Latest News
Beware websites sharing fake news on super preservation age
The ATO is warning the community about a “proliferation of dodgy websites sharing fake news about changes to the superannuation preservation rules and withdrawal rules starting on 1 June.” ATO Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig confirmed the maximum preservation age (the age when an individual can access their superannuation savings on retirement) is 60 for anyone […]
$20,000 instant asset write-off for 2024/25
Taxpayers who have purchased or are purchasing a business asset this financial year should remember that the instant asset write-off limit is $20,000 for the 2025 income year. If a taxpayer’s business has an aggregated annual turnover of less than $10 million and they use the simplified depreciation rules, they may be able to use […]
Partial release from tax debt on serious hardship grounds
In a recent decision, the Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART’) held that a taxpayer should be released from payment of part of his tax debt on the grounds of serious hardship. As at the 2022 income year, the taxpayer had an accumulated tax debt of approximately $528,000, comprising income tax, late lodgment penalties, PAYG instalments, and […]
Taxi service and ride-sourcing providers must be registered
Taxpayers that provide taxi, limousine or ride-sourcing services must register for GST regardless of their turnover. They must collect and pay GST and income tax on all their rides and all other business income. The ATO is advising drivers in this industry who do not have a TFN, ABN or GST registration that they need […]
Getting ready for business
The ATO advises new business owners that they need to understand their obligations to ensure they are “getting it right from the start.” These are the ‘top 7 things’ taxpayers need to know when starting a business. They should use digital tools and maintain accurate records to help them manage daily activities and cash flow. […]
‘Wild’ tax deduction attempts
The ATO recently revealed some of the ‘wild’ work related expense tax claims people have tried to “put past” the ATO, including the following: A mechanic tried to claim an air fryer, microwave, two vacuum cleaners, a TV, gaming console and gaming accessories as work-related. The claim was denied as these expenses are personal in […]
Records you need to keep
During the financial year you’ll receive documents that are important for doing your tax, such as payment summaries, receipts, invoices and contracts. Generally, you need to keep these for 5 years from when you lodge your tax return in case we ask you to substantiate your claims. Records you need to keep include: Payment summaries […]
ATO Reviews and Audits
A tax review or audit is an examination of your affairs we conduct to see if you have done what you are required to do under the tax and superannuation laws, including whether you: Have declared all the assessable income you receive Are entitled to the deductions and tax offsets you have claimed on your […]
Record Keeping
The Australian tax system relies on taxpayers self-assessing. This means that you are responsible for your own record keeping and working out how much you can declare and claim as a deduction on your tax return. You also need to be able to show how you arrived at these figures, in some cases you may […]
Dealing With Disasters
If you have been affected by a disaster, such as a flood, bushfire or storm, don’t worry about your tax affairs right away. The ATO will give you time to deal with your more immediate problems first and then we can help you to sort out your tax affairs later. More time to lodge, pay and […]
Deceased Estates: A Brief Guide to Tying up the Loose Ends
After a person dies, and the usual arrangements are completed, there will come a time when other matters, such as tax and superannuation issues, must be looked after. The person who takes on the responsibility for administering a deceased estate is commonly referred to as the executor, but could also be known as an administrator […]
Federal Budget 2017 – 2018
Federal Budget Summary The Budget announcements contain a suite of tax and superannuation measures aimed at increasing housing stock and improving house affordability. While the government has not gone close to clamping down on the political and social hot potato of negative gearing, it has taken some steps to restrict the travel expense and depreciation […]