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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‘Talking tax’ with new workers
The ATO is reminding employers that have taken on new employees that those employees can complete a TFN declaration through ATO online services, and that this is an easy way for them to provide both their employer and the ATO with the information needed. If a new employee has a myGov account linked to the […]
How the myGov update affects taxpayers
Clients using myGov will see that it has recently been updated with a new look and more features. When signed in to myGov, clients might receive notifications through ‘Payments and claims’ from other government services, such as Centrelink. However, the ATO has stated that it will not communicate using this feature. Instead, the ATO will […]
Rental properties and second-hand depreciating assets
The ATO is reminding taxpayers that have a residential rental property, to take care of when making claims for ‘second-hand depreciating assets’ used in their properties. In most cases, these are items that existed in the taxpayer’s property when they purchased it or were in their private residence (which they later rented out), such as: […]
Small business tax incentives back on the table
The Albanese Government has confirmed its commitment to implementing two tax incentives aimed at supporting small businesses to train and upskill employees and improve their digital and tech capacity. The Technology Investment Boost and the Skills and Training Boost were announced in the 29 March 2022 Federal Budget but remain unlegislated. Small businesses with an […]
Super comparison tool updated
The YourSuper comparison tool helps individuals compare MySuper products and choose a super fund that meets their needs. It ranks the performance of these products by fees and net returns. Each year, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (‘APRA’) assesses the performance of each MySuper product, and this information is displayed in the comparison tool. Updated […]
ATO reminder about appointing an SMSF auditor
The ATO is reminding trustees of self-managed super funds (‘SMSFs’) that they need to appoint an approved SMSF auditor no later than 45 days before the lodgment of their fund’s SMSF annual return (for example, for the 2022 income year). In particular, the ATO says: “Don’t risk approaching an auditor the day before you need […]
