Estate planning is more than just having a will. It is about ensuring that a person’s estate is passed on to their beneficiaries in the most tax-effective and financially efficient way possible when they are gone.  Getting early advice on setting up an estate plan can help you to achieve peace of mind in knowing...

Property investors could guarantee more cash in their pockets this end of financial year by maximising property depreciation deductions. A qualified quantity surveyor inspects a property and prepares a depreciation report which can then be used as a tax return. The property investor can claim the depreciation of the investment property against taxable income and...

Preparation is the key to efficient and effective financial planning for the 2012-2013 year ahead. Now is the perfect opportunity to implement effective strategies to ensure you start the tax year off on the right foot. Reassessing your financial goals and record keeping systems is important to consider when preparing for the approaching financial year. Set...

Obsolete stock All stock should be reviewed during the end of year stock-take and choices made in relation to its value as a tax and commercial asset. Consider the age of the items, likelihood of future sales and their scrap value. Remember to keep and file all relevant documents. Be prepared to substantiate your claim...

To stimulate investment and risk-taking in new businesses, companies will be permitted to carry-back up to $1 million of losses annually, against taxable income arising in the prior two years. This enables the companies to receive a refund against tax previously paid. The measures will provide some relief for companies that suffer temporary losses. Whilst this may...

Each year the ATO identifies several industries where employers have a higher risk of not complying with their super obligations.  In 2012, the ATO will focus on the following high-risk industries: cafes and restaurants real estate services carpentry services. Typical mistakes that have been identified by the ATO include: paying insufficient super contributions missing the...

Trustees who distribute the income of a trust by resolution must comply with a new ruling from 30 June 2012. This ruling applies where distribution of trusts, through a resolution to beneficiaries must do so by the end of the income year (30 June). If the trustee does not make the resolutions, beneficiaries will not...

Small businesses that are suffering after the economic slowdown following the Global Financial Crisis and declining demand will benefit from a range of measures in the budget designed to stimulate investment spending. The changes directly impacting small businesses from 1 July 2012 relate to previously enacted or announced measures. These include: Allowing small businesses to...

The last few years have been financially tough on many businesses, increasing the temptation to cheat with their GST. This is clearly recognised with the Government’s renewed commitment to the ATOs compliance program. The Government continues the pressure for another two years with the announcement that it will provide $195.3 million to the ATO in...

A ruling on the 4 April 2012 has been passed clarifying the role of GST in regards to consumer loyalty programs. GST on loyalty programs has previously been frustratingly complicated for consumers and vendors. A loyalty program is an agreement between customers and vendors, where the customer benefits from remaining loyal to a brand,through either...