Individual car expenses
ATO updates ‘cents per kilometre’ rate for individuals The ATO has updated the cents per kilometre rate relating to individual car expenses for the 2023 income year to 78 cents per business kilometre. The cents per kilometre method: uses a set rate for each kilometre travelled for business; allows taxpayers to claim a maximum of […]
ATO small business focus
ATO’s small business focus for 2022 income year The ATO announced that it will be focussing on the following matters for small business tax returns for the 2021/22 year: Deductions that are private in nature and not related to business income, as well as overclaiming of business expenses (especially for taxpayers running a home-based business). […]
2021/22 Individual Tax Return Checklist
Tax saving strategies prior to 1 July 2022 Your Checklist Claims for deductions Receipts for deductions Car claims and log books Please review the information below and contact our office if you need assistance. A strategy often used to reduce taxable income (and, in turn, tax payable) in an income year is to bring forward […]
ATO business support
ATO support for businesses in difficult times The ATO has reminded taxpayers that it has a range of support available for small businesses experiencing difficult situations, such as natural disasters, mental health challenges or financial hardship. Depending on the business taxpayer’s circumstances, the ATO may be able to: give the business extra time to pay […]
Managing business cash flow
The ATO has issued a reminder to businesses It asserts that paying regular attention to record-keeping and reporting tasks will help firms better manage their cash flow and allow them to plan for the future. The best way to make sure a business has enough cash available to meet its tax and other obligations is […]
Documenting gifts or loans from related overseas entities
Disguising undeclared foreign income as a gift or loan The ATO is currently reviewing certain arrangements where Australian taxpayers seek to disguise undeclared foreign income as a gift or loan. Genuine gifts or loans received from related overseas entities (including family members and friends) are sometimes used to fund businesses or to acquire income-producing assets. […]
Reminder for first-time share investors to declare income
Exchange Traded Funds (‘ETF’) investors With the growth of micro-investment platforms helping new investors enter the market, the ATO has issued a reminder for first-time share and Exchange Traded Funds (‘ETF’) investors. The ATO is concerned that first-time investors often do not understand their tax obligations in relation to reporting capital gains from the sale […]
Taxable Payments Annual Reporting
Taxable Payments Annual Reports (‘TPARs’) due 28 August 2021 TPARs are due to be lodged for businesses who have paid contractors to provide the following services: building and construction; cleaning; courier, delivery or road freight; information technology (‘IT’); or security, surveillance or investigation. With specific reference to the TPAR due on 28 August 2021, the […]
Lost, damaged or destroyed tax records
The ATO knows that many taxpayers are facing lasting impacts left in the wake of natural disasters. As such, if they find their records have been lost or destroyed, whether in cyclones, floods or bushfires, the ATO can help. According to ATO Assistant Commissioner: “If you have a myGov account linked to the ATO, you’ll […]
Common business errors at tax time
Avoiding small business tax time errors The most common errors small businesses make when completing their tax returns are failing to: declare all income account for private use of business funds or assets keep all required records or have adequate record-keeping systems. To avoid making errors this tax time, first ask yourself if you have: […]