Avoid a tax time shock Individual taxpayers can take the following steps right now to ensure the correct amount of tax is being put aside throughout the year: let their employer know if they have a study or training support loan, such as a HECS or HELP debt; check they are only claiming the tax-free threshold from one employer; consider whether the Medicare Levy Surcharge may affect them this financial…  Read more

ATO’s tips for correctly claiming deductions for rental properties Taxpayers who have work done on their rental property should consider the following factors in determining claims for expenses. Repairs and general maintenance are expenses for work done to remedy or prevent defects, damage or deterioration from using the property to earn income.  These expenses can be claimed in the year the expense occurred. Initial repairs include any work done to…  Read more

Appointing an SMSF suditor The ATO reminds SMSF trustees that they need to appoint an approved SMSF auditor for each income year, no later than 45 days before they need to lodge their SMSF annual return. An SMSF’s audit must be finalised before the trustees lodge their SMSF annual return, as the trustees will need some information from the audit report to complete the annual return. An SMSF’s auditor is…  Read more

ATO warning to SMSFs: “Paying the price for non-compliance” There are various courses of action available to the ATO when trustees of self-managed super funds (‘SMSFs’) have not complied with the super laws, including applying administrative penalties. A number of factors determine the amount of the administrative penalty, including: the type of contravention; when it occurred; and the number of penalty units that apply. For example, if an SMSF contravenes…  Read more

Director ID deadline is approaching The Government has launched an awareness campaign to help company directors get their director identification number (‘director ID’) as the 30 November deadline approaches. A director ID is a unique 15‑digit identifier that a company director will apply for once and keep forever.  Director IDs are administered by the Australian Business Registry Services (‘ABRS’), which is managed by the ATO. All directors of companies registered…  Read more

Photo By Scott Graham Banking business income to a private account The ATO has stated that it has “no concerns” with business owners banking their business takings or other sales in private accounts, but that this may become an issue when this income isn’t reported. Therefore, the ATO notes that a good way to avoid this problem is to establish a separate business bank account and only deposit sales and…  Read more

Photo By Headway More COVID-19 business grants are now tax-free The Federal Government has expanded the list of State and Territory COVID-19 grant programs that may be tax-free to eligible businesses. A State or Territory Government COVID-19 grant payment will generally be tax-free if: the payment is received under a grant program that is formally declared to be an eligible program; the recipient carried on a business and had an…  Read more

This year’s Federal Budget cost-of-living relief, job growth and women’s security. The key measures that you should be aware of as an SMSF trustee are outlined below. Should you wish to discuss how these may impact your personal circumstances or retirement plans please contact me to arrange a time to chat.   Extension of the temporary reduction in superannuation minimum draw down rates The Government has extended the 50 per…  Read more

Regardless of the size of your superannuation benefits, it is vital that you sort out your estate plans to ensure that you have a well prepared estate plan so that the right assets go to the right beneficiaries.  You need to make sure that you get holistic estate planning advice and have arrangements in place to review your estate plans regularly. Estate plans are not to be set and forgotten.…  Read more

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis are causing significant financial distress for many businesses and individuals. If your SMSF has a related party loan and is impacted due to the financial effects of COVID-19, you may be able to provide your LRBA with relief under an agreed commercial arrangement. Ordinarily, not paying market interest rates in an SMSF is usually a breach of superannuation laws. However, the ATO have…  Read more

An SMSF is not for every client, even if they do have a significant amount to invest. Factors such as their financial literacy, understanding of the legal, taxation and other requirements, available time and general interest are all things to be considered. SMSF trustees need to understand the obligations associated with undertaking the role. Do you? Obligations with which SMSF trustees must comply under superannuation and taxation laws include: Sole…  Read more

Despite well formulated investment strategies and appropriate investment advice, no trustee could have foreseen the impacts of COVID-19 on financial markets globally. Whilst history suggests that a strong recovery is likely within a relatively short period after large market corrections, it is still too early to know the impact of COVID-19 on members’ retirement plans. If your SMSF has experienced some negative returns, there may be an opportunity to ensure…  Read more

We’ve done it again! Petra has been shortlisted for the Australian Accounting Awards 2020, named as a finalist in the Australian Accounting Awards for Superannuation Specialist category. Accountants Daily’s Australian Accounting Awards showcases the industry’s most prestigious accolades recognising excellence across the entire accounting industry. The awards pinpoint professional development and innovation, showcasing both the individuals and firms which are leading the way in the industry.   Award recipients represent…  Read more

Whilst generally SMSF cannot acquire assets from related parties, there are some exceptions. SMSF can buy property from yourself, but strict rules apply: It must be a business real (commercial) property. The property must be used wholly and exclusively in one or more businesses (not necessarily in your business). Being zone for business use is not enough. The property must be transferred at market value. If your SMSF pays less…  Read more

Can your SMSF borrow? The technical answer is no, however, since 2007 they are allowed to enter into limited recourse borrowing arrangements. If done right, and if you considered your investment strategy, the risks that come with borrowing, the sole purpose of your fund, then they can really help you get ahead. You should always start with reading your deed and considering what you are trying to achieve. Just because…  Read more

Have you moved between the jobs? Chances are that you have several superannuation accounts and don’t know what you should do about it… or in fact, you haven’t given it a second thought…there is also a very good chance, you have lost super that you are no longer aware of… The thing is, the more superannuation accounts (funds) you have, the more sets of fees you pay. Paying these additional…  Read more

What is Division 293 tax? Division 293 tax is the tax paid by high income individuals. It reduces the super tax concession they receive. Since 1 July 2012, high income earners are generally liable to pay Division 293 tax if their income for surcharge purposes (disregarding their reportable super contributions) and their low-tax contributions are greater than $300,000. This is to reduce the tax concession received on concessional contributions from 30%…  Read more