Latest News
ATO warning regarding private use of work vehicles and FBT
Employers that supply work vehicles to their employees need to check how the work vehicles are used and whether any exemptions apply to determine if they attract fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’). FBT generally applies when a work vehicle is made available for private use, even if it is not actually used. Private use includes any […]
Tips to help sole trader clients
The ATO is seeing sole traders make mistakes in the following areas: not reporting all income — this includes income earned outside their business (like a ‘side hustle’), cash jobs, or payments in-kind/barter deals; overclaiming expenses — this includes claiming the portion of an expense related to personal use, or overstating the cost of goods […]
Correctly dealing with rental property repairs
Taxpayers who have had work done on their rental property should ensure the expense is categorised correctly to avoid errors when completing their tax return. A deduction for ‘repairs and maintenance’ expenses can be claimed for work done to remedy, or prevent defects, damage or deterioration from using the property to earn income. These expenses […]
Reminder of September Quarter Superannuation Guarantee (‘SG’)
Employers are reminded that employee super contributions for the quarter ending 30 September 2025 must be received by the relevant super funds by Tuesday, 28 October 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 (as noted above) includes […]
Employees incorrectly treated as independent contractors
The ATO is warning businesses that if they incorrectly treat an employee as an independent contractor, then they risk receiving penalties and charges, including: PAYG withholding penalty for failing to deduct tax from worker payments and send it to the ATO; Super guarantee charge (‘SGC’), which is more than the super that would have been […]
PAYGW reminders for activity statement lodgments
The ATO will be sending certain employers a reminder to lodge their activity statements. The reminder will include the amounts the ATO has on record for them, such as: PAYG withheld amounts reported through Single Touch Payroll; and any other pre-filled amounts, including GST instalments and PAYG instalments (instalment amount option). The ATO’s reminders are […]
Understanding the Division 293 Tax
Division 293 tax is an additional tax on super contributions which reduces the tax concession for individuals whose combined income and contributions are greater than the Division 293 threshold. Why do I have to pay this? Normally, contributions into a superannuation fund are taxed at 15% immediately. This is so when you turn 65 you will […]
Don’t Get Played By iTunes Scammers
The ATO is reminding the public to be alert to scammers impersonating the ATO demanding iTunes gift cards as a form of tax debt payment. Assistant Commissioner Janine Clark said that based on recent reports made to the ATO, iTunes gift cards were part of new tactic being used by fraudsters. “In the last month, […]
How to Deal with SMSF Trustee Disputes
Everyone goes through the odd rough patch in their relationships with one another and SMSF trustees are no different. However the ramifications of a dispute between trustees are likely to have more wide ranging affects than the average quarrel between friends because SMSF trustees have vested interests, established duties and legal responsibilities towards the fund, […]
Tax Tips for Entrepreneurs
Considering small business tax implications in the early stages of a start-up is important to long-term success. Generally, when starting up a business, the most immediate concern to new entrepreneurs is profitability, with taxation somewhat near the bottom of the priorities list. Financial and tax advisors recommend incorporating taxation issues into start-up thinking, especially into […]
ATO Tax return checks
The ATO has a responsibility to government and the community to make sure that everyone pays the correct amount of tax under the law. The ATO undertakes a range of integrity checks both before and after they issue refunds or payments. In some cases, the ATO may contact you to verify some details before we […]
Investment Tax Issues You Need To Be Aware Of
Investors must consider a range of tax laws dealing with income, assets and deductions. Even that term “income”, the meaning of which most of us would assume, can take on nuanced shades of meaning when considered regarding investment. For example, investment income earnings such as dividends and interest are typically considered ordinary income. Franking credits, […]