The 2019 Federal Budget focuses on rewarding working Australians, with the emphasis on a two-pronged approach for “hard-working” individuals. Individual taxes:From the 2018-2019 income year, the low and middle-income tax offset (LMITO) has been increased by $550. This now means individuals can have their tax reduced by up to $1,080 and dual income families up…
The 2019 Federal Budget focuses on building a better tax system for Australian businesses in order to create a stronger economy. Instant asset write-off:The instant asset write-off threshold will be increased from $25,000 to $30,000 and be extended from businesses with an annual turnover of up to $10 million to medium-sized businesses with a turnover…
The ATO has seen a number of common errors made on forms submitted by property purchasers since changes were made to the way GST is collected at settlement in July 2018. Supplier details:Errors are often a result of incorrect supplier notifications. Those that supply residential premises or potential residential land may be required to notify…
Borrowing money to invest, also known as ‘gearing’, can be a risky business. While it can increase your returns when markets rise, losses can be extreme when markets fall. It is important to understand the risks involved when deciding whether borrowing to invest is right for you. Benefits:The main benefits of borrowing to invest are:…
When an employer provides certain benefits for their staff, they are required to pay Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). Employers pay FBT on the benefits they present to employees and their families or other associates. The benefit may be in addition to, or part of, an employee’s salary or wages package. FBT is separate from income…
Superannuation laws can be confusing for everyone. These procedures often make it difficult to work out when you can retire or if there are any special conditions you need to meet before you can claim your funds. Every individual needs to be aware of their preservation age and regulations when accessing their superannuation benefits. A…
The ATO is focusing on risky Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) and failures in Transfer Balance Account Reporting (TBAR) in SMSFs this year. They have announced plans to contact trustees with high concentration risks in their funds and to crack down on misreporting. Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements:LRBAs allow a superannuation fund to borrow under strict…
Advancements in technology continue to digitise our world in many ways, including financially. In recent years, more businesses and events are turning to cashless systems. Whilst cash still remains popular in businesses dealing in small purchases such as cafes, if you run a business that handles larger transactions then changing to a cashless system could…
The Personal Income Tax Plan has gone through recent changes regarding rates, thresholds and offset entitlements. These changes were announced in the 2018-2019 Federal Budget and were implemented at the start of the 2019 financial year. For the upcoming tax season, individuals should review these changes in case they are affected. The 32.5% tax bracket…
There are a number of options when it comes to choosing an income investment scheme. Investments that generate regular income can be useful in a number of various situations, such as funding your retirement lifestyle. Despite the potential benefits, investing for income has become challenging for many people in today’s low-interest rate environment, with cash-based…