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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Disclosure Of Business Tax Debts – Declaration Made
| | | Following the enactment of legislation in late 2019, the ATO can disclose certain business tax debt information to external credit reporting bureaus. This information will primarily be used when issuing external creditworthiness reports in relation to relevant businesses, effectively treating tax debts in a similar manner to other business debts. More […]
Lost or stolen TFN
If you can’t find your TFN and do not suspect misuse, phone the Australian Tax Office (ATO) on 13 28 61 between 8:00am and 8:00pm Monday to Friday and 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday. You can also phone the ATO on Sunday between 10.00am to 4.00pm from 1 July to 31 October. If you have a […]
Fraudulent ‘Phoenix’ Activities
Fraudulent ‘phoenix’ activity occurs where a company deliberately liquidates to avoid paying creditors, taxes and employee entitlements. The perpetrators transfer the assets to a new entity, and continue operating the same or a similar business with the same ownership. Phoenix activity has impacts on the business community, employees and contractors, the government and the environment, […]
How Much Tax Do I Need To Pay?
We often receive phone calls from our Clients asking us whether they are being taxed correctly in their wages. If you are unsure whether you are being taxed correctly, the ATO has an online calculator where you can answer a series of questions relating to your wages which will determine what tax should be withheld […]
What is the Medicare Levy
Quite often we are asked about the Medicare Levy. Common questions are “What is it?”, “Why do I have to pay it” and “Is there a way I can avoid paying it”. So we’ve broken it down for you below. What is Medicare Levy? Australian Residents are entitled to Medicare benefits which is access to […]
Builder Unable To Obtain Refund Of Incorrectly Charged GST
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has held that a builder was unable to receive a refund of incorrectly charged GST incorrectly charged on the sale of a residential premises that had been rented for just over five years since construction was complete. The taxpayer claimed the GST charged on a unit was charged in error, on […]
