Client Alert Explanatory Memorandum (August 2016)

CURRENCY: This issue of Client Alert takes into account all developments up to and including 13 July 2016. ATO small business benchmarks updated The ATO has announced the latest benchmarks for small businesses, updated for the 2013–2014…

Client Alert (August 2016)

ATO small business benchmarks updated The ATO has announced the latest benchmarks for small businesses. Based on the data from 2014 income tax returns and business activity statements, the benchmarks cover over 1.3 million small businesses. ATO…

SMSF - Policy Conditions

Income protection insurance is worth considering for working people. It can pay a proportion of your salary if you are temporarily unable to work because of sickness or injury. When taking out any insurance policy, you should check carefully…

Personal Tax - CGT: Deceased Estates

It is relatively common for a taxpayer to inherit residential property under a will. While an inherited dwelling can be a wonderful gift, it often results in capital gains tax (CGT) implications, particularly where the taxpayer later sells the…

Agistment Activities: Business

Q. I propose to purchase about 20 acres of land which is used for cattle grazing. I will continue to use the land for agistment purposes, although my long-term plan is to subdivide the land and sell the subdivided blocks. Will the agistment…

SMSF ATO Powers

The ATO – as the regulator of SMSFs (self-managed super funds) – has a range of treatments available to it to deal with SMSF trustees who have not complied with the super laws. The ATO says its primary focus is to encourage SMSF trustees…

Tax Debt Payment Plan

Taxpayers who can't pay their tax by the due date should consider whether to request a payment arrangement with the ATO. An arrangement to pay in instalments does not vary the time when the amount is due and payable, and therefore does not affect…

Super Guarantee: "Employees" or "Independent Contractors"?

An "employee" for superannuation guarantee purposes includes anyone who is an employee at common law. The relationship between employer and employee is often described as a "contract of service" whereas the relationship between principal and…

Sort Out the Income You Must Lodge on Your Tax Return

Broadly speaking, if you are a resident of Australia, you must annually lodge an income tax return and pay annual taxes on worldwide income from many sources. If you are lodging directly, the deadline is October 31 for the previous tax…