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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ATO Scam Calls – What You Need To Know
As most of you should hopefully know by now, there are MANY ATO scam calls going around Australia from automated voice messages to real people impersonating your accountant or tax agent. Recently the ATO have been made aware of the current scam calls which involve a pre-recorded call impersonating the ATO and threatening Australian Taxpayers […]
Your Tax Return Due Date and Overdue Implications
It is important to understand your obligations as an Australian Taxpayer to know your tax return due date. It’s extremely important. We have broken it down for you in simple terms to better understand your tax return due date. If you are lodging your taxes using an online platform yourself, you are required to lodge […]
Single Touch Payroll For Employees
With the introduction of Single Touch Payroll for employees, the way workplaces report your tax and super information the ATO has changed. The ATO have changed the way workplaces will be reporting your tax and super information which will provide the ATO with your tax and super information on more of a frequent basis. The […]
Airbnb in the Firing Line This Tax Season
With the increased popularity in “sharing economy” accommodation Airbnb and similar properties are predicted to be in the firing line this year with the ATO. It comes as no surprise the ATO have recently commenced the ‘sharing economy (accommodation) data matching program’. Through this program the ATO will be collecting information from rental platforms such […]
Employees and Payment Summaries
The ATO has also reminded employees about employees and payment summaries. How they get their end of financial year information from their employer, showing their earnings for the year, depends on how their employer reports their income, tax and super information to the ATO. Specifically: Employers that are not yet reporting through STP will continue […]
Cryptocurrency Data Matching Program
The ATO is collecting bulk records from Australian cryptocurrency designated service providers (‘DSPs’) as part of a Cryptocurrency Data Matching Program to ensure people trading in cryptocurrency are paying the right amount of tax, and correctly meeting their tax (and superannuation) obligations. The ATO will collect data from cryptocurrency DSPs to identify individuals or businesses […]
