From sporting clubs or environmental groups to many charity associations, volunteers are an indispensible workforce and support network for many organisations. For most, if not all, having volunteers ready to lend a hand is pivotal in them being able to function or survive. Given that there are many hundreds of volunteers propping up all sorts...

For many people, their tax refund is treated like a mini lottery win. This tax time, consider putting your “gift” from the ATO to good use. Perhaps it’s the modern world we find ourselves in that taxpayers look at their tax refund like it’s a fortuitous windfall gain. But if you look at your refund...

Are you the trustee of an SMSF but also a travel aficionado? Nothing wrong with that; however trustees need to be aware that there can be negative consequences if you are out of the country for too long. If a trustee relocates overseas for an extended period, the residency status of the SMSF, its compliance...

Generally, if you rent out part or all of your home, the rent money you receive is  assessable. This means that you must declare your rental income in your income tax return, but you can also claim deductions for any associated expenses. However, be warned. If you rent put part of your home, such as...

Hobby farming is a lifestyle choice that has been around for years and looks like an option that, if anything, is on the increase. And while it can be easy to poke fun at the success or otherwise of the average hobby farmer (like the old joke about their skills at growing blackberries and rabbits),...

The ATO knows that many business owners naturally help themselves to their trading stock and use it for their own purposes. This common practice can occur in businesses such as butchers, bakers, corner stores, cafes and more. It regularly issues guidance for business owners on the value it expects will be allocated to goods taken...

The ATO says that this year it will be paying extra attention to people whose deduction claims are higher than expected, in particular those claiming car expenses. These can include claims by those transporting bulky tools, and deductions for travel, internet and mobile phone as well as claims for self-education expenses. We can help you...

The ATO had previously held that limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) which are not maintained on arm’s length terms need to be fixed before June 30, 2016.  Otherwise, this would give rise to non-arm’s length income (NALI). However, additional time has been granted and now trustees have until January 31, 2017 to rearrange their LRBAs...

The ATO has recently warned that it is continuing to see instances of scam emails, SMS messages or telephone calls where criminals try to steal money or information from taxpayers. These scams can be very convincing and many individuals fall victim to these each year. To avoid becoming a victim, it is important that you...

If you’re coming in soon to discuss your tax return for yourself or your business, try not to turn up completely empty handed, or at least prepared with some records or access to them. Being prepared is not only wise, but saves a lot of time and effort for both yourself and for us. If...