It is generally understood that for fringe benefits tax (FBT) to apply, the benefits paid are usually in respect of an employment relationship. Where some businesses have tripped up in the past however is where this relationship is not clear cut — that is, where non-cash components of remuneration are sourced not directly from you...

In the 2015-16 federal budget, the government announced that it will exclude “fly-in-fly-out” and “drive-in-drive-out” workers from claiming the zone tax offset (ZTO) where their normal residence is not within a “zone”. The measure was not passed by Parliament until late in 2015, but it is now law and is effective from July 1, 2015....

You can also use part of the money borrowed to make repairs to the asset or maintain it in an income producing form. What you cannot use borrowings for is to make “improvements” to the asset. So what is a “repair”? A “repair” in relation to an LRBA relates to fixing or making-good defects in...

A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), generally speaking, is not able to borrow to acquire assets. The rationale is that superannuation is meant to be a relatively conservative investment vehicle, and borrowing can put the fund at risk. An example of this risk at work was seen during the global financial crisis (GFC) through margin lending...

Salary sacrificing a “company car” is a popular option, however you may not be aware that there is also a tax and health incentive with another particular set of wheels — an electrically assisted bicycle (e-bike). An e-bike is defined as a bicycle-like frame fitted with an electric motor, which provides support when the rider...

Most businesses have an online presence – whether to advertise their business or allow customers to purchase goods or services. Websites vary in costs and complexity – from a simple “skin” to a retail site that you may have engaged a web developer to design and set up. It’s just as well then that the...

When claiming for work-related car expenses, many taxpayers miss out on maximising their claim due to inadequate record keeping. But also, failing to maintain a valid car log book can cost taxpayers dearly in a Tax Office audit. The car log book is an important piece of tax substantiation for those who use their vehicle...

Creating and maintaining a website is expensive because it’s complicated. Lots of small businesses pay hefty costs to have their sites run because they don’t have the time or expertise to do it themselves. So here is some guidance on how you can go about claiming a deduction for your website development costs. Start-up costs...

The Tax Office has finally provided clarity on the need for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) in obtaining actuarial certificates where an SMSF converts to pension phase. According to the Tax Office, the SMSF does not need an actuarial certificate in the income year where all the members have converted all of their balances from accumulation...

Since July this year, scams targeting both individual and business taxpayers have been running rife. From fake Tax Office “delayed return” or “proof of identity” emails to telephone calls conveying similar requests, taxpayers have had to keep their guard up. So how can individuals and businesses protect themselves from online fraud and crime? Why are...