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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FBT Rates and Thresholds for the 2021/22 FBT Year
| | | The ATO has updated its webpage containing the fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’) rates and thresholds for the 2017/18 to 2021/22 FBT years. Two amounts that were not previously announced for the 2021/22 FBT year are: the FBT record keeping exemption is $8,923 (up from $8,853 for the 2020/21 FBT year); and […]
Warning Regarding New Illegal Retirement Planning Scheme
| | | The ATO has recently identified a new scheme where SMSF trustees were informed that they could set up a new SMSF to roll-over the fund balance from the old SMSF and then liquidate their old SMSF, in an attempt to avoid paying potential tax liabilities. The ATO warns that taking part […]
ATO Support For Businesses In Difficult Times
The ATO has reminded taxpayers that it has a range of support available for small businesses experiencing difficult situations, such as natural disasters, mental health challenges or financial hardship. Depending on the business taxpayer’s circumstances, the ATO may be able to: give the business extra time to pay its tax. set up a payment plan […]
Proposed FBT Exemption — Retraining And Reskilling
| | | The government has announced it will introduce an exemption from FBT for retraining and reskilling benefits provided by employers to redundant, or soon to be redundant, employees where the benefits may not be related to their current employment. It is proposed that this exemption will not apply to: retraining provided under […]
STP Data-Sharing With Services Australia
| | | Single Touch Payroll (‘STP’) allows the ATO to share data in real-time with other government agencies, to “help them deliver government services to the Australian community”. As part of the ATO’s data-matching program, it has a STP data-sharing arrangement with Services Australia to help them administer Australia’s welfare system. This means […]
How to Avoid Getting Dodgy Advice
| | | The ATO is warning taxpayers who may be thinking about pausing, changing or closing their business, due to the current economic conditions, to be wary of untrustworthy advisers who may recommend inappropriate or illegal behaviour. This could include illegal phoenix activity, where businesses intentionally remove their assets prior to winding up […]
