As we approach the Christmas period, it is common for many Australian SMEs to provide Christmas parties and gifts to employees and clients, but many businesses make the mistake of thinking these costs are automatically tax-deductible. Christmas parties A Christmas party is considered ‘entertainment’ and in many cases is subject to fringe benefits tax (FBT). … Continued
A recent report by Rice Warner comprehensively evaluates the comparative costs of running a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) versus an Australian Prudential Regulation Authority fund (APRA). Firstly, let’s take a look at what each fund is and how they’re set up. A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is a type of private super fund (a trust) … Continued
Are you aware of the adjustments to JobKeeper and how they affect you? As many of you are aware, the Government recently announced that JobKeeper payments will be extended until 28 March 2021, with payments being made over two separate extension periods. The extension periods are: Extension period 1, which covers the seven new JobKeeper … Continued
As anticipated, the Government has announced an extension to its two major stimulus programs; JobKeeper and JobSeeker, to ensure support is provided after 30 September when the programs were originally due to expire. The current extensions to the programs are as follows: JobKeeper Extension: JobKeeper has now been extended till 28 March 2021 – with … Continued
Are you one of more than 800,000 Australians who have opted to defer repaying your home loan due to the COVID-19 pandemic? The deadline to resume mortgage payments is fast approaching. Your lender may have contacted you to ask if you are able to recommence paying your loan at the end of the six-month deferral … Continued
It has been a tough year for most small business owners with many of you forced to shut doors due to COVID-19. As restrictions ease and we adjust to current conditions, you may be wondering what trade looks like for your business on the other side of this calamity? Under the new Small Business Recovery … Continued
You may have heard about the new Government HomeBuilder Stimulus package and be wondering if you could benefit? HomeBuilder provides eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. HomeBuilder will assist the residential construction market by encouraging the commencement of new … Continued
The Government has announced a second round of stimulus that is significantly larger than what was proposed two weeks ago, to assist businesses through the economic shocks of COVID-19. The measures currently in place are as follows: Boosting Cash Flow for Employers This stimulus measure has been enhanced with eligible businesses now able to receive … Continued
One of the most common mistakes made by property investors when completing their annual tax return is confusing repairs, maintenance and improvements. It’s important to understand and distinguish each deduction in order to correctly lodge your claim and maximise your tax refund. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), repairs are considered work completed to … Continued
Partial year depreciation deductions can boost your cashflow. If you haven’t owned your investment property for a full year you can still claim depreciation deductions this tax time. Investors can claim pro-rata depreciation deductions for the period their property is rented out or is genuinely available for rent. That is, the property is given broad … Continued
Shared assets in strata title lucrative for investors A strata title is used when individuals own part of a property usually called a ‘lot’. This is generally an apartment, unit or townhouse complex which shares ownership of common property including driveways, foyers and gardens. The ownerships are combined through a legal entity called the owners … Continued
There are a number of factors that determine the cost of an insurance policy. A cheap life insurance or income protection insurance policy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an inferior one, and by the same token, the most expensive policy may not be the best to suit your needs. The price of an insurance policy is … Continued
Personal Income Tax Changes The Government will introduce a seven-year, three-step, Personal Income Tax Plan as follows: A small additional tax offset of up to $530 that you will receive when you lodge your 2019 Income Tax Return (and future tax returns). Taxpayers with taxable incomes under $125,334 will be eligible. From 1 July 2018, … Continued
We are now on the final quarter of the financial year, we should be starting to plan and prepare for the upcoming year end! A lot of changes are happening on the upcoming 2018 financial year. This brief article will list down some changes that will impact tax practitioners, advisers and the clients during the … Continued
As part of the Government’s agenda to facilitate affordable housing, the Budget will be implemented starting on 1 July 2017. It proposes removal of a number of deductions in relation to investment properties. The Housing Tax Integrity Bill amends the ITAA 1997 to implement 2 measures announced in the 2017-18 Federal Budget. Firstly, denying deductions for … Continued
One thing that some businesses forget to consider is, if they will need to pay Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is a tax payable by employers for benefits paid to an employee (or an employee’s associate e.g. a family member) in place of salary or wages. Here are some tips and tax … Continued
First home savers, downsizers and small business are the winners in Treasurer Scott Morrison’s second Budget – while taxpayers face an increase in the Medicare levy. Note: These changes are proposals only and may or may not be made law Superannuation Contributions from downsizing the home Date of effect: 1 July 2018 Individuals aged 65 … Continued
The Turnbull Government is set to deliver the Federal Budget on Tuesday 9th May 2017, which will outline the economic and fiscal outlook for Australia. It will illustrate the Government’s social and political priorities, and how the Government intends to achieve these. Judge Accounting & Judge Financial Planning will be holding a briefing to support … Continued
From 1 July 2017, a ‘transfer balance cap’ of $1.6 million will be introduced that limits the amount that can be held in the retirement (pension) phase of super. You currently exceed this limit so it’s important that we meet to discuss your options which may include transferring some of your pension money back to … Continued
On 1 July 2017, some rule changes come into effect that may impact your ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) strategy. The tax rate payable on earnings from investments held in a TTR pension will increase from 0% to a maximum of 15%. Also, the annual cap on concessionally taxed super contributions will reduce to $25,000. It’s … Continued
On 1 July 2017, some rule changes will come into effect that may impact your retirement strategy and possibly the contributions you make into superannuation. The cap on concessional (pre-tax) super contributions will reduce from $30,000 pa or $35,000 pa (depending on age) to $25,000 pa. The cap on non-concessional (after-tax) super contributions will reduce … Continued
The changes to super and tax laws proposed in this year’s federal budget, then revised and adjusted by the government in September, have been passed through Parliament and are mostly due to take effect from July 1, 2017. That means that you have until July to consider if there is any action you should take … Continued
When it comes to markets, the basics are supply and demand, however these all-encompassing terms are nuanced. Depending on your location or property type, the factors that drive demand can be wide and varied. The team at ‘Herron Todd White’ provide an insight on what drives demand in their particular patches. Sydney The factors that … Continued
Judge Accountants Federal Budget Update The 2016 Budget was always going to be interesting. On one hand, the Government wished to use this Budget as their policy platform for the coming election and on the other hand, a budget deficit exists that needs to eventually be reduced. We have a summary of the budget on our … Continued