Can my SMSF invest in property development? Australians love property and the lure of a 15% preferential tax rate on income during the accumulation phase, and potentially no tax during retirement, is a strong incentive for many SMSF trustees to dream of large returns from property development. We look at the pros, cons, and problems [...]
The controversial case of the taxpayer who claimed a loss on their home A decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has the tax world in a flurry after the Tribunal found in favour of a taxpayer who sold the apartment she lived in for a loss, then claimed the $265,935 loss in her tax return [...]
Warning: Redrawing investment loans The ATO estimates that incorrect reporting of rental property income and expenses is costing around $1 billion each year in forgone tax revenue. A big part of the problem is how taxpayers are claiming interest on their investment property loans. We’ve seen an uptick in ATO activity focussing on refinanced or [...]
Your SMSF: when expenses and investments are not at arm’s-length We often get questions from clients about what they can and cannot do in their SMSF. Often the questions relate to related party transactions – that is, interactions between the SMSF, its assets, and its members (or relatives of members). We’ve set out some of [...]
The ‘Airbnb’ Tax Property investors who choose to utilise their property for short-term stays (or leave it vacant) are firmly in the sights of the regulators. The Victorian Government’s recent Housing Statement announced Australia’s first short-stay property tax. The additional tax, which is scheduled to come into effect from 1 January 2025, is expected to [...]
Thinking of subdividing? The tax implications and pitfalls of small-scale subdivisions You’ve got a block of land that’s perfect for a subdivision. The details have all been worked out with Council, the builders, and the bank. But, one important aspect has been left out; the tax implications. Many small-scale developers often assume that their tax [...]
States move on property based taxes Queensland backs down on Australia wide land tax assessment The Queensland Government has backed away from an amendment that would have seen the land tax rate for investment property in Queensland assessed on the value of the investor’s Australia wide land holdings from 1 July 2023, not just the [...]
A beginner’s guide to property depreciation Property investors are entitled to several taxation benefits however many fail to take full advantage of the depreciation deductions available to them. While most investors are aware of claims for expenses such as interest on their loans, council rates, property management fees and repairs and maintenance costs, depreciation is [...]
The Stimulus Package: What You Need To Know The Government has announced a $17.6 billion investment package to support the economy as we brace for the impact of the coronavirus. The yet to be legislated four-part package focuses on business investment, sustaining employers and driving cash into the economy. For business Business investment Increase and [...]
Bushfire relief from ATO obligations The ATO has provided relief from lodgement compliance and payment obligations for those impacted by the bushfires. An automatic two month deferral for activity statements lodgements and payments due has been provided to those in affected postcodes. Taxpayers can also call the ATO directly to request further assistance, such [...]
