Blog
Ride-Sourcing is 'Taxi Travel'
In a recent case, the Federal Court has agreed with the ATO that 'ride-sourcing' (such as that provided using Uber) is 'taxi travel' within the meaning of the GST law. The ATO has advised people who are taking up ride-sourcing to earn income should: - Keep records - Have an Australian bu ..
Deductibility of expenditure on a commercial website
The ATO has released a public taxation ruling covering the ATO’s views on the deductibility of expenditure incurred in acquiring, developing, maintaining or modifying a website for use in the carrying on of a business. Importantly, if the expenditure is incurred in maintaining a website, ..
ATO Data Matching Programs Activated
The ATO has announced that it will be undertaking the following two data matching programs. Ride Sourcing data matching program The Ride Sourcing (E.g. Uber) data matching program has been developed to address the compliance risk of the registration, lodgement and reporting of busines ..
Changes to the ‘Backpacker Tax’
From 1 January 2017, tax rates changed for working holiday makers who are in Australia on a 417 or 462 visa (these rates are known as ‘working holiday maker tax rates'). If a business employs a working holiday maker in Australia on a 417 or 462 visa, from 1 January 2017, they should withh ..
ATO Data Matching Programs
The ATO has announced it is embarking on the following three (major) data matching programs. Share transactions data matching program The share transactions data matching program has been conducted since 2006 to ensure compliance with taxation obligations on the disposal of shares and sim ..
Superannuation changes passed by Parliament
The government's extensive changes to the taxation laws regarding superannuation were passed by Parliament on 23 November 2016. According to the Treasurer, Mr Scott Morrison: "The superannuation reform package better targets tax concessions to make our superannuation system fair and sustainab ..
Personal income tax cuts are law
The government has finally legislated the tax cuts originally announced in the May 2016 Budget, t he following are the rates for adult residents for the 2016/17 income year (i.e., from 1 July 2016). Taxable income Tax on this income 0 – $18,200 ..
ATO Warning for the Building and Construction Industry
The ATO has reported that the building and construction industry represents a disproportionate amount of its debt book, and has identified worrying trends that affect the industry. Clients in the industry are encouraged to contact their tax agents regarding outstanding debts, as the ATO ma ..
Government 'Backflip' on Superannuation Changes
Following further consultation, the government has announced the following 'improvements' to the superannuation changes announced in the 2016/17 Budget: - The $500,000 lifetime non-concessional cap will be replaced by a new measure to reduce the existing annual non-concessional contribution ..
Fallout from 'Panama Papers' Spreads
Earlier in the year, we reported that an unknown source had leaked 11.5 million documents from the Panamanian law firm of Mossack Fonseca – these are now referred to as the 'Panama Papers'. Basically, the documents illustrated how many wealthy individuals are hiding their money and income from ..
Recent Posts
- ATO watching for foreign income this Tax Time
- "Outrageous" deductions rejected
- ATO guidance regarding incorrect ENCC determinations
- The ATO hits the road
- Motor vehicle registries data matching program protocol
- ATO guidance regarding 'downsizer contributions'
- ATO Updates
- Company loans to shareholders under review
- Scammers impersonating tax agents
- Expansion of the TPRS