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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Earning income for personal effort
Taxpayers should remember that, if over half their income is from a contract for their personal effort or skills, then their income is classified as personal services income (‘PSI’). Taxpayers can receive PSI in almost any industry, trade or profession, e.g., as a financial professional, IT consultant, construction worker or medical practitioner. Taxpayers who earn […]
Government warns of ‘malicious’ myGov scammers
The Government has urged Australians to be vigilant regarding scammers who target ATO log-in details to commit tax fraud. The ATO has received a large number of reports of scammers using fake myGov sites to steal myGov sign-in details, which can be used to commit tax and refund fraud in other people’s names. These criminals […]
What to know about disaster relief payments
Taxpayers should be aware that some natural disaster relief payments are not taxable. Businesses that have received a government support payment because of a natural disaster (such as a major weather event) should check if they need to include this as assessable income in their tax return before they lodge (although they may not need […]
Illegal Early Access To Super
Faced with tough times, some people may be thinking about accessing their super early. Taxpayers may have been approached by someone (a ‘promoter’) claiming that members of super funds can withdraw their super or use an SMSF to pay off debts, buy a car, or pay for a holiday. The ATO warns taxpayers that this […]
ATO issues warning about false invoicing arrangements
The Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (‘SFCT’) is warning businesses about using illegal financial arrangements such as ‘false invoicing’ to cheat the tax and super systems. False invoicing arrangements may consist of the following: an entity (the ‘promoter’) issues invoices to a legitimate business but no goods or services are provided; the business pays the invoices, […]
NFPs Need To Get Ready For New Return
From 1 July 2024, non-charitable not-for-profits (‘NFPs’) with an active Australian Business Number (‘ABN’) will be required to lodge a new annual NFP self-review return with the ATO to confirm their income tax exemption status. Editor: This will include sporting, community and cultural clubs, among other organisations. Non-charitable NFPs that have an active ABN can […]
