Business tax update October 2021
Extending administrative relief for companies to use technology The Government has passed legislation renewing the temporary relief that allows companies to use technology to meet regulatory requirements under the Corporations Act 2001. These temporary relief measures will allow companies to hold virtual meetings and use electronic communications to send meeting materials and execute documents until […]
Property investor common tax traps
ATO warns property investors about common tax traps In 2019/20, over 1.8 million Australians owned rental properties and claimed $38 billion in deductions, so the ATO is reminding property investors to beware of common tax traps that can delay refunds or lead to an audit costing taxpayers time and money. The most common mistake rental […]
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 […]
Cryptocurrency tax obligations
Cryptocurrency under the microscope this tax time The ATO is concerned that many taxpayers believe their cryptocurrency gains are tax-free, or only taxable when the holdings are cashed back into Australian dollars. ATO data analysis shows a dramatic increase in trading since the beginning of 2020, and has estimated that there are over 600,000 taxpayers […]
Family trust elections
Review your family trust elections to get your tax right A family trust for tax purposes is one whose trustee has made a valid family trust election (FTE). The FTE entitles the trust to access certain concessions, however family trust distribution tax (FTDT) is imposed when distributions are made outside the family group. The ATO’s […]
Home office expenses rate extension
Shortcut rate for claiming home office expenses extended The ATO has again extended the ability to utilise the ‘shortcut rate’ for claiming home office running expenses to 30 June 2021. It previously only applied until 31 December 2020. The ATO’s guideline allows certain taxpayers to claim a fixed rate per hour (80 cents per hour) […]
WA Bushfires 2021
If you’re facing problems with your tax affairs due to bushfires, the ATO will work with you to get things back on track. Depending on your circumstances, they may: give you extra time to pay tax or lodge tax forms, such as activity statements or other returns find your tax file number (TFN) by verifying […]
Employers need to apply recent tax cuts as soon as possible
The ATO has now updated the tax withholding schedules They reflect the 2020/21 income year personal tax cuts. Updated schedules are available at ato.gov.au/taxtables. The ATO has said that employers now need to make adjustments in their payroll processes and systems in order for the tax cuts to be reflected in employees’ take-home pay. Employers […]
Tax cuts pass Parliament
The Government announced various tax measures in the 2020 Budget It was able to secure passage of legislation containing some of the important measures very shortly afterwards, as summarised below. Tax relief for individuals The Government brought forward ‘Stage two’ of their Personal Income Tax Plan by two years, so that, from 1 July 2020: […]
Tax cuts become law
Immediate tax relief passed The Government has announced that more than 10 million Australians will receive immediate tax relief following the passage of legislation through the Parliament, which increases the top threshold for the 19% tax rate from $41,000 to $45,000 and increases the low-income tax offset from $645 to $700 in 2022/23. In combination […]
