Should Business Push A Social Agenda? For years we’ve been told that consumers prefer businesses that take a stand on social issues – those that are environmentally and socially friendly. But is that always the case? Qantas CEO Alan Joyce had a pie shoved in his face at a business breakfast in May 2017 for [...]
Main residence exemption removed for non-residents The Federal Budget announced that non-residents will no longer be able to access the main residence exemption for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes from 9 May 2017 (Budget night). Now that the draft legislation has been released, more details are available about how this exclusion will work. Under the [...]
Super concessions for first home savers and downsizers Does superannuation offer an avenue to help downsizers and first home savers? The Government seems to think so. Late last month the detail of the housing initiatives announced in the Federal Budget were released for consultation. We explore what’s on offer and the implications. Super concessions for [...]
What everyone selling a property valued at $750,000 or more needs to know Every vendor selling a property needs to prove that they are a resident of Australia for tax purposes unless they are happy for the purchaser to withhold a 12.5% withholding tax. From 1 July 2017, every individual selling a property with a [...]
The Tax Commissioner’s hit list Every so often the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) sends a ‘shot across the bow’ warning taxpayers where their gaze is focussed. Last month in a speech to the National Press Club, Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan did exactly that. Part of the reason for this public outing is the gap between [...]
Generational succession: Do your kids really want to take over your business? Generational succession - handing your business across to your kids or family – sounds simple enough. But, many families end up in dispute right at the point when the parents, business, and children are most vulnerable. It’s important that generational succession is managed [...]
GST on imports: new rules for goods under $1,000 Last month, Parliament passed legislation that will see GST applied to all consumer imports regardless of their value. Currently, imports below $1,000 are excluded from GST. The perceived preferential treatment of internet shopping has been a contentious issue for a while with the retail sector lobbying [...]
What did I miss? 1 July changes GST applies to digital products & services imported by consumers Small business $20k instant asset write-off extended until 30 June 2018 Company tax rate reduction to 27.5% for entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $25m (companies with a turnover of less than $10m have been subject [...]
Cleaning & Courier Companies Targeted In Black Economy Crackdown Buried amongst the Federal Budget announcements was a concerted attack on the black economy that will affect most cleaning and courier businesses across Australia. From 1 July 2018, the taxable payments reporting system will extend beyond the building industry to cleaning and courier businesses. This means [...]
Investment Property: Pre And Post 30 June Anyone with investment property in Australia is probably feeling a little edgy with all the recent media attention on deductions, affordable housing, and negative gearing. We take a look at some of the key tax issues for investors pre and post 30 June: No more deductions for travelling [...]
