for “several classes or categories of deductions.” For the relevant period of 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, the taxpayer was (according to his employer) a ‘technical architect’. However, the taxpayer also claimed he worked from home 6am to 11pm seven days […]
SMSFs cannot be used for Christmas presents!
There are very limited circumstances where taxpayers can legally access their super early, and the ATO is reminding taxpayers that “paying bills and buying Christmas presents doesn’t make the list.” Generally, taxayers can only access their super when they: reach preservation age and ‘retire’; or turn 65 (even if they are still working). To access […]
ATO’s tips for small businesses to ‘get it right’
While the ATO knows most small businesses try to report correctly, it understands that mistakes can happen. The ATO advises taxpayers that it is important to get the following ‘basics’ right: using digital tools and business software to help track and streamline processes to increase the efficiency of their business; keeping accurate and complete records, […]
Reminder of December 2024 Quarter Superannuation Guarantee (‘SG’)
Employers are reminded that employee superannuation contributions for the quarter ending 31 December 2024 must be received by the relevant super funds by 28 January 2025. If the correct amount of SG is not paid by an employer on time, they will be liable to pay the SG charge, which includes a penalty and interest […]
Can staff celebrations attract FBT?
With the holiday season coming up, employers may be planning to celebrate with their employees. Before they hire a restaurant or book an event, employers should make sure to work out if the benefits they provide their employees are considered entertainment-related, and therefore subject to fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’). This will depend on: the amount […]
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Investment Tax Issues You Need To Be Aware Of
Investors must consider a range of tax laws dealing with income, assets and deductions. Even that term “income”, the meaning of which most of us would assume, can take on nuanced shades of meaning when considered regarding investment. For example, investment income earnings such as dividends and interest are typically considered ordinary income. Franking credits, […]
$20000 Write Off is Only Available For Small Business, Unless …
There is an under-used gem hidden within the small business simplified depreciation rules that in some circumstances can widen the opportunity to access this valuable deduction. Everyone assumes that the $20,000 instant asset write-off is exclusive to eligible small businesses. But it is possible, under certain conditions, for individuals such as employees to be able to claim […]
ATO Waves a Red Flag On Deductions For Holiday Rentals
Just when many Australians are considering getting away for a mid-winter break, the ATO is reminding taxpayers that it is paying close attention to rental properties located in popular holiday destinations around Australia. The ATO recently issued a statement saying that last year it identified a large number of mistakes with deductions for rental properties, […]
Can Salary Sacrifice Work For You?
Salary sacrifice (or salary packaging) is where you agree to take part of your wage as a benefit of some kind. This to be equal in value to the salary it is exchanged for. The upside is you doing this is that your income tax is then based only on the reduced amount of salary […]
Are You Eligible to Claim Self Education Expenses?
Your current employment and the course you undertake must have sufficient connection for your self-education expenses to qualify as a work-related tax deduction. If a course of study is too general in terms of your current income-earning activities, the necessary connection between the self-education expense and your income-earning activity does not exist. A tax deduction […]
Active Vs Passive Assets and the Small Business CGT Concession
The small business capital gains tax concessions are extremely valuable. For small business owners who need to dispose of assets that have risen in value during the time they have owned them, accessing these concessions can mean greatly reducing any consequent tax liability, even to zero. But to access the CGT concessions some conditions must first […]
