As the end-of-year approaches, now’s a great time to check if you’re still required to be registered for GST. If your circumstances have changed, and your business has grown or reduced in size, you may need to register or cancel your GST registration. Things to check: You can register or cancel your GST registration through Online…
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We know running a small business is serious business and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get your tax right, the first time. There are a few things you can do to prepare for the end of the financial year, whether you’re lodging yourself or using a tax professional.…
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The ATO will notify non-compliant small businesses when they are moved from quarterly to monthly GST reporting. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced that from 1 April 2025, it will be moving around 3,500 small businesses with a history of non-payment, late or non lodgment, or incorrect reporting from quarterly to monthly GST reporting to improve…
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The due date for your October–December business activity statement (BAS) is around the corner. We know small businesses are busy, so we want to help you get your BAS right. Here are some tips to help you before you lodge. Source: ATO
Start the year on the right foot and be ready for these key dates. If you employ staff, here are the important dates and obligations to remember throughout the year, to set yourself up for success. Super Guarantee (SG) Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) 31 March 2025 marks the end of the 2024–25 FBT year. There are…
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The ATO continues to become increasingly aggressive in it’s debt collection activities, as an example, in the 8 months to 31st March they disclosed over 31000 business tax debts to Credit Reporting agencies. This disclosure can have a devastating effect on a business: Accountplan has access to a range of lenders who happily assist businesses…
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Small businesses are Australia’s largest employers, generating over 5 million jobs. According to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), there are around four million small businesses in the country, representing about 87 percent of all business taxes paid. What Is Considered A Small Business? From a tax perspective, a business is generally classified as a small business when the annual turnover…
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Find out about reviewing your pay as you go (PAYG) instalments to reflect your expected end-of-year tax. If you’re a pay as you go (PAYG) instalment amount payer, your instalments have been increased by the gross domestic product (GDP) adjustment factor. For the 2024–25 income year, the GDP adjustment factor is 6%. We’ll use the…
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During the year, you may have to pay some expenses for work purposes. When the end of the financial year comes, you’re entitled to claim these expenses as tax deductions. This will help you lower the total amount of taxable income and the amount of tax you have to pay. In Australia, the Australian Taxation…
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The ATO have now released the 2024 SMSF annual return and instructions, when lodging avoid these common errors. The SMSF annual return is more than a tax return. You are required to report regulatory information for your SMSF, member contributions and pay the SMSF supervisory levy. The SMSF annual return and SMSF annual return instructions for 2024 are now…
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This information will help you if you are involved in running a business through a company or a trust and you are receiving financial or other benefits through the business. Key Points How to Record and Report the Use of Business Money or Assets There are different ways to take or use money or assets…
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An overview of FBT. Find out how FBT applies, what you need to do as an employer, and what deductions you can claim. What is fringe benefits tax? Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is a tax paid by employers on certain benefits provided to their employees, or to their employees’ family or other associates. FBT is…
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Changes to Individual income tax rates and thresholds from 1 July 2024. On 25 January 2024, the government announced proposed changes to Individual income tax rates and thresholds from 1 July 2024. These changes are not yet law. From 1 July 2024, the proposed tax cuts will: For more information see Tax cuts to help with the cost of…
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Check fuel tax credit rates from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. Fuel tax credit rates The following tables contain the fuel tax credit rates for businesses from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. The fuel tax credit calculator includes the latest rates and is simple, quick and easy to use. You can use it to…
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How capital gains tax (CGT) works, and how you report and pay tax on capital gains when you sell assets. Capital gains tax (CGT) is the tax you pay on profits from disposing of assets including investments, such as property, shares and crypto assets. Although it is referred to as ‘capital gains tax’, it’s part of your…
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Find your tax file number online with ATO online services. Tell the ATO as soon as possible if your TFN is stolen or misused. Find your TFN online You will need your tax file number (TFN) when: If you already have a TFN and don’t remember the number, you can find it online in ATO online…
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How to get help if your business or not for profit can’t pay tax or super on time. When can you access help? If your business is having financial difficulties and can’t pay tax or super on time, support is available. Financial difficulties can occur from many situations, including: Support for your situation Depending on…
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Australian residents are subject to income tax from their domestic and foreign income. There may be exceptions for temporary residents and temporary residents who earn foreign income. Non-residents are liable for Australian income tax on their assessable income derived from Australian sources. Understanding Income Tax When an individual earns money, they have to pay income…
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See your key tax obligations for a sole trader, partnership, company or trust business structure. Types of business structures A business structure: There are 4 commonly used business structures in Australia: Information about other business structures is available on business.gov.au If you’re unsure which business structure to choose, talk to your registered tax agent, or trusted business…
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Find out why you need a TFN, where to find it and how to keep your TFN and personal details safe. About your TFN A tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems. It is free to apply for a TFN. Your TFN is: Where to find your TFN If you…
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Tax, super and registration obligations you need to consider before you start a business. Are you in business? Before you register for an Australian business number (ABN), it is important you determine if you are in business and when your business starts. Knowing if you’re in business helps you know what records you need to keep, and…
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Business vehicle depreciation is a topic that new small business owners may be unfamiliar with, and calculating it can be challenging. However, understanding this deduction is crucial since it can result in significant tax savings. Admittedly, car depreciation can be a complicated subject. But, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your car’s value, it’s essential…
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Attracting and retaining good staff is essential for your business. If you’ve given your employees perks and benefits such as car parking or gym memberships, you should consider the FBT implications. These extras can be a great bonus on top of salary and wages – but they can attract an FBT liability. What kinds of…
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Clothing, jewellery, gaming products, flights and crypto assets are just some of the things you might have to account for in your tax return as part of your business income. If you received these or any other non-cash benefits instead of money for your goods or services, or as a tip or gift – you must…
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Profitable companies that choose to relegate their tax and super obligations will be a focus of the ATO’s crackdown on collectable debt, Commissioner says. Too many businesses “roll the dice” on tax liabilities and treat them like a free loan, ATO Commissioner Chris Jordan says. He said small business owed more than its share of…
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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reminding rental property owners and their tax agents to take care when lodging their tax return this tax time. ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh explained that the ATO’s review of income tax returns show 9 in 10 rental property owners are getting their return wrong. ‘Landlords and their registered tax agents…
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The Pandemic saw the ATO take a much softer stance across a number of fronts: Since the pandemic has passed we had seen, until now, a gradual return by the ATO to situation normal. In recent weeks we have however seen the ATO take a far more aggressive approach – particularly with regard to PAYG…
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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is continuing to provide dedicated support to taxpayers this tax time. Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh acknowledged that for some, tax can seem overwhelming. ‘The ATO is here to help with the support you need to get it right this tax time.’ Tax Help The Tax Help program is a free…
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Consider these key points about the R&D tax incentive before you lodge your company tax return this year. If you engage in research and development (R&D) activities and are eligible for the R&D tax incentive, you must lodge an R&D tax incentive schedule when you lodge your company tax return. Before lodging your 2023 company tax return and the…
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You can claim tax deductions for expenses you incur while running your business if they’re directly related to earning business income (also known as assessable income). Take Rubi for example. Rubi is a sole trader who works as an IT consultant. As part of her work, she travels to deliver seminars and workshops. Rubi follows…
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The tax time toolkit for 2023 is now live, with updated links to useful information, tools, calculators, learning resources and other support and services. This toolkit is your one-stop shop for help during tax time and throughout the year. You’ll also find updated fact sheets on: In addition, there is expense-related information for primary producers on: If…
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With the new financial year upon us, it’s time to check if your business needs to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) for payments made to contractors providing the following services: TPARs are due on 28 August each year and penalties may apply if they’re not lodged on time. You can help prepare for your…
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Certain capital losses, disposals and small business CGT concession claims attract the ATO’s attention. Capital Losses Situations that attract the ATO’s attention include: Capital Gains Tax – Disposal Situations that attract the ATO’s attention include: Small business CGT concessions The ATO want to ensure entities genuinely meet the eligibility criteria when claiming small business CGT concessions.…
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If you are required to travel as part of your job, then you likely incur various costs. Whether making a short trip to attend a meeting or taking an overseas trip for an extended period, you can deduct your travel expenses. However, the laws surrounding travel expenses are complicated, and the Australia Taxation Office (ATO)…
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Find out about tax offsets (or rebates) available to eligible businesses. About tax offsets Tax offsets (also referred to as rebates) directly reduce the amount of tax payable on your taxable income. Offsets can reduce your tax payable to zero but can’t get you a refund unless they are refundable tax offsets. Small business income…
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The Commonwealth penalty unit amount increased to $313 on 1 July for infringements occurring on or after that date. Failure to meet a tax obligation, such as not lodging on time, may result in a penalty. The ATO understands there may be occasions when businesses experience financial difficulties and can’t pay on time. Even if you can’t pay,…
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As tax time approaches, you should start preparing to meet your annual tax and super obligations. We’ve kick-started the process by pulling together a list of key hints to help you keep on top of things: Check out the various resources and tools available for employers on our website. Remember, registered tax agents can help you with…
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The ATO will be closely scrutinising deductions claimed for short-term rental properties. In this year’s federal budget, the government announced a huge injection of funding for the ATO to expand the scope of its personal tax compliance program to address emerging areas of risk. The government’s announcement makes it clear that one of these emerging…
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As we head towards the end of another financial year, here are some things you can do to prepare for tax time. Before 30 June, check if there are any tax-deductible items your business may need, or any concessions you can access. You could be eligible for simplified depreciation rules, the small business income tax offset, immediate…
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The following provides important information and instructions to complete and lodge your tax return. Who can complete your tax return? You can get someone else to complete your tax return for you: Whoever helps you: Lodge your tax return by 31 October 2023 If you’re lodging your own tax return, you need to lodge it…
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Tax time essentials, learning resources, tools and services to support small business. Tax time essentials The ATO offer a range of tools and services to make it easier for you to get your tax and superannuation right. They want to help you manage and grow your business and get back on track if you need…
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If you disagree with a decision the ATO have made about your tax affairs, you may be able to use one of their free options for resolving disputes. You can use their in-house facilitation service for tax and super matters at any stage from audit up to litigation, where appropriate. It’s a free mediation service where an independent accredited ATO…
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Download a copy of our April Newsletter… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an experienced team of Accountants providing Tax & Business Advisory services– Bookkeepers to help you with BAS, IAS & Payroll– Financial Planning advice around Wealth Creation, Super & Aged Care Strategies– Mortgage…
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If you’ve provided fringe benefits to your employees or their associates between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023, it’s now time to lodge and pay your 2023 fringe benefits tax (FBT) returns. Make sure you note the following in your calendars: While it’s important to lodge and pay on time, we understand there may be circumstances…
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If you claim fuel tax credits, multiple rates may apply to your business activity statement (BAS) that is due in October, depending on when you acquired the fuel. Changes to fuel tax credits occurred on 30 March, 1 July (biodiesel only),1 August, and 29 September 2022. Fuel tax credit rates change regularly. The easiest way to ensure you are using…
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If you’re a sole trader or in a partnership, you may be able to claim the business-use portion of running expenses (the costs incurred using your home’s facilities) and occupancy expenses (what you pay to own or rent your home). For example, Georgia is a sole trader and runs a hairdressing business from her granny…
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Here are 4 things to keep in mind when claiming motor vehicle expenses – such as fuel, oil, servicing and registration – for your business. If you operate your business as a sole trader or partnership (where at least one partner is an individual), the method you must use to calculate your deduction depends on…
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Do you keep track of any business income in your private accounts so that you can report it correctly in your business tax return? We have no concerns with business owners banking their business takings or other sales in private accounts. However, it becomes an issue when this income isn’t reported. A good way to…
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Changes to Queensland’s tax code that will charge investors land tax based on the value of their entire Australian portfolios regardless of location have broad implications for the country’s landlords, particularly those who might previously have been exempt from some taxes. Speaking on a recent edition of The Smart Property Investment Show, a podcast produced…
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You can generally claim a tax deduction for most expenses you incur, as long as: the expense relates directly to earning your business’s assessable income you only claim the business-use portion of an expense that’s for a mix of business and private use you have records to substantiate your claims. You can claim deductions for:…
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In the past, starting a small business was a rarity. In today’s landscape, it’s possible for virtually anyone with the motivation and drive. For many small business owners, the role of Uber driver (or any ridesharing profession) has become a great way to earn a living while being your own boss. Ridesharing, using a personal…
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The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is accusing the state government of treating the property market like a “cash cow” it can milk for profit. The state government announced plans to change existing regulation that sees investors with portfolios split across various states and territories pay less land tax than those with property located…
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hinted that the popular tax-saving measure may return in 2022. The federal government has teased the possibility of extending its popular tax offset ahead of the next election. In a recent interview with The Herald Sun, Prime Minister Scott Morrison played coy when asked whether the current federal government would consider…
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ATO officers will now be expected to explain to taxpayers why their tax refunds are being retained, after laws were passed to extend the commissioner’s discretion to retain refunds where tax obligations have not been fulfilled. The passage of Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Bill 2019 early last year now allows the Tax Commissioner to retain a…
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