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Appointing an SMSF auditor

By WSC Group | Created on September 6, 2023

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.

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NALI provisions did not apply to loan structure

By WSC Group | Created on September 6, 2023

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (‘AAT’) has held that interest income derived by a self-managed superannuation fund (‘SMSF’) as the sole beneficiary of a unit trust was not non-arm’s length income (‘NALI’), and so this income could still be treated as exempt current pension income.

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Different meanings of 'dependant' for superannuation and tax purposes

By WSC Group | Created on September 6, 2023

On a person’s death, their superannuation benefits can only be paid directly to one or more ‘dependants’ as defined for superannuation purposes, unless they are paid to the deceased’s legal personal representative to be distributed in accordance with the deceased’s Will.

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Thinking of subdividing? The tax implications and pitfalls of small-scale subdivisions

By WSC Group | Created on August 10, 2023

You've got a block of land that's perfect for a subdivision. The details have all been worked out with Council, the builders, and the bank. But one important aspect has been left out; the tax implications.

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Succession: What does it take to hand your business to the next generation?

By WSC Group | Created on August 10, 2023

What is the end game for your business? Succession is not just a topic for a TV series or billionaire families, it's about successfully transitioning your business and maximising its capital value for you, the owners.

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Why is my tax refund so small?

By WSC Group | Created on August 10, 2023

There is a psychology to tax refunds that successive Governments have been reticent to tamper with. As a nation, Australia relies heavily on personal and corporate income tax, with personal income tax including taxes on capital gains representing 40% of revenue compared to the OECD average of 24%. And, for the amount we pay, we expect a reward.

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Changes to deductions this tax time

By WSC Group | Created on August 7, 2023

Taxpayers who are small business owners operating from home, or who use a vehicle for business purposes, need to be aware of some changes when claiming deductions this tax time, including the following.

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Lodging of Taxable payments annual reports

By WSC Group | Created on August 7, 2023

TPARs are due on 28 August each year and penalties may apply if they are not lodged on time. Taxpayers can help prepare for their TPAR by keeping records of all contractor payments.

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Reallocation of excess concessional contributions denied

By WSC Group | Created on August 7, 2023

The downsizer contribution concession was introduced to allow older Australians selling an eligible dwelling to make additional contributions into their superannuation fund.

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Downsizer contribution measure eligibility has been extended

By WSC Group | Created on August 7, 2023

The downsizer contribution concession was introduced to allow older Australians selling an eligible dwelling to make additional contributions into their superannuation fund.

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Claiming GST credits for employee expense reimbursements

By WSC Group | Created on August 7, 2023

Employers may be entitled to claim GST input tax credits for payments they have made to reimburse employees for expenses that are directly related to their business activities.

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What changed on 1 July 2023

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

It is critically important that all employers review their payroll systems and ensure they are applying the correct rates and Awards.

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Court penalises AMP $24 million for charging deceased customers

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

The Federal Court has found that four companies that are or were part of the AMP Group breached the law when charging life insurance premiums and advice fees from the superannuation accounts of more than 2,000 deceased customers.

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The 120% technology and skills ‘boost’ deduction

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

The 120% skills and training, and technology costs deduction for small and medium business have passed Parliament. We’ll show you how to take maximise your deductions.

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Minimum annual payments for super income streams

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

The ATO reminds taxpayers that an SMSF must pay a minimum amount each year to a member who is receiving a pension that commenced on or after 20 September 2007 (e.g., account based pensions). If the minimum payment is not made by 30 June, this can result in adverse taxation consequences for the member

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Master’s course fees not deductible as self-education expenses

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (‘AAT’) has held that tuition fees for a public policy master’s course were not deductible, on the basis that the course did not relate to the taxpayer's work as a music teacher.

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Backing a winner: Digital games tax

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

The digital games and interactive entertainment sector is the largest creative sector in the world and one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. The global digital games industry is worth around $250 billion and in Australia, grew 22% between 2020 and 2021 generating $226.5 million in income and employing over 1,300 fulltime workers. And it’s an industry the Government wants to support with a new tax offset.

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The super guarantee rate is increasing

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

Businesses that have employees, or hire eligible contractors, will need to ensure that their payroll and accounting systems are updated to reflect the new super guarantee rate of 11% for payments of salary and wages that are made from 1 July 2023.

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Know your private company loan arrangements before you lodge

By WSC Group | Created on July 4, 2023

The ATO advises taxpayers that, if they or an associate take a loan from their private company, they should not forget the requirements of repaying a private company loan for income tax purposes. Otherwise, they could find the loan treated as a Division 7A deemed dividend and included in their, or their associates', assessable income.

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2023/24 Budget Update

By WSC Group | Created on June 7, 2023

On 9 May 2023, Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the 2023/24 Federal Budget.

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'Side hustles' in the ATO's sights

By WSC Group | Created on June 7, 2023

Editor: A recent ATO article highlights the fact that it is increasingly trying to bring more modern techniques of money-making into its tax net . . .

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ATO ride sourcing data-matching program

By WSC Group | Created on June 7, 2023

The ATO will acquire ride sourcing data relating to approximately 200,000 individuals to identify individuals that may be engaged in providing ride sourcing services during the 2022/23 financial year.

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In the ATO's sights this Tax Time

By WSC Group | Created on June 7, 2023

Within these areas, we have identified common mistakes, and are particularly focused on addressing these and supporting taxpayers and registered tax agents to get their claims right this year.

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ATO advice regarding year-end trustee resolutions

By WSC Group | Created on June 7, 2023

The ATO has advised that, in the lead up to 30 June, trustee clients who wish to make beneficiaries presently entitled to trust income for the 2023 income year should ensure their trustee resolutions are effective.

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‘Only Fans’ Tax Risk Warning

By WSC Group | Created on May 10, 2023

The explosion of Only Fans, YouTubers, TikTokers and others all offer an opportunity for ‘content creators’ to profit from the audiences they generate. But now the Tax Office has given notice to the booming industry.

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$20k Small Business Energy Incentive

By WSC Group | Created on May 10, 2023

In a pre-Budget announcement, the Government has committed to a Small Business Energy Incentive Scheme that offers a bonus tax deduction of up to $20,000.

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ATO Rental Property Blitz

By WSC Group | Created on May 10, 2023

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has launched a full-on assault on rental property owners who incorrectly report income and expenses.

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Start thinking about your FBT obligations

By WSC Group | Created on April 20, 2023

The 2023 FBT year ended on 31 March, so it is now time for employers to get ready to lodge their 2023 FBT returns, where they have provided benefits to their employees (or their associates) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023.

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Right to super to be enshrined in National Employment Standards

By WSC Group | Created on April 20, 2023

The Government has announced that it will enshrine a right to superannuation payments in the National Employment Standards (NES).

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Tips to reduce study and training loan balances

By WSC Group | Created on April 20, 2023

If you have a study and training loan balance (e.g., a HELP debt), it may be worthwhile to consider methods of reducing the balance to ensure you are not left with a large tax bill when your 2023 income tax return is lodged.

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