Payroll update
Single Touch Payroll Update Employers with 19 or fewer employees are required to start reporting through Single Touch Payroll (‘STP’) from 1 July 2019. The ATO will be working with employers to support them as they transition to STP, including allowing small employers to start reporting any time from 1 July to 30 September (and […]
Six FBT issues
FBT issues on the ATO’s radar The ATO has updated their What attracts our attention list with six items that specifically relate to fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’), as follows: Failing to report motor vehicle fringe benefits, incorrectly applying exemptions for vehicles or incorrectly claiming reductions for these benefits. Incorrectly calculating car parking fringe benefits due to: […]
Non-compliant payments to workers
The rules for claiming deductions for payments to workers are changing From 1 July 2019, businesses can only claim deductions for certain payments made to workers where they’ve met the Pay As You Go (‘PAYG’) withholding obligation for that payment. Specifically, a business can only claim a deduction for the following payments if it complies […]
Smart ways to give
Planned giving For many people, there are opportunities throughout each year that lend themselves to give gifts to show their appreciation of family and friends. It’s also a good time to give to those less fortunate. Here are some tips on smart giving. Set a budget Determine how much you can realistically afford to spend […]
Home office expenses
Expenses you can claim If you’re an employee who regularly works from home, you may be able to claim a deduction for expenses relating to that work. These are generally home office running expenses, and phone and internet expenses. In limited circumstances you may also be able to claim occupancy expenses. One such circumstance is […]
Employee share schemes
Improvements to employee share schemes announced The Government has announced it intends to introduce legislation to improve the ability of small businesses to offer employee share schemes by simplifying the current regulatory framework, and reducing the time and cost burden for businesses by (amongst other things): increasing the value limit of eligible financial products that […]
Fringe Benefits Tax
ATO contact regarding business cars and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) The ATO has recently advised that it will be contacting taxpayers (and tax agents on behalf of their clients) that have been identified as having cars registered in their business name who have not lodged an FBT return. The ATO has reminded businesses that: a […]
Christmas Parties & Gifts 2018
Year-end (and other) staff parties 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 […]
Superannuation guarantee
Employer super quick check Paying super is an important part of being an employer. Super provides income for your workers in retirement. Here’s how to run a quick check of your super obligations to make sure you’ve got everything sorted: Check you’re paying super to all eligible workers. Some contractors may be entitled to super. […]
Home office expense claims
Increased scrutiny of home office claims Last year, 6.7 million taxpayers claimed a record $7.9 billion in deductions for ‘other work-related expenses’, which includes home office expenses. Reportedly, due to a high number of mistakes, errors and questionable claims for home office expenses, the ATO has recently advised that it will be increasing attention, scrutiny […]
