What to look out for in 2024

What to look out for in 2024

Uncertainty has reigned over the last few years, but can we expect more consistency as we head into 2024? We explore some of the key issues and influences. Inflation and labour supply RBA Governor Michelle Bullock stated, “Inflation is past its peak and heading...
Bah humbug: The Christmas tax dilemma

Bah humbug: The Christmas tax dilemma

Don’t want to pay tax on Christmas? Here are our top tips to avoid giving the Australian Tax Office a bonus this festive season.   1. Keep team gifts spontaneous $300 is the minor benefit threshold for FBT, so anything at or above this level will mean...
Warning: Redrawing investment loans

Warning: Redrawing investment loans

The ATO estimates that incorrect reporting of rental property income and expenses costs around $1 billion yearly in forgone tax revenue. A big part of the problem is how taxpayers claim interest on their investment property loans.  We’ve seen an uptick in ATO...
When is food GST-free?   

When is food GST-free?   

Chobani plain yoghurt is GST-free, but Chobani’s ‘flip’ range is taxable? A recent case before the AAT demonstrates how fine the dividing line is between GST-free and taxable foods. Back in 2000, when the Goods & Services Tax (GST) was first...
Workers owed $3.6bn in super guarantee  

Workers owed $3.6bn in super guarantee  

Workers are owed over $3.6 billion in superannuation guarantee according to the latest Australian Taxation Office estimates – a figure the Government and the regulators are looking to change dramatically. Superficially, the statistics on employer superannuation...
30% tax on super earnings above $3m

30% tax on super earnings above $3m

Treasury has released draft legislation to enact the Government’s plan to increase the tax rate on earnings on superannuation balances above $3m from 15% to 30% from 1 July 2025. The release of the draft is the final step before the legislation is introduced...
Self-education: What can you claim?

Self-education: What can you claim?

The Australian Taxation Office has released a new draft ruling on self-education expenses. We revisit the deductibility of self-education expenses and what you can and can’t claim. Suppose you undertake study connected to your work. In that case, you can...
$20k deduction for ‘electrifying’ your business

$20k deduction for ‘electrifying’ your business

Electricity is the new black. Gas and other fossil fuels are out. A new, limited incentive nudges business towards energy efficiency. We show you how to maximise the deduction! The small business energy incentive is the latest measure providing a bonus tax deduction...
The case of the taxpayer who was paid too late

The case of the taxpayer who was paid too late

What a difference timing makes. A recent case before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is a reminder about the tax impact of the timing of employment income.  In this case, the taxpayer was a non-resident working in Kuwait. As part of his work, he was entitled...
The shape of Australia’s future

The shape of Australia’s future

What will Australia look like in 40 years? We look at the key takeaways from the Intergenerational Report. The 2023 Intergenerational Report (IGR) is a crystal ball insight into what Australian society will look like in 40 years and the community’s needs as we...