Federal Election called
2019/20 Budget Update The Federal Election called for 18 May 2019, and the Governor-General has ‘prorogued’ the Parliament from 11 April until 18 May 2019 and dissolved the House of Representatives. The election will also be for half the Senate. As a result, all outstanding Bills have also lapsed (so any measures not yet passed […]
Other Federal Budget changes
Other announced changes Increased refunds for eligible primary producers and tourism operators The Government will provide further relief to farmers and tourism operators by amending the luxury car tax refund arrangements. For vehicles acquired on or after 1 July 2019, eligible primary producers and tourism operators will be able to apply for a refund of […]
Division 293 assessments
Additional tax on concessional contributions The ATO has been issuing ‘Additional tax on concessional contributions (Division 293) assessments’ with respect to liabilities relating to the 2018 income year. Division 293 imposes an additional 15% tax on certain concessional (i.e. taxable) superannuation contributions. It applies to individuals with income and concessional superannuation contributions exceeding the relevant […]
Finding and consolidating super
Finding super sparks $860 million of joy New data released by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) shows that Australians were busy finding and consolidating our superannuation accounts at the end of 2018. More than 66,000 people found and consolidated over 105,000 accounts worth more than $860 million from October to December 2018 using ATO online accessed via myGov. Assistant Commissioner Graham […]
Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook
MYEFO report Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (‘MYEFO’) report recently released. It indicates that the underlying Budget deficit is expected to be $5.2 billion in 2019 (down from the $14.5 billion deficit estimated in the 2018/19 Federal Budget). The substantial deficit reduction is reportedly a result of increased tax collections, with individual tax collections up […]
Downsizer contributions
ATO guidance regarding ‘downsizer contributions’ The ability to make ‘downsizer contributions’ effectively commenced on 1 July 2018, prompting the ATO to release further guidance with respect to this new superannuation contribution classification. This new measure will be of most assistance for individuals approaching retirement, where they dispose of their family home in an effort to […]
Summary of single touch payroll
What is single touch payroll and how will it affect your business? Single touch payroll is a new regulation that changes when and how small businesses report payroll activity to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Businesses used to report this information to the ATO once a year. Now, they need to send a report after […]
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. […]
Perth dentist case study
Financial Planning expertise adds polish to Perth dentist’s affairs Shelley’s experience was like many others when it came to organising her personal affairs. She’d found a financial adviser with whom she worked well but, when he inevitably left for greener pastures, she was offered a litany of replacements that changed too frequently for her liking. […]
Omnis retirement planning case study
Structuring retirement planning reaps results for former ‘do it yourselfer’ Retiree Ross led a varied and interesting career – from jumping out of army helicopters, to being a ski instructor and owning his own business – he’s never done things by halves. So when it came to selling his mum’s home and finalising her estate, […]
