NOVEMBER 2020
Introduced with the Federal Budget, the “full expensing” 100% write-off of eligible business assets is a welcome measure that many business owners may want to take advantage of. Also, with the extension to the JobKeeper scheme, a set of alternative decline in turnover tests are now available, should a business not fit the general patterns of business activity.
We also look at property transactions and the payment of GST on settlement, and remind taxpayers that although the ATO’s auditing activity had taken a back seat during the worst of the COVID-19 crisis, there is reason to expect that this will be taken up again very soon.
DECEMBER 2020
The loss carry back measure introduced in the 2020 Federal Budget can be a very helpful COVID-recovery option. We run over the details. But if the COVID wash-up means you need to call time-out on your business, there are some important facts to know here as well.
We also look at interest deductions available for rental properties, a development in the CGT rules around active assets and vacant land, and a tightening of compliance in regard to SMSF audits.
OCTOBER 2020
The JobKeeper scheme has been extended, and there are some important changes that participants will need to know.
In good news, the treatment of JobKeeper income has been clarified.
We also look at two further data matching programs that have been launched, smooth concerns some may have had over the easing of loan repayment demands due to COVID-19, and check on the state-by-state treatment of the electronic signing of official documents.
BUDGET 2020 - 2021
We all understand that budgets are an exercise in predicting the future. Given what has happened in 2020, gazing into the crystal ball and extracting something reliable is fraught with difficulty.
Extensions to the tax rate thresholds will give millions of taxpayers on lower incomes a much-needed boost after a very challenging year. The temporary full expensing of capital assets sets a new mark. Yet this benefit will be limited to those businesses that are back operating at a good capacity and do have enough capital to buy these assets. The willingness of banks to lend for this purpose will be critical.
Many businesses will seek to use the temporary loss carry-back measures that allow companies with turnover of up to $5 billion to offset losses against previous profits on which tax has been paid. Meanwhile, increasing the small business entity threshold from $10 million to $50 million is a significant and unexpected measure that will be beneficial to about 20,000 businesses.
AUGUST 2020
The JobKeeper payment, which was originally due to run until 27 September, will now continue to be available until 28 March 2021. There will however be some changes to eligibility, as well as a tightening of payment rates. We run through the details.
We also reveal a largely unforeseen danger for insurance cover in the early release of super scheme, and look at the unfamiliar territory, from a tax point of view, that COVID-19 has put property investors.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Payments such as JobKeeper and the cash flow boost are measures welcomed by many, however they can also bring with them some unique taxation issues. We run over what to look for.
Also tackled are claiming tax losses, where vehicles stand in relation to the boosted instant asset write off, the question of liquidity and trusts under COVID-19 conditions, and how SMSFs can best cope with the outcomes from rental relief support measures.
JUNE 2020
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The COVID-19 period in everyone’s life continues, and as time goes by more issues keep arising regarding certain tax matters. One such issue, which the ATO has realised may be a concern, is the changed rental property market, and the deductions for expenses that are and are not available. |
JULY 2020
Despite the current COVID-19 constraints, completing your tax return remains a task we can help achieve to your best advantage. We look at some tax tips for the current tax lodgement period. There is also some good news on the instant asset write-off, and a timely reminder about the importance of being covered against cyber crime.
The requirement for corporate entities to hold general meetings has been helped along by allowing this to be completed remotely, and we also remind relevant taxpayers that varying of instalments, if need be, can help you out of a tight spot.
APRIL 2020
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The overwhelming issue of the day is of course the coronavirus. The government's stimulus package launched in response to the crisis is welcome. We spell out what this means for different taxpayers, and how the measures will work. |
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Also in this issue we examine the superannuation guarantee amnesty, an interesting quirk of the FBT rules regarding e-bikes, and the important choice of trustees with an SMSF. |
MAY 2020
The dominating factor in all our lives at the moment is of course COVID-19. We look at issues that may change the normal deductions taxpayers can make for working from home, plus examine details of the new JobKeeper scheme that both employers and employees will need to know.
There is also the early release from superannuation option that may help many people get through this difficult period, and the temporary changes to the instant asset write-off rules, as well as accelerated depreciation, that are available now.
FEBRUARY 2020
The bushfire season has highlighted the very central importance that volunteers play in Australia, but along with these essential roles there can also be tax outcomes to consider.
We also sketch out the essentials to know about the First Home Super Saver scheme, succession planning for family businesses, and the possible tax offsets available in the superannuation arena. Discretional trust distributions are also briefly explained.
MARCH 2020
If you own certain high-end assets, it may be prudent to make sure your tax affairs are in order. The ATO has asked dozens of insurance companies for policy details over certain asset values to check up on these taxpayers’ tax obligations.
We also look at the realities of accessing some of your retirement savings early, and examine the sorts of expenses you can claim when an investment property is damaged or destroyed. There is also a new obligation regarding CGT when selling taxable property, and we also have a warning about staying safe online.