Know the rules for accessing superannuation
ATO warns SMSF trustees against illegal early access to superannuation Reminder of strict rules on using SMSF funds for personal or business expenses and related party investments The ATO has reminded SMSF trustees that their SMSF must be operated for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits for its members. This means SMSF trustees can’t […]
2023-24 Federal Budget Summary
Modest but meaningful A range of measures provide cost-of-living relief to individuals such as increased and expanded JobSeeker payments and better access to affordable housing. As part of the measures introduced for small business, a temporary $20,000 threshold for the small business instant asset write-off will apply for one year, following the end of the […]
Super guarantee rate change scheduled
Get ready for a change in the super guarantee rate The superannuation guarantee (SG) rate will increase from 10.5% to 11% on 1 July 2023. Employers, remember to update your payroll system to align with these changes. The new SG rate applies to payments made to workers on or after 1 July 2023. The Superannuation […]
Further eligibility age change for downsizer contributions
Be aware of new eligibility rules regarding superannuation downsizer contributions In another recent legislative change, the eligibility age to make a downsizer contribution into superannuation has been reduced to 55 from 1 January 2023. This further reduces the downsizer eligibility age, which changed from 65 to 60 from 1 July 2022. From 1 January 2023, […]
Improving payroll governance
Make sure you’re up to date on payroll compliance How employers can understand and meet their payroll obligations and some of the common issues seen by the ATO. How to meet your employer obligations The ATO wants to help you ensure your entity’s payroll governance measures are designed effectively and fit for purpose. This means […]
ATO’s recordkeeping tips
Avoid penalties and reduce the possibility of expense claims being denied The ATO has reminded taxpayers that they should understand the record-keeping requirements for their business and keep accurate and complete records as they occur. This should help them avoid penalties that may apply and reduce the possibility of the ATO denying their expense claims. […]
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 This includes applying administrative penalties. A number of factors determine the amount of the administrative penalty, including: the type of contravention; when it occurred; and the number of penalty units that […]
SMSFs investing in crypto assets
ATO advice for SMSFs thinking about investing in crypto assets The ATO recommends that trustees of self-managed super funds (‘SMSFs’) thinking about investing in crypto assets should seek professional advice from a licensed financial adviser. There are organisations that offer trustees help to set up a fund or use their existing fund to invest in […]
Xero’s STP Phase 2 roll out
Everything to know (and do) for the final stage of Xero’s STP Phase 2 rollout By now, most business owners are probably familiar with Xero’s approach to getting payroll data ready for Single Touch Payroll Phase 2. This will see businesses build on their existing STP reporting to share more information with the ATO and other […]
Christmas Parties and Gifts 2022
With the well-earned December/January holiday season on the way, many employers will be planning to reward staff with a celebratory party or event. However, there are important issues to consider, including the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing ‘entertainment’ (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients FBT and ‘entertainment’ Under the FBT Act, […]
