Latest News
ATO warns about barter credit tax scheme
The ATO is warning the community to steer clear of an emerging tax scheme involving barter credits — a type of alternative currency used in some business networks. A tax scheme that involves artificially inflating deductions for donations of barter credits to deductible gift recipients (‘DGRs’) is on the rise. While it may seem enticing, […]
ATO’s new approach to holiday home expenses
The ATO has announced that it will take a somewhat different approach in relation to holiday home expenses that are claimed in relation to holiday homes. Broadly, the ATO now takes the view that, if a taxpayer’s rental property is also their holiday home, certain deductions relating to holding it will be completely denied (rather […]
Australians call out tax dodgers in record numbers
The ATO has hit a major milestone of over 300,000 tip-offs from the community about tax dodgers and other dishonest behaviours since 1 July 2019. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, almost 50,000 red flags were raised by members of the community who spotted something suspicious. Most of the tip-offs received related to shadow economy […]
Dental expenses are private expenses
The ATO has been seeing a number of deduction claims for dental expenses this tax time. Dental expenses are private expenses, including preventative and necessary dental treatment, medical expenses and other costs relating to client’s personal appearance (such as teeth whitening, makeup, skin care, shaving products and haircuts) are not deductible. These expenses are generally […]
Reminder of December 2025 Quarter Superannuation Guarantee (‘SG’)
As noted in the previous article, employee December 2025 Quarter Superannuation Guarantee must be received by the relevant super funds by 28 January 2026. If the correct amount of SG is not paid by an employer on time, they will be liable to pay the SG charge, which includes a penalty and interest component. […]
Alternative providers to the SBSCH
Employers should start preparing for the permanent closure of the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (‘SBSCH’) on 1 July 2026. By acting now to find an alternative service, employers will: have an established process in place to pay super guarantee (‘SG’) for the March and June quarters (if they currently pay quarterly); reduce the risk […]
ATO Reviews and Audits
A tax review or audit is an examination of your affairs we conduct to see if you have done what you are required to do under the tax and superannuation laws, including whether you: Have declared all the assessable income you receive Are entitled to the deductions and tax offsets you have claimed on your […]
Record Keeping
The Australian tax system relies on taxpayers self-assessing. This means that you are responsible for your own record keeping and working out how much you can declare and claim as a deduction on your tax return. You also need to be able to show how you arrived at these figures, in some cases you may […]
Dealing With Disasters
If you have been affected by a disaster, such as a flood, bushfire or storm, don’t worry about your tax affairs right away. The ATO will give you time to deal with your more immediate problems first and then we can help you to sort out your tax affairs later. More time to lodge, pay and […]
Deceased Estates: A Brief Guide to Tying up the Loose Ends
After a person dies, and the usual arrangements are completed, there will come a time when other matters, such as tax and superannuation issues, must be looked after. The person who takes on the responsibility for administering a deceased estate is commonly referred to as the executor, but could also be known as an administrator […]
Federal Budget 2017 – 2018
Federal Budget Summary The Budget announcements contain a suite of tax and superannuation measures aimed at increasing housing stock and improving house affordability. While the government has not gone close to clamping down on the political and social hot potato of negative gearing, it has taken some steps to restrict the travel expense and depreciation […]
Taxation of Foreign Income Derived by Australian Residents
Under Australia’s taxation regime, resident taxpayers are subject to income tax on both income derived in Australia and on foreign sourced income. As a general rule, where foreign income is derived by an Australian resident, the gross amount (including any foreign tax paid on the income) must be included as assessable income. A foreign income […]