Who can (and can’t) be part a family group for the purpose of making a family trust election (FTE)? As you can see by the diagram (see Newsletter PDF), the ‘family group’ is dependent on the choice of the ‘test individual’. Once that person is chosen, the family group includes the person’s spouse, plus any...

Rental property investors can claim capital works deductions for construction costs for a rental property, however there are limits imposed in relation to the dates such works were completed. The deductions are only available on residential properties if these were built after 17 July 1985. Generally, up to 15 September 1987 the rate is 4%...

While most people look forward to receiving a tax refund once their return is processed by the ATO, it is also not unheard of to receive a tax bill on occasion. Most people who earn income as employees have tax payments made on their behalf throughout the year through pay-as-you-go (PAYG) withholding to help them...

The ATO allows certain taxpayers to claim a deduction for the cost of buying and cleaning occupation-specific clothing, items of protective wear and for certain unique, and usually distinctive, uniforms. To claim a deduction it is generally expected that you will be able to provide evidence that you purchased the clothing concerned, and will have...

We know you want to get your tax right, so it may help you this tax time to know how to avoid making what the ATO has found are the most common tax mistakes. To do this make sure you have: declared all income, including cash and online sales, dividends, interest, capital gains or one-off...

Checklist for employment-related tax deductions This checklist contains a general list of general and specific employment-related deductions and should be used as a guide only. The results may vary depending on individual circumstances. The individual should also have the relevant written evidence where required. Also, how much of the expense is allowable as a tax...

When you’re faced with a complex or high-risk question in tax or super, briefing a barrister can provide you with the expertise and perspective to help you move towards a solution with confidence.   Barristers (who are also referred to as “counsel”) are independent specialists in court work and legal advice. There are specialist barristers...

The ATO has recently updated its guidance material on the operation of the personal services income (PSI) and personal service business (PSB) rules. These highly prescriptive rules took effect from the 2000-01 income year, after the government became concerned that the income tax base was being eroded through what it saw as an excessive incidence...

Cryptocurrencies, once again surging in popularity, have a unique tax treatment that every taxpayer dealing with cryptocurrency should be aware of.   It’s been more than 10-years since the advent of bitcoin and the term “cryptocurrency” entered the public consciousness. However, neither bitcoin nor the many thousands of cryptocurrencies that have followed have become widely...

1 AFFILIATES Remember your spouse and children’s birthdays…and that they are no longer automatically your affiliates. Whether a person is an “affiliate” is relevant in numerous small business CGT concession contexts, including when applying the maximum net asset value, small business and active asset tests. Therefore, it is important to remember that the definition of affiliate...