The Fringe Benefit Tax traps

The Fringe Benefit Tax traps

The Fringe Benefits Tax year (FBT) ends on 31 March. We explore the problem areas likely to attract the ATO’s attention.

The ATO Debt Dilemma

The ATO Debt Dilemma

Late last year, thousands of taxpayers and their agents were advised by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that they had an outstanding historical tax debt. The only problem was, many had no idea that the tax debt existed.

The Problem When the Evidence Doesn't Match What The Taxpayer Tells the ATO

The Problem When the Evidence Doesn't Match What The Taxpayer Tells the ATO

A recent case before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) highlights the importance of ensuring that the evidence supports the tax position you are taking.

The case involves heritage farmland originally purchased for $1.6m that sold 7 years later for $4.25m and the GST debt that the ATO is now pursuing on the sale.

Is Your SMSF the Best Vehicle for Property Development?

Is Your SMSF the Best Vehicle for Property Development?

Australians love property and the lure of a 15% preferential tax rate on income during the accumulation phase, and potentially no tax during retirement, is a strong incentive for many SMSF trustees to dream of large returns from property development. We look at the pros, cons, and problems that often occur.

The Redesign of Stage 3 Personal Income Tax Cuts

The Redesign of Stage 3 Personal Income Tax Cuts

After much speculation, the Prime Minister has announced that the Government will amend the legislated Stage 3 tax cuts scheduled to commence on 1 July 2024. Relative to the current Stage 3 plan, the proposed redesign will broaden the benefits of the tax cut by focussing on individuals with taxable income below $150,000

Employee or Contractor?

Employee or Contractor?

Where there is a written contract, the rights and obligations of the contract need to support that an independent contracting relationship exists. The fact that a contractor has an ABN does not necessarily mean that they have genuinely been engaged as a contractor.

The tax implications of small-scale subdivisions

The tax implications of small-scale subdivisions

You’ve got a block of land that’s perfect for a subdivision. The details have all been worked out with Council, the builders, and the bank. But, one important aspect has been left out; the tax implications.

Succession: What does it take to take your business to the next generation?

Succession: What does it take to take your business to the next generation?

What is the end game for your business? Succession is not just a topic for a TV series or billionaire families, it’s about successfully transitioning your business and maximising its capital value for you, the owners.

When it comes to generational succession of a family business, there are a few important aspects.

Why is my tax refund so small?

Why is my tax refund so small?

There is a psychology to tax refunds that successive Governments have been reticent to tamper with. As a nation, Australia relies heavily on personal and corporate income tax, with personal income tax including taxes on capital gains representing 40% of revenue compared to the OECD average of 24%. And, for the amount we pay, we expect a reward.

ATO looking at deductions for your holiday home

ATO looking at deductions for your holiday home

The ATO is more than a little concerned that people with holiday homes are claiming more deductions than they should and have published the starting questions they will be asking to scrutinise claims:

Working from home...what's the deal?

Working from home...what's the deal?

The ATO has ‘refreshed’ the way you can claim deductions for the costs you incur when you work from home. From 1 July 2022 onwards, you can choose either to use a new ‘fixed rate’ method (67 cents per hour), or the ‘actual cost’ method depending on what works out best for your scenario. Either way, you will need to gather and retain certain records to make a claim.

What is changing for super balances from 2025-26?

What is changing for super balances from 2025-26?

The concessional tax rate on earnings from superannuation in the accumulation phase will remain at 15% up to $3m. From $3m onwards, the rate will increase to 30%. The amendment applies to future earnings; it is not retrospective.

Retirement and super contributions - what will change on 1 July?

Retirement and super contributions - what will change on 1 July?

The general transfer balance cap (TBC) – the amount of money you can potentially hold in a tax-free retirement account, will increase by $200,000 on 1 July 2023 to $1.9 million. The TBC is indexed to the consumer price index each December.

New Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave

New Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave

New paid family and domestic violence leave has come into effect for employers with 15 or more employees. for businesses with under 15 employees, access will be from 1 August 2023.

Under the new legislation, employees will be able to access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12 month period.

30 November director ID deadline

30 November director ID deadline

The deadline for existing directors of Australian companies to obtain a Director Identification Number is 30 November 2022.

All directors of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation (ATSI) will need a director ID. This includes directors of a corporate trustee of a self-managed super fund (SMSF).

How high will interest rates go?

How high will interest rates go?

Low interest rates have been a mainstay since the global financial crisis of 2008. When the pandemic hit, Governments pushed stimulus measures through the economy and central banks reduced interest rates even further. Coming out of COVID, housing market demand was strong and prices boomed but at the same time, supply chains remained restricted and the problems amplified by geo-political tensions increasing input costs