Different meanings of ‘dependant’ for superannuation and tax purposes
Understanding Superannuation Death Benefit Distribution Different Definitions of ‘Dependants’ for Superannuation and Tax Purposes On a person’s death, their superannuation benefits can only be paid directly to one or more ‘dependants’ as defined for superannuation purposes, unless they are paid to the deceased’s legal personal representative to be distributed in accordance with the deceased’s Will. […]
CGT on the sales of shares and units
Capital gains tax on the sales of shares or units When you sell or dispose of shares or units you may make a capital gain or capital loss. This will depend on when you bought or acquired the shares or units. If you bought the shares or units: before 20 September 1985 – you are exempt […]
Side hustles in the ATO’s sights
ATO pursuing more forms of income as tax A recent ATO article highlights the fact that it is increasingly trying to bring more modern techniques of money-making into its tax net. ‘Side hustles’ have really grown over the past few years — everything from the gig economy and drop shippers to content creators and influencers. […]
Significant change to claiming working from home expenses
Be aware of updated rules when claiming working from home expenses Before 1 July 2022, an individual taxpayer that incurred additional deductible expenses as a result of working from home, had a choice of three methods to claim these expenses. These choices were: The shortcut method – which was available from 1 March 2020 to […]
Electric vehicle FBT exemption now law
Legislation to make certain electric vehicles exempt from FBT enacted into law Certain zero or low emissions vehicles provided as a car benefit on or after 1 July 2022, can be exempt from fringe benefits tax (FBT). For this exemption to apply various criteria need to be satisfied. The car needs to have been both […]
Discretionary trusts and corporate beneficiaries
Tax treatment of deemed dividends When a trustee of a trust makes a decision to create an entitlement to income of the trust in favour of a corporate beneficiary (i.e., a privately held company), certain steps need to be taken to ensure that if the entitlement to the distribution remains unpaid (that is, no cash […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rent or lease payment changes due to COVID-19
Rent or lease payment COVID-19 changes The ATO has provided updates regarding the tax implications when a landlord gives, or a tenant receives, rent concessions (such as waivers or deferrals of rent) as a result of COVID-19. For example, the ATO provides the following advice for tenants that have received a rent waiver. If the […]
