When trust distributions to a company are left unpaid

When trust distributions to a company are left unpaid

What happens when a trust appoints income to a private company beneficiary but does not actually make the payment?  The tax treatment of this unpaid amount was at the centre of a recent case before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) that saw a taxpayer...
Fixed-term employment contracts limited to 2 years

Fixed-term employment contracts limited to 2 years

From 6 December 2023, employers can no longer employ an employee on a fixed-term contract that: is for 2 or more years (including extensions) may be extended more than once, or is a new contract: that is for the same or a substantially similar role as previous...
When is food GST-free?

When is food GST-free?

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...
Warning: Redrawing investment property loans

Warning: Redrawing investment property loans

The ATO estimates that incorrect reporting of rental property income and expenses is costing around $1 billion each year in forgone tax revenue. A big part of the problem is how taxpayers are claiming interest on their investment property loans.  We’ve seen an...
$20k deduction for ‘electrifying’ your business

$20k deduction for ‘electrifying’ your business

Electricity is the new black. Gas and other fossil fuels are out. A new, limited incentive nudges business towards energy efficiency. We show you how to maximise the deduction! The small business energy incentive is the latest measure providing a bonus tax deduction...
 The ‘Airbnb’ Tax

 The ‘Airbnb’ Tax

Property investors that choose to utilise their property for short-term stays (or leave it vacant) are firmly in the sights of the regulators.  The Victorian Government’s recent Housing Statement announced Australia’s first short-stay property tax. The additional...