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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More COVID-19 business grants are now tax-free
The Federal Government has expanded the list of State and Territory COVID-19 grant programs that may be tax-free to eligible businesses. A State or Territory Government COVID-19 grant payment will generally be tax-free if: the payment is received under a grant program that is formally declared to be an eligible program; the recipient carried on […]
Tax Time Focus On Rental Property Income And Deductions
The ATO is focusing on four major concerns this tax season when it comes to rental properties. Concern 1: Include all rental income When preparing tax returns, make sure all rental income is included, such as from short-term rental arrangements, renting part of a home, and other rental-related income like insurance payouts and rental bond […]
Sessional Lecturer Entitled To Superannuation Support
The Federal Court has agreed with the ATO that a lecturer providing services to a higher education provider was a common law employee and therefore entitled to superannuation support, despite being engaged as an independent contractor. The ATO reviewed the situation and concluded that the lecturer was entitled to receive superannuation support. This was on […]
Discretionary Trusts And Corporate Beneficiaries
When a trustee of a trust makes a decision to create an entitlement to income of the trust in favour of a corporate beneficiary (i.e., a privately held company), certain steps need to be taken to ensure that if the entitlement to the distribution remains unpaid (that is, no cash equal to the amount of […]
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment Reinstated
In recognition of the risks associated with more infectious new Covid-19 variants through the winter period, the Federal Government has agreed to reinstate the ‘Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment’ to 30 September 2022, which was otherwise set to end as of 30 June 2022. Eligibility for the payment will be backdated to 1 July 2022, to […]
ATO To Target Disposal of Assets Via ‘Wash Sales’ This Tax Time
The ATO is warning taxpayers to not engage in ‘asset wash sales’ to artificially increase their losses to reduce gains (or expected gains). Wash sales are a form of tax avoidance that the ATO is focussed on this tax time. Wash sales typically involve the disposal of assets (e.g., cryptocurrency and shares) just before the […]
