Shortcut method for claiming home office running costs
ATO announces shortcut method for claiming home office running costs The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced a temporary simplified short cut method to make it easier for individual taxpayers to claim deductions for additional running expenses incurred as a result of working from home due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Based on the announcement, the […]
New super guarantee amnesty
On 6 March 2020, the government introduced a superannuation guarantee (‘SG’) amnesty Employers who come forward from 6 March 2020 need to apply for the amnesty. This amnesty allows employers to disclose and pay previously unpaid super guarantee charge (‘SGC’), including nominal interest, that they owe their employees, for quarter(s) starting from 1 July 1992 […]
“Outrageous” tax deductions rejected
Unusual tax claims disallowed The ATO has published some of the most unusual claims that they disallowed last financial year. Nearly 700,000 taxpayers claimed almost $2 billion of ‘other’ expenses, but the ATO’s systematic review of claims had found, and disallowed, some very unusual expenses, including: claims for Lego sets bought as gifts for children, […]
Dodgy car claims
ATO “puts the brakes” on dodgy car claims The ATO is making work-related car expenses a key focus again during Tax Time 2019. Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat said over 3.6 million people made a work-related car expense claim in 2017/18, totalling more than $7.2 billion. “We are still concerned that some taxpayers aren’t getting the […]
A super tax opportunity
Super is one of the most tax-effective ways to save You could be thousands of dollars better off by making ‘concessional contributions’ to your super. And, putting more money into your super now could make a big difference to your retirement later on. So, this tax time, ensure you make the most of your concessional […]
Rental property audits
Tax office to double audits of ‘dodgy’ rental deductions Rental property owners are being warned to ensure their claims are correct this tax time, as the ATO has announced it will double the number of audits scrutinising rental deductions, with a specific focus on: over-claimed interest; capital works claimed as repairs; incorrect apportionment of expenses for […]
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 […]
Claims for home office expenses
Claims for home office expenses increased The ATO has updated the hourly rate taxpayers can use to determine deductions for home office expenses from 45 cents to 52 cents per hour for individual taxpayers, effective 1 July 2018 (i.e. from the 2019 income year). According to the ATO’s recently updated PS LA 2001/6, individual taxpayers […]
Instant asset write off
Legislation proposed to increase instant asset write-off threshold Using the simplified depreciation rules, assets costing less than the instant asset write-off threshold are written off in the year they are bought and used, or installed ready-for-use. This applies irrespective of whether the asset is purchased new or second-hand. The current threshold is $20,000. It has changed over the last […]
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 […]
