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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Paying Super to Backpackers
The ATO has issued the following reminders to employers, that backpackers on working holidays: are considered temporary residents, and are entitled to superannuation guarantee if they are paid $450 or more before tax in a calendar month; and who leave Australia can claim the super paid to them as a Departing Australia superannuation payment (‘DASP’), […]
ATO Tax Tips For Small Business
To lend a ‘helping hand’ to small businesses to get their tax right this Tax Time, the ATO has identified the top 3 issues they see when small businesses lodge their tax returns: Failing to report all of their income; Not having the necessary records to prove small business expenses claims; and Claiming private expenses […]
Cash In Hand Payments To Workers No Longer Tax Deductible
The ATO has reminded employers that any cash in hand payments made to workers from 1 July 2019 will not be tax deductible. ‘Cash in hand’ refers to cash payments to employees that do not comply with pay as you go (‘PAYG’) withholding obligations. Payments made to contractors where the contractor does not provide an […]
Is it a Hobby or a Business?
If you are accepting money in the form of a sale for a product or service, it is important you determine whether you are running a business or if it is simply a hobby. We’ve listed below the important details to help you understand them. Running a Business The below characteristics generally indicate you are running […]
Federal Budget 2018 – 2019 : Tax Changes for Individuals
The Australian Government introduced new tax measures in the 2018 – 2019 Federal Budget as part of their Personal Income Tax Plan to help Australian Taxpayers by providing them with some ongoing & gradual tax relief. As a reminder, here are some changes the Australian Government have made which will affect your 2019 income tax […]
Single Touch Payroll (STP) Are You Ready?
If you’re an employer and have 20 or more employees, you should already know and be in the process of Single Touch Payroll. If you have 19 or less employees, you will be required to report through Single Touch Payroll to the ATO from 1st July 2019. Many new employers may be scratching their heads […]
