Category: Small Business
ATO fires warning shot on trust distributions
The ATO has warned that it is looking closely at how trusts distribute income and to who. The way in which trusts distribute income has come under intense scrutiny in recent years. Trust distribution arrangements need to be carefully considered by trustees before taking steps to appoint or distribute income to beneficiaries. What does your...
The essential 30 June guide
The end of the financial year is fast approaching. We outline the areas at risk of increased ATO scrutiny and the opportunities to maximise your deductions. For you Opportunities Take advantage of the 1 July 2024 tax cuts by bringing forward your deductible expenses into 2023-24. Prepay your deductible expenses where possible, make any deductible...
Family companies and the many tax traps
If you own a family company, then it is very important how you receive and treat any payments made from the company to you (or your associates – for example, your spouse). And this is simply because any payment from a company (other than a return of the original capital) is, in most cases, prima-facie...
Don’t forget about the CGT small business rollover
For those who run a “small business” and decide to sell it, the various Capital Gain Tax (CGT) small business concessions are invaluable (as has been noted many times before). Of course, it is great if you can qualify for the “15-year exemption” concession because this will mean that you won’t have to pay any...
Taken goods for private use? Here’s the latest values
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. The ATO regularly issues guidance for business owners on the value it expects will be allocated to goods...
Is that ute really exempt from FBT?
Recent media reports suggest the ATO may have concerns that some tradies could be taking liberties with the FBT exemption available for utes and panel vans where private use is claimed to be minimal. Utes have been selling like hotcakes for some time and are now the biggest selling new cars on the Australian market....
Getting the most benefit from fringe benefits
The most cost-efficient benefit an employer can give an employee is one that is both deductible for income tax purposes and exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). One such type of benefit is the ‘work-related item’ FBT exemption. Like all concessions, there are some requirements that must be met to take advantage of it. What...
When two bonuses are not enough: introducing the Energy Incentive!
If you’ve been putting off upgrading the inefficient office air-conditioner, a new 20% bonus deduction might just be the incentive you need to help beat the heat before it arrives with a vengeance! Whilst the small business Technology Investment Boost has now ceased1, not only can you still take advantage of the Skills and Training...
Don’t overlook the CGT small business roll-over concession
The CGT small business concessions are invaluable to those who make a capital gain from a small business. They can eliminate a gain entirely; they can reduce a gain; and they can allow for the gain to be CGT-free if paid into a superannuation fund. But it is often forgotten that the gain can also...
Small business skills and training boost
Looking to boost your employees’ skills and your tax deductions at the same time ? Then keep reading to see if you could be eligible for the small business skills and training boost! If you run a small or medium business and are planning on investing in, or recently invested in, training your employees, taking...