Latest News

Latest News

instant asset write-off

$20,000 instant asset write-off for 2024/25

By Jesse Butler | June 25, 2025

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

Partial release from tax debt on serious hardship grounds

By Warren Kruger | June 18, 2025

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-min-scaled

Taxi service and ride-sourcing providers must be registered

By Warren Kruger | June 13, 2025

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

Getting ready for business

By Warren Kruger | June 13, 2025

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. […]

tax deduction attempts

‘Wild’ tax deduction attempts

By Warren Kruger | June 13, 2025

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 […]

Truck driver entitled to claim meal expenses

Truck driver entitled to claim meal expenses

By Warren Kruger | May 14, 2025

In a recent decision, the Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART‘) upheld a truck driver’s claim for meal expenses, notwithstanding that those expenses had not been fully substantiated. The taxpayer was employed as a long-haul truck driver in Western Australia. He was away from home for considerable periods each year. The taxpayer sought a deduction for meal […]

When to lodge SMSF annual returns

When to lodge SMSF annual returns

By Warren Kruger | February 10, 2025

All trustees of SMSFs with assets (including super contributions or any other investments) as at 30 June 2024 need to lodge an SMSF annual return (‘SAR’) for the 2023/24 financial year. The SAR is more than a tax return — it is required to report super regulatory information, member contributions, and pay the SMSF supervisory […]

penalties imposed for false R&D claims

$13.6m in penalties imposed for false R&D claims

By Warren Kruger | February 12, 2025

A joint investigation involving the ATO found that, between 2014 and 2017, a Sydney business coach promoted unlawful tax schemes encouraging clients to lodge over-inflated, inaccurate or unsubstantiated research and development (‘R&D’) tax incentive claims. The Federal Court recently handed down judgment against the business coach, his company co-director (and former tax agent), and their […]

How to master employer obligations in 2025

How to master employer obligations in 2025

By Warren Kruger | March 3, 2025

Taxpayers who employ staff should remember the following important dates and obligations: Fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’) 31 March 2025 marks the end of the 2024/25 FBT year. Employers should remember the following regarding their FBT tax time obligations. They should identify if they have provided a fringe benefit. If they have, they should determine the […]

ATO’s tips to help taxpayers stay on top of their BAS

By Warren Kruger | March 5, 2025

The ATO has the following tips to help taxpayers get their BAS right before they lodge: They should make sure they enter the figures for their obligations at the correct label, and only complete applicable fields. If lodging online, or through a registered tax or BAS agent, they may be able to get an extra […]

ATO "busts" NFP myths

ATO “busts” NFP myths

By Warren Kruger | March 10, 2025

Editor: As the Not-for-profit (‘NFP’) self-review return is due in March, the ATO has recently published a document ‘busting’ various NFP ‘myths’. Myth 1: All NFPs are income tax exempt. ATO response: This is not true. Some NFPs are income tax exempt and some are taxable. Myth 2: There is only one way to lodge […]

Claiming fuel tax credits when rates change

Claiming fuel tax credits when rates change

By Warren Kruger | March 7, 2025

Fuel tax credits changed on 3 February, and taxpayers could receive more savings for fuel they have acquired on and from this date. Different rates apply based on the type of fuel, when it was acquired and what activity it is used for. The ATO has the following tips for taxpayers to ensure they are […]

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