Category: Taxation
Dealing with excess before-tax super contributions
Making extra before-tax contributions into super (called concessional contributions) can help boost a person’s retirement savings. But fund members need to be aware of the implications for when they exceed the concessional contributions cap. Since 2013-14, when the excess concessional contributions refunding scheme came into effect, individuals exceeding their concessional contribution cap will accrue a...
EOFY tips for your tax plan
The financial year is almost over, but there are still effective strategies you may be able to put in place. The aim is to make sure you pay no more tax than you have to for the 2020-21 year and maximise any refunds you may be entitled to. This is still the case, if not...
Managing your superannuation transfer balance account
Most people think of retirement as a time to put your feet up and relax, but it can also be a time when pre-retirees and retirees alike actually need to flex the grey matter. With all the rules and regulations swirling around the superannuation sector these days, it’s not unusual for those nearing retirement to...
When it comes to real estate and CGT, timing is important
When you sell or otherwise dispose of real estate, the time of the event (when you make a capital gain or loss) is usually when one of the following occurs: You enter into the contract (the date on the contract), not when you settle. The fact that a contract is subject to a condition, such...
Refinancing loan interest may be deductible to a partnership
A general law partnership is formed when two or more people (and up to, but no more than, 20 people) go into business together. Partnerships are generally set up so that all partners are equally responsible for the management of the business, but each also has liability for the debts that business may incur. Tax law...
New insolvency reforms to support small business
The Australian Government has made changes to the ATO’s insolvency framework to help more small businesses restructure and survive the economic impact of COVID-19. The insolvency system is facing a number of challenges: An increase in the number of businesses in financial distress because of COVID-19. A “one-size-fits-all” system, which imposes the same duties and...
Some money is not counted as ‘income’ by the ATO
It is possible to receive amounts that are not expected by the ATO to be included as income in your tax return. Although some of these amounts may be used in other calculations, and may therefore need to be included elsewhere in your tax return. The ATO classifies the amounts that it doesn’t count as...
Bonus Article, Further Hayne Royal Commission recommendations
The Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response No. 2) Bill 2020 implementing a further four recommendations of the Financial Services Royal Commission to improve consumer protections (as outlined below) was introduced into the House of Representatives late last year and only recently passed through the lower house. The four new factors, each aiming to...
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. It regularly issues guidance for business owners on the value it expects will be allocated to goods taken...
Unexpected lump sum payment in arrears? There’s a tax offset for that
A lump sum payment in arrears is a payment you may receive that relates to earlier income years. The tax offset that can be utilised with these sorts of payments works to alleviate the problem of a taxpayer being expected to pay more tax in a year when a lump sum of back payments is...