The Australian Tax Office allows Australians who work at or from their home to claim a deduction for the additional expenses they incur from running their business. Generally speaking, the deductible expenses that can be claimed are divided into two categories; occupancy expenses and running expenses. Occupancy expenses: relate to ‘the place of business’, i.e.…
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is reminding small businesses to transition to SuperStream by 28 October 2016. SuperStream is the new mandatory way employers must make super contributions on behalf of their employees. It involves employers sending all super payments and employee information electronically in a standard format. Those employers that are still paying their…
The Australian Tax Office has launched a new initiative called Super Scheme Smart to help educate individuals about the pitfalls of certain retirement planning schemes and how to protect their retirement nest egg. Each year the ATO discovers complex tax schemes and arrangements designed by promoters solely for the purpose of helping people avoid tax.…
Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is a tax an employer pays on certain benefits they provide to their employees, including their employees’ family or other associates. The benefit may be in addition to, or part of, their salary or wages package. Fringe benefits tax is separate to income tax and is calculated on the taxable value…
As the countdown begins to Australia’s tax return lodgment date, many individuals in the country may be hurrying to find a few extra possible tax deductions to claim. However, in the rush before the deadline, it is important not to waste time claiming deductions for expenses or items that are commonly thought of as tax…
The small business company tax rate has been reduced from 30 per cent to 28.5 per cent. The new lower rate applies to small businesses that are corporate unit trusts and public trading trusts. When completing company tax returns, use the new rate of 28.5 per cent on calculation statements at label T1 – Tax…
The ATO has recently provided recommendations for self-managed super funds (SMSF) trustees with related party LRBAs that are lodging before the 31 January 2017 compliance deadline. The Tax Office stated that the relevant income of an SMSF is considered NALI (non-arm’s length income), and should be reported as such in the SMSF’s 2016 annual return,…
Individuals can minimise capital gains tax (CGT) when selling an investment property where proceeds are contributed to superannuation. Those who sell their property can contribute up to $500,000 as a non-concessional contribution into their superannuation, which means that no tax will be payable. Non-concessional contributions, or after-tax super contributions, are super contributions for which an…
The ATO is currently targeting work-related expenses by taking a closer look at unusual deductions and claims that are higher than expected. The Tax Office will be looking for expense claims that are much higher than others who are in the same occupation and will be contacting employers to validate these claims. When claiming work-related…
The ATO has its sight set on individuals participating in an increasing number of aggressive tax avoidance and retirement planning schemes in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF). The Tax Office has launched Super Scheme Smart, an initiative designed to help inform individuals and advisers about illegal retirement planning schemes. The program is a result of an…