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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COVID-19 Vaccination Incentives And Rewards
The ATO has reminded employers to consider their tax and super obligations when employees are provided with incentives or rewards for getting their COVID-19 vaccination. When employees are provided a cash payment, including paid leave for employees to get their COVID-19 vaccination (or additional paid leave to recover from any vaccination side effects), employers should […]
Government Extends SME Recovery Loan Scheme To 30 June 2022
The Government has recently extended the SME Recovery Loan Scheme by a further six months (to 30 June 2022) to support SMEs adversely economically affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Under the Scheme, eligible businesses can obtain loans through participating bank and non-bank lenders with the backing of a government loan guarantee. Around 80,000 loans worth […]
AUSTRAC Transaction Report Information Data-Matching Program
| | | The ATO will acquire transaction report information data from AUSTRAC for the period of 17 June 2021 through to 30 June 2027. AUSTRAC (the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) is the Australian Government agency responsible for “detecting, deterring and disrupting criminal abuse of the financial system to protect the community from […]
Varying PAYG Instalments Due To COVID-19
| | | Varying PAYG instalments throughout the year is now an option for taxpayers if they think they will pay too much, compared with their estimated tax for the year. To assist taxpayers who continue to be affected by COVID-19, the ATO has stated that it will not apply penalties or interest on varied […]
Division 7A Benchmark Interest Rate For 2022 Remains Unchanged
| | | The Division 7A benchmark interest rate for the 2022 income year remains unchanged from the 2021 rate of 4.52%.
New ATO Data Matching Programs
| | | The ATO has advised that it will engage in two new data matching programs, as outlined below: the ATO will acquire novated lease data from McMillan Shakespeare Group, Smartgroup Corporation, SG Fleet Group, Eclipx Group, LeasePlan, Toyota Fleet Management, LeasePLUS and Orix Australia for the 2018/19 through to 2022/23 financial years […]
