My business received a grant from the State Government. Do I pay tax on it? Short answer; probably. Income tax Grants are likely to be taxable unless they are specifically excluded from tax. If the grant relates to your continuing business activities, then it is likely to be included in assessable income for income tax [...]
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 [...]
FBT hot spots With the start of the Fringe Benefits Tax year looming on 1 April, businesses are being urged to review their Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) position. The ATO’s top FBT problem areas 1. Motor vehicle fringe benefits - failing to report motor vehicle fringe benefits, incorrectly applying exemptions for vehicles or [...]
ATO targets ‘lifestyle’ assets The ATO has requested insurance policy information from 30 insurers for lifestyle assets such as yachts, thoroughbred horses, and fine arts. The review, expected to impact 350,000 taxpayers, reaches from the 2015-16 to 2019-20 financial years, revealing assets that previously may not have been disclosed or underreporting of income. “If [...]
CGT and the family home: expats and foreigners excluded from tax exemption Late last year, legislative changes were made that exclude non-residents from accessing the main residence exemption. The retrospective changes directly impact foreigners and expats whose main residence is in Australia or overseas. We explore the impact. Key points · Non-residents for tax [...]
The Super Guarantee timing trap for employers How employers are being caught out by the timing of superannuation guarantee payments. Employers can generally only claim a deduction for superannuation contributions in the income year in which the contribution is made. Super contributions are made when the payments are received by the trustee of a complying [...]
Super guarantee opt-out for employees with multiple employers Employees with multiple employers can now opt-out of superannuation guarantee from all but one employer. Employers are required to pay 9.5% superannuation guarantee for all eligible employees. But what happens if you are an employee with multiple employers? Until recently, these compulsory payments meant some employees risked [...]
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 [...]
Legislation in limbo A budget, an election and the legislation that hasn’t made it through. The February 2019 Parliamentary sitting days were the last opportunity before the Federal Budget for the Government to introduce or push through new legislation. Next month, on 2 April, Parliament reconvenes for the Federal Budget and it’s likely that an [...]
Tax warning on overseas income Do you earn income overseas? A recent case highlights why you might pay more tax than you thought on foreign income. If you are an Australian resident and earn income from overseas, such as income from investments, sale of assets such as property, distributions from foreign trusts, etc., you will [...]
