Epoch News

The Fringe Benefits Tax year (FBT) ends on 31 March. We explore the problem areas likely to attract the ATO's attention.   Electric vehicles causing sparks In late 2022, the Government introduced a concession that enables employers to provide some electric...

It's not uncommon for business owners to pour their money into a business to get it up and running and to sustain it until it can survive on its own. A recent case highlights the dangers of taking money out of a company without carefully considering the tax...

Just because an agreement states that a worker is an independent contractor, this does not mean that they are a contractor for tax and superannuation purposes, new guidance from the ATO warns.  Where there is a written contract, the rights and obligations of the...

A recent case before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) highlights the importance of ensuring that the evidence supports the tax position you are taking.  The case involves heritage farmland originally purchased for $1.6m that sold seven years later for...

The personal income tax cuts legislated to commence on 1 July 2024 will be realigned and redistributed under a proposal released by the Federal Government. After much speculation, the Prime Minister has announced that the Government will amend the legislated Stage 3...

A decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has the tax world in a flurry after the Tribunal found in favour of a taxpayer who sold the apartment she lived in for a loss, then claimed the $265,935 loss in her tax return as a deduction. In this case, the taxpayer...

Uncertainty has reigned over the last few years, but can we expect more consistency as we head into 2024? We explore some of the key issues and influences. Inflation and labour supply RBA Governor Michelle Bullock stated, "Inflation is past its peak and heading in the...

Don't want to pay tax on Christmas? Here are our top tips to avoid giving the Australian Tax Office a bonus this festive season.   1. Keep team gifts spontaneous $300 is the minor benefit threshold for FBT, so anything at or above this level will mean that...

The ATO estimates that incorrect reporting of rental property income and expenses costs around $1 billion yearly in forgone tax revenue. A big part of the problem is how taxpayers claim interest on their investment property loans.  We've seen an uptick in ATO activity...

Chobani plain yoghurt is GST-free, but Chobani's 'flip' range is taxable? A recent case before the AAT demonstrates how fine the dividing line is between GST-free and taxable foods. Back in 2000, when the Goods & Services Tax (GST) was first introduced, basic food...