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Interest Deductions: risks and opportunities
This tax season, we’ve seen a surge in questions about whether interest on a loan can be claimed as a tax deduction. It’s a great question as the way interest expenses are treated can significantly affect your overall tax position. However, the rules aren’t always straightforward. Here’s what you need to know: The purpose of the loan The most
Trust funds: are they still worth the effort?
For decades, trust structures have been a cornerstone of the Australian tax and financial system, prized for their asset protection and flexibility when it comes to income distributions. However, with regulatory changes and mounting administrative complexity the shine has been wearing off lately, prompting some businesses and investors to rethink their use. Is there a shift away from trusts?
Important tax update: deductions for ATO interest charges scrapped
If you’re carrying an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt there is a good chance that it will cost you even more from 1 July 2025 onwards. This is because from 1 July 2025 two types of interest charges imposed by the ATO are no longer deductible. What are the interest charges? There are two main types of interest that
The ATO’s updated small business benchmarking tool
The ATO has updated its small business benchmarks with the latest data taken from the 2022–23 financial year. These benchmarks cover 100 industries and allow small businesses to compare their performance, including turnover and expenses, against others in their industry. While the ATO doesn’t use the benchmarks in isolation, small businesses who fall outside the ATO’s benchmarks are more likely
Property subdivision projects: the tax implications
As the urban sprawl continues in most major Australian cities, we are often asked to advise on the tax treatment of subdivision projects. Before jumping in and committing to anything, it is important to understand the tax liabilities that might arise from these projects. Unfortunately, many people make incorrect assumptions about the way that subdivision projects will be taxed, often
Instant asset write-off threshold finally confirmed
It has been a long time coming, but the Government finally passed legislation increasing the instant asset write-off threshold for the year ending 30 June 2025 to $20,000. This was announced back in the 2024-25 Federal Budget but the Government faced a number of hurdles in terms of passing the legislation. This basically means that individuals and entities who carry
Year-end tax planning opportunities & risks
With the end of the financial year fast approaching we outline some opportunities to maximise your deductions and give you the low down on areas at risk of increased ATO scrutiny. Opportunities Bolstering superannuation If growing your superannuation is a strategy you are pursuing, and your total superannuation balance allows it, you could make a one-off deductible contribution to your
Taxable payments annual report lodgment reminder
Businesses that pay contractors for ‘Taxable payments reporting system services’ may need to lodge a ‘Taxable payments annual report’ (‘TPAR’) by 28 August each year. This includes businesses paying contractors in the building and construction, cleaning and IT industries. It also includes courier services, road freight services, security and investigation or surveillance services. From 22 March, the ATO will apply
Threshold for tax-free retirement super increases
The amount of money that can be transferred to a tax-free retirement account will increase to $2m on 1 July 2025. Each year, advisers await the December inflation statistics to the be released. The reason is simple, the transfer balance cap – the amount that can be transferred to a tax-free retirement account – is indexed to the Consumer Price
The definition of an employee for Super Guarantee
The superannuation guarantee rules are broad and, in some circumstances, extend beyond the definition of common law employees to some directors, contractors, entertainers, sports persons and other workers. Employers need to pay compulsory superannuation guarantee (SG) to those considered employees under the definition in the SG rules. But, the SG definition of an employee is broad and just how far