Tax
Records you need to keep on rental properties
When you own a rental property, keeping records is important. These will help you meet tax obligations. Generally, only individuals with their names on the title deed declare income and claim expenses. Remember that the records must be kept in English or should be easily translatable into English, and kept for a minimum period of […]
The amounts you don’t need to include as income
Amounts which are not classified as income are split into 3 categories. Exempt income This is income that you do not pay tax on, although, some exempt income may be taken into account when determining: Tax losses of earlier income years that you can deduct  Adjusted taxable income of dependants Some examples include certain Government […]
Tax treatment of insurance payments for damaged or destroyed property after a disaster
The Australian weather can be unpredictable, resulting in intense weather conditions. Bushfires, severe storms or floods can cause personal properties and assets a lot of damage. In the case that this does occur, individuals need to determine the tax treatment of any insurance payouts or relief payments that they may receive. Usually, individuals are unlikely […]
Trustees and beneficiaries registering for tax in trusts
Trusts have their own tax file number (TFN) that should be used to complete tax returns. Trusts are also able to apply for an Australian business number (ABN) on the condition that the trust is carrying on an enterprise. If a trustee applies for a TFN or ABN, then this is in the capacity of […]
Taxation of your unused leave when leaving a job
When your job ends, whether there has been a termination of employment or redundancy you will receive a payment for unused leave. This payment will be taxed differently from your normal income. The taxation will vary depending on the reason why you left the job and any unused entitlements that have been accrued over your […]
Fuel tax credits for businesses
The government provides fuel tax credits for businesses with a credit for the fuel tax (excise or customs) that is included in the price of fuel used in machinery, plant, equipment, heavy vehicles, and light vehicles travelling off public roads or on private roads. Fuel tax credits a business receives depend on when the fuel […]
Lodging your business activity statement
Businesses that are registered for GST are required to lodge a business activity statement (BAS). These assist in the reporting and payment of: Goods and services tax (GST) Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments PAYG withholding tax Other tax obligations ATO will automatically send businesses who are registered for an ABN and GST a BAS […]
What do tax audits involve?
Tax audits are conducted when the ATO deems that a more extensive examination of an issue is necessary. These audits can be conducted on a fairly basic level or they can be much more in-depth and analytical. In most cases, there will be a review which then leads to an audit, but this isn’t always […]
How to reduce the tax you pay
There are various potential ways you can reduce the tax you pay. You may be entitled to tax deductions, offsets or you may choose to opt for salary packaging. Tax deductions will reduce your taxable income amount. For example, potential tax deductions are work-related expenses, self-education expenses, charitable donations, the cost of managing your taxes. […]
What record-keeping requirements does the ATO have in place?
Record-keeping, if done well, can help running a business much easier. It gives you an overview of the business’ financial progress so that owners can assess their strengths and weaknesses and make decisions accordingly. Record keeping also enables owners to meet their tax and superannuation obligations easily – all the data and information required is […]