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 […]
The Proportioning Rule and Your SMSF: It’s all About Balance
When calculating a super benefit, it is necessary to identify and determine the value of the various components that make up the benefit. The law around superannuation dictates that the tax-free component and taxable components of a member’s payment must be paid in the same proportion as the tax-free and taxable components of the member’s […]
Retired and Asset Rich But Cash Poor? The Pension Loans Scheme May Help.
To help pensioners who are rich in assets but poor in income, the government launched a version of a commercially available financial product, the reverse mortgage. The government’s answer for pensioners who find themselves in the above situation is its pension loans scheme (PLS), whereby a pensioner can apply for a nontaxable loan using some […]
2 Minute Quiz – Partnerships
How well do you understand the taxation of partnerships? Try these questions to find out. Question 1 Which of the following is the definition of a tax law partnership? An association of persons (other than a company or a limited partnership) carrying on a business in common with a view to profit An association of […]
Plan Ahead: Tip to Better Prepare for Tax Time 2019 With ATO’s myDeductions App
It is highly recommended that you keep receipts for all expenses and possible tax deductions you are considering claiming for you or your business. It is also a good idea to scan and file them electronically so that they are accessible should you need them for audit purposes. If you haven’t used it already, note […]
Are Insurance Payments Tax Deductible?
Are insurance payments tax deductible? As a general guideline, the ATO will allow a deduction for certain insurance premiums if it can be shown that the insurance cover relates to earning assessable income. In other words, life insurance, trauma insurance or critical care insurance are generally out. Income protection insurance is one example of […]
Division 7A Compliance … Are you prepared?
Division 7A is an integrity measure that was designed to prevent companies from making tax-free distributions to shareholders or their associates. This can occur where distributions of profit are disguised as loans or other transactions. This effectively allows the shareholder or their associate to have access to the corporate tax rate. A consequence of […]