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 […]
Lost or stolen TFN
If you can’t find your TFN and do not suspect misuse, phone the Australian Tax Office (ATO) on 13 28 61 between 8:00am and 8:00pm Monday to Friday and 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday. You can also phone the ATO on Sunday between 10.00am to 4.00pm from 1 July to 31 October. If you have a […]
Fraudulent ‘Phoenix’ Activities
Fraudulent ‘phoenix’ activity occurs where a company deliberately liquidates to avoid paying creditors, taxes and employee entitlements. The perpetrators transfer the assets to a new entity, and continue operating the same or a similar business with the same ownership. Phoenix activity has impacts on the business community, employees and contractors, the government and the environment, […]
How Much Tax Do I Need To Pay?
We often receive phone calls from our Clients asking us whether they are being taxed correctly in their wages. If you are unsure whether you are being taxed correctly, the ATO has an online calculator where you can answer a series of questions relating to your wages which will determine what tax should be withheld […]
What is the Medicare Levy
Quite often we are asked about the Medicare Levy. Common questions are “What is it?”, “Why do I have to pay it” and “Is there a way I can avoid paying it”. So we’ve broken it down for you below. What is Medicare Levy? Australian Residents are entitled to Medicare benefits which is access to […]
Builder Unable To Obtain Refund Of Incorrectly Charged GST
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has held that a builder was unable to receive a refund of incorrectly charged GST incorrectly charged on the sale of a residential premises that had been rented for just over five years since construction was complete. The taxpayer claimed the GST charged on a unit was charged in error, on […]
FBT Exemption for Electric Vehicles Legislation Is Now Law
FBT exemption for electric vehicles legislation exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (‘FBT’) has now been enacted into law. Certain zero or low emissions vehicles provided as a car benefit on or after 1 July 2022, can be exempt from FBT. For this exemption to apply various criteria need to be satisfied. The car needs to […]