June 2018 – Practice Update

2018 Budget Update The Government handed down the 2018/19 Federal Budget on Tuesday 8th May 2018. Some of the important proposals include: The introduction of the ‘Low and Middle Income Tax Offset’, a temporary non-refundable tax offset of up to $530 p.a. to Australian resident low and middle income taxpayers for the 2019 to...

Get organised for EOFY

Tax time is fast approaching, but the good news is you still have time to get organised, reduce your tax burden, and make sure you’ve met your compliance obligations. Instead of just a time-consuming mountain of scary paperwork, EOFY is a great chance to set you up for next year’s success. While it might be...

May 2018 – Practice Update

GST withholding measures now law Legislation has been passed to “clamp down” on GST evasion in the property development sector. From 1 July 2018, purchasers of new residential premises and new residential subdivisions will generally be required to withhold the GST on the purchase price at settlement and pay it directly to the ATO. Property...

April 2018 – Practice Update

New superannuation rates and thresholds released The ATO has published the key superannuation rates and thresholds for the 2018/19 income year. The Non-Concessional Contributions cap will remain at $100,000 (although transitional arrangements may apply), and the Concessional Contributions cap will remain at $25,000. The CGT cap amount will be $1,480,000. The Division 293 tax threshold...

The top work-related claims the ATO is eyeing this tax time

Work-related tax deductions relating to cars, travel, clothing, internet, mobile phones, and self-education are among the top claims the ATO will be watching at tax time. The move for closer scrutiny follows an announcement which revealed 6.7 million taxpayers claimed a higher-than-expected $7.9 billion in work-related claims last year, with the ATO noting this included...

March 2018 – Practice Update

Big changes proposed to eligibility for the CGT SBCs The Treasurer has released draft legislation containing new “integrity improvements” to the CGT small business concessions (‘SBCs’) (i.e. including the 15-year exemption, the retirement exemption, the 50% active asset reduction and the small business roll-over). Due to the government’s “continued support for genuine small business taxpayers”, it...

SINGLE TOUCH PAYROLL (STP) CHANGES FROM 1st JULY 2018

ARE YOU EMPLOYING 20 OR MORE EMPLOYEES? MAJOR CHANGES TO YOUR REPORTING STARTING FROM 1 JULY 2018 Single Touch Payroll (STP) is a reporting regime whereby your payroll software reports directly to the Australian Taxation Office. Each pay period, the details of each employees gross payments, tax and superannuation will be provided electronically to the...

Affordable housing measures passed while market continues to cool

The sustained cooling of house price growth has seen first-home buyers flocking back to the market. Prices are no longer rising thanks to a number of factors including improved supply, and clampdowns on investor lending. A significant outcome of overheated property prices has been that a crucial toe-hold in the property market has been elusive...

Jan / Feb 2018 – Practice Update

Further ‘affordable housing’ measures passed Parliament has passed the legislation allowing first home buyers to save for a deposit inside superannuation through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), and also allowing older Australians to ‘downsize’ and then contribute the proceeds of the sale of their family home into superannuation. From 1 July 2018, a...

December 2017 – Practice Update

December 2017 – Practice Update Tax legislation passed The Government has passed changes to the tax legislation that will limit, or deny, deductions for travel expenses and depreciation claims for certain residential premises. Legislation to impose vacancy fees on foreign acquisitions of residential land has also been passed. ATO relief for SMSFs reporting ‘transfer balance...

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