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 […]
Cryptocurrency Data Matching Program
The ATO is collecting bulk records from Australian cryptocurrency designated service providers (‘DSPs’) as part of a Cryptocurrency Data Matching Program to ensure people trading in cryptocurrency are paying the right amount of tax, and correctly meeting their tax (and superannuation) obligations. The ATO will collect data from cryptocurrency DSPs to identify individuals or businesses […]
Tax Office to Double Audits of ‘Dodgy’ Rental Deductions
Rental property owners are being warned to ensure their claims are correct this tax time, as the ATO has announced it will double the number of audits scrutinising rental deductions, with a specific focus on: over-claimed interest; capital works claimed as repairs; incorrect apportionment of expenses for holiday homes let out to others; and omitted […]
How Does Capital Gains Tax Work?
Capital gains tax is the tax paid on the gain of the sale of a capital asset. Capital assets such as real estate or shares, when sold, need to be declared in your tax return. The gain or loss is determined by the selling price of the asset less the purchase price. If there is […]
How to Get the Most Out of Your Day
Time Management & Self-Management is extremely important to ensure you are getting the most out of your day. Whether it be at work or home, you can apply the same principles to be your best version of YOU every day. There are a few ways you can get the most out of your day […]
New Year Goals…
With the festive season done and dusted for another year, you may find yourself motivated about getting your priorities right and looking at new year goals. If you’re working for yourself or simply just like to be organised for the end of financial year ahead, take this opportunity to de-clutter and organise that chaos! Here […]
The Work Christmas Party
It’s not quite Christmas time yet, but most businesses will be in the process of thinking ahead to the yuletide festivities, if not already into well-advanced planning. One of the perennial questions is if and how fringe benefits tax applies to these activities. There is no separate fringe benefits tax (FBT) category for Christmas parties […]