Why tax credits and refunds are being offset
Is your refund or credit less than expected? The ATO has reached out to small businesses who may have recently received a letter advising that they have a debt on hold and any credits or refunds would be offset against this debt. As a result, such a small business may find that their refund or […]
Banking business income to a private account
Recordkeeping and monitoring business cash flow The ATO has stated that it has “no concerns” with business owners banking their business takings or other sales in private accounts, but that this may become an issue when this income isn’t reported. Therefore, the ATO notes that a good way to avoid this problem is to establish […]
2022/23 October Federal Budget
Federal Budget overview On 25 October 2022, Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down an updated 2022/23 Federal Budget, the first for the Albanese Labor Government. Key measures Certainty for unlegislated taxation and superannuation measures Digital Currency – Clarifying that digital currencies are not taxed as foreign currency Depreciation – Reverse the self-assessment of the effective life […]
Small business tax incentives back on the table
The Government has confirmed its commitment to implementing two tax incentives These aim to support small businesses to train and upskill employees, and improve their digital and tech capacity. The Technology Investment Boost and the Skills and Training Boost were announced in the 29 March 2022 Federal Budget but remain unlegislated. Small businesses with an […]
More COVID-19 business grants are now tax-free
Federal Government expands tax-free status of more COVID-19 grant programs 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 […]
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment reinstated
Pandemic Leave Disaster payment In recognition of the risks associated with more infectious new Covid-19 variants through the winter period, the Federal Government has agreed to reinstate the ‘Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment’ to 30 September 2022, which was otherwise set to end as of 30 June 2022. Eligibility for the payment will be backdated to […]
Single Touch Reporting Phase 2
Get ready for STP Phase 2 in Xero The next stage of the Single Touch Payroll (STP) journey is coming soon in Xero. STP Phase 2 will see Australian businesses build on their existing reporting to share more information each pay run. When will STP Phase 2 reporting be available in Xero? The rollout will […]
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 Year-end Checklist for Business
Small Business Entities Tax Checklist Traditionally, year-end tax planning for profitable small businesses is based around accelerating deductions and deferring income. Small Business Entities (‘SBEs’) – i.e. those with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million – often have greater tax planning opportunities compared to other businesses, due to certain concessions generally only applying […]
2022/23 Federal Budget
Federal Budget Highlights In this summary: Personal income tax changes (please scroll down) Changes affecting business taxpayers Other Budget announcements 1. Personal income tax changes 1.1 Increase to low and middle income tax offset (‘LMITO’) The Government has announced a once-off $420 ‘cost of living tax offset’ for the 2022 income year, which will be […]
