Any mention of the word “audit” is likely to elicit a frustrated groan or a fearful shake of the head from many of us, but what self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) trustees need to realise is an audit can be a good thing. As tedious as it may sound, an audit is useful in providing an...

Compassionate reasons can serve as grounds for withdrawing pre-retirement or preserved super to cover medical and related emergencies – but strict rules apply. Overseen by the Department of Human Services, the compassionate grounds benefit allows super to be withdrawn in one or more of five specific circumstances, after taking into account a member’s financial capacity....

Off-market transfers of certain assets, such as shares, between related parties and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) will cease to be allowed under proposed changes to the law. However the start date of the ban has been moved from July 1, 2012 to one year later. Frequently referred to as in-specie contributions, the government’s move to...

The Finanacial Year Ahead………

Changes announced in the latest Federal Budget mean that from July 1, 2012, the Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset will have two income-based thresholds, both indexed annually. A lower threshold ($2,060 for 2011-12) applies to individuals with an annual taxable income of less than $84,000 and less than $168,000 for couples and families, and a...

Every so often, a person’s career will take them places — but not necessarily in an ‘upwardly mobile’ way. If earning a living means an employee needs to be away from their usual place of residence for an extended period, the government has made available tax concessions generally known as the Living Away From Home...

Come tax time, every penny counts – particularly in the case of investors. Owners of rental properties are entitled to tax deductions in connection with their investments but do you know what these deductions are and how you can save yourself from paying more? Read our guide below for a rundown of claimable rental property...

In general terms, there is a prohibition on superannuation funds borrowing money, however an exception to this rule enables self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) to borrow in order to acquire certain assets. These borrowing arrangements are strictly regulated. When borrowing to acquire an asset, the fund takes out a loan on a ‘limited recourse’ basis,...

The Tax Office has now made available a sample form for the new Taxable Payments Report for building and construction businesses who engage contractors, which starts from July 1, 2012. The sample form outlines the information required when the reporting changes come into force. The actual forms will be available from the Tax Office website...

Business •    Company tax loss carry-back scheme which allows companies to carry-back tax losses of up to $1 million to offset previous profits and provide a refund of tax previously paid. •    Immediate write-off of the first $5,000 of a new or used motor vehicle and each eligible business asset that costs less than $6,500...