Wishing to apply for a Home loan?

What items do you need to organise before attending a loan appointment? Most lenders tend to have similar processes to enable assessing client’s loan applications. As a result, leads to similar original documents being proved to enable the loan application process is not stalled, once lodged. The following lists are a starting guide for gathering … Continued

Small Business Superannuation Clearing House(SBSCH) Update

ATO’s Business Portal New System: (SBSCH) On 26 February, the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) service will be available through ATO’s online services Business Portal. To manage the transition, the SBSCH will be unavailable from Tuesday, 20 February 2018 to Sunday, 25 February 2018 inclusive. During this time ATO will be transferring your data across to the new … Continued

Choosing Between a Mortgage Broker and a Bank

Banks are everywhere.. Why not go straight to a bank? Of course, you can go to a bank, but this can be more difficult than it sounds. Australia is indeed the lucky country.  We are blessed for choice when it comes to the amount of competition that exists across the mortgage market.  With so many … Continued

Do depreciation deductions apply to you?

Owners of income producing properties are eligible to claim tax deductions for a number of expenses involved in holding a property. Most investors are aware of some of the deductions they are entitled to; for example, they know they can claim their Property Manager’s fees, council rates and any repairs and maintenance costs. However, all … Continued

Rental property deduction restrictions: 2017 Budget

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

Fringe Benefits Tax – Christmas Parties

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

Judge Lending Professionals

The truth about getting a loan by an owner of a small business versus an employee Small Business is reported as the back bone and employer of so many Australians in our Cities and Regional areas. Though they do not get the same benefits employees receive in the pursuit of income analysis. Good or bad, … Continued

NSW Payroll Tax Rebate – Jobs Action Plan

Is your business currently looking for new hires? Did you know that there is an NSW government initiative designed to encourage NSW businesses to hire employees & grow?  So if you’re planning to hire a new employee, you might want to check out this article so your business won’t be missing out on up to … Continued

What is Loss Aversion Fallacy?

Sometimes it’s good to lose Many investors have thought to themselves; “if I never realise a paper loss I never really lose, I’ll just wait until the market improves and then sell my shares/fund/house”- not so fast, if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking this you may have fallen victim to what’s known as the ‘Loss … Continued

Financial Broker…Redefined

Reported interest rates are at all-time lows in Australia: What should borrowers consider? Many do not know enough to make an informed decision – stay or leave. When do I have time to sort through the large information source? A Finance Broker is knowledgeable in these areas and can easily organize the required information a … Continued

Treasury Laws Amendment Bill impact property investors

Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2017 On the 7th of September 2017, Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Tax Integrity) Bill 2017 was introduced into parliament. It included legislation changes which will negatively affect residential property investors across Australia. Announced in the 2017 Federal Budget, the amendment denies tax deductions for the decline in value of‘previously used’ depreciating … Continued

Planning on buying that dream house?

So, you’re looking to purchase a house, this could be your largest purchase to date for either a place to call home or an investment property. The pathway ahead can be very tiring and confusing for you as the journey to home ownership begins. Good thing there are local Financial Advisers who can alleviate some … Continued

Protect Yourself From Illegal Activity

Illegal phoenix activity is a serious crime and may result in company officers (directors and secretaries) being imprisoned. It affects hundreds of Australian workers every year.  Employees are usually left with unpaid wages and entitlements and creditors are left with nothing but debt. This activity is becoming alarming now because it’s been reported that phoenixing … Continued

Complete Stress-Free Retirement Checklist

Before you retire you’re going to want to make sure you’ve everything taken care of. Here is a retirement checklist to help you plan and enjoy your retirement. Keyword(s): Retirement checklist With stark warnings that many Australians aren’t saving enough for their retirement, a proper retirement checklist could help you avoid the pitfalls and plan ahead. You’ve … Continued

Crackdown On Employer Non-Compliance

The Turnbull Government announced that they will provide the ATO with additional funding for a Superannuation Guarantee Taskforce. The taskforce will crackdown on employer non-compliance. The ATO released a media statement on 29 August that the super guarantee gap for the 2014-15 year is estimated to be $2.85 billion, which represents 5.2% of the total … Continued

First Home Super Saver Scheme – Draft Legislation

Are you sick and tired of paying your rent that makes your landlord rich and does nothing for your future? Thinking of buying your first home but you don’t have the money for a home deposit yet? We have good news for you! The Australian government has announced the First Home Super Saver Scheme in … Continued

5 Smart Ways to Invest Your Company Tax Return

Expecting a large company tax return? This is a great opportunity to re-invest in your business. Here are 5 ways you can use your return to deliver results. As with any investment, the more you put into your small business, the greater the output will be. That’s why it’s important to think carefully about where you … Continued

Is now the right time to be investing in property?

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 Judge in conjunction with Capital Property Advisers, will provide an insight on what drives demand in their particular … Continued

Federal Budget Update 2017

2017 Federal Budget Analysis

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

family-protection

Getting more from your 30s and 40s

If you’re in your thirties or forties, chances are you’re juggling a career, kids, a mortgage and home improvements – yet amongst these financial responsibilities lie opportunities to get more from your money, according to Matthew McCabe* from Judge Financial Planning. “It’s common to feel stretched at this stage of life with seemingly endless bills … Continued

Tips for a smarter Will

Get a smart Will

As the saying goes where there’s a Will there’s a way! When it comes to leaving things for your family it needs to be a smart Will, otherwise, the tax man could end up being your largest beneficiary. “Family succession planning is a strategy to control the way your estate is passed onto your beneficiaries … Continued