April 2023 – Practice Update

Start thinking about your FBT obligations The 2023 FBT year ended on 31 March, so it is now time for employers to get ready to lodge their 2023 FBT returns, where they have provided benefits to their employees (or their associates) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023. If you have provided fringe benefits...

US banks, inflation, interest rates and recession risk – what it means for investors

Key points US regional bank failures have added to uncertainty about the investment outlook flowing from inflation and rate hikes. Specific issues with the failed banks and action to protect depositors may limit broader problems for US banks. The wider risks are high and its normal for problems like this after rapid rate hikes. Given...

January – February2022 – Practice Update

Electric vehicle FBT exemption legislation is now law Legislation to make certain electric vehicles exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (‘FBT’) has now been enacted into law. Certain zero or low emissions vehicles provided as a car benefit on or after 1 July 2022, can be exempt from FBT. For this exemption to apply various criteria...

The RBA hikes rates by another 0.25% – are we there yet?

Key Points The RBA hiked again by 25% taking the cash rate to 3.35%. It continues to expect to increase interest rates further. We remain of the view the cash rate is near the top as: rate hikes impact with a lag; inflationary pressures are easing globally and showing signs of easing here too; the...

How to deal with rising inflation

Between March 2021-22, inflation in Australia rose by 5.1%. Meanwhile, wages only rose by 2.4%1. With the bare essentials becoming – well, expensive, it’s not surprising that many people are looking for new ways to save money or increase their income. The good news is there are steps you can take—and actions to avoid—that can...

How does the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) work?

If you’re a first home buyer, you may be eligible to withdraw voluntary super contributions you’ve made (plus earnings) to put towards a home deposit. Through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), first-home buyers may be able to use Australia’s superannuation system as a tax-effective way to save for part of their home deposit....

Downsizing your home – Understanding the downsizer contribution

Please Note: Many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances

December 2022 – Practice Update

ATO warning to SMSFs: “Paying the price for non-compliance” There are various courses of action available to the ATO when trustees of self-managed super funds (‘SMSFs’) have not complied with the super laws, including applying administrative penalties. A number of factors determine the amount of the administrative penalty, including: the type of contravention; when it...

November 2022 – Practice Update

Director ID deadline is approaching The Government has launched an awareness campaign to help company directors get their director identification number (‘director ID’) as the 30 November deadline approaches. A director ID is a unique 15‑digit identifier that a company director will apply for once and keep forever. Director IDs are administered by the Australian...

September 2022 – Practice Update

More COVID-19 business grants are now tax-free The Federal Government has expanded the list of State and Territory COVID-19 grant programs that may be tax-free to eligible businesses. A State or Territory Government COVID-19 grant payment will generally be tax-free if: the payment is received under a grant program that is formally declared to be...

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