News & Insights

Working from Home Expenses – PCG 2023/1

On 16 February 2023, the ATO issued Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2023/1 in relation to deductions for working-from-home related expenditure. The PCG is applicable from 1 July 2022. Prior to 1 July 2022, a client had the choice of using either the shortcut method, fixed-rate method or actual expenses incurred

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Time Limits on Indirect Tax Assessments

As we begin another eventful year, it is worth noting that there are specific time limits unique to the application of indirect taxes.  Specific provisions were inserted into the Tax Administration Act (TAA) to reflect the distinctive nature of the indirect tax laws.   The assessment system for indirect tax laws

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The Hidden Trap of Private Company Loan Repayments

If you operate a private company you would have heard of Division 7A and how it applies to loans from private companies.  Section 109R in Division 7A is an integrity measure aimed at targeting ‘non-genuine loan repayments’. In summary, a repayment must be disregarded if a “reasonable person” would conclude

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FBT Exemption for Electric Vehicles

Legislation has recently been passed with regards to making electric vehicles exempt cars (albeit with two Senate amendments). These new rules provide an FBT exemption for electric vehicles made available to employees for private use. This “car fringe benefit” is an exempt benefit if it meets the following conditions: the

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Budget 2022 – 2023

Read our recap of the budget in full detail here. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered the 2022-23 Federal Budget on 29 March 2022. Whilst there are still clouds of uncertainty, both globally and locally, this year’s budget moves on from the emergency response of the last two federal budgets, as the

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Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment – WA

Services Australia (previously known as Centrelink) have recently announced a support payment for individuals who cannot work as a result of self-isolation due to COVID-19. The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a payment of $750 for each 7 day period where you have been told to self-isolate or quarantine due

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Director identification number (director ID)

From November 2021, all company directors will be required by law to verify their identity as part of a new director identification number requirement (director ID). This has been introduced to prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities. The director ID confirms your identity and traces your relationships

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Tax Implications of Christmas Parties and Gifts

With Christmas just around the corner, employers are planning their Christmas party and Christmas gifts to employees. With careful consideration given to Income Tax and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) law, employers may be able to successfully mitigate fringe benefits tax payable and / or gain an income tax deduction. The

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Does my SMSF need to be audited?

Sigh… this is the response we get when introducing ourselves as the auditor of the SMSF from both trustees and administrators. “What is the point?” “I already pay an accountant or advisor to look after my SMSF” and “Where is the value?” are usually the next comments. This article will

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Product line presented on shelves in a pharmacy

Deciding whether to divest poor performers

Poor performing products or services can be a serious detriment to your business, diverting valuable resources and finances from more successful ventures and pulling down the overall profitability of your entire business. So knowing when to pull the plug on a poor performing product or service is important. Some signs

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How to increase your profit margins

Many business owners think you need to increase sales to make more money. But often this is the more difficult path. A minimal increase to your profit margin can have a much more profound effect. Watch our video How to improve your business profitability to explore why this is the

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Computer with accounting records

Accrual vs Cash Accounting: which method should you use?

There are two types of accounting methods accrual and cash accounting. Which type your company uses can have a major impact on the total revenue and expenses that appear in your financial reports. Typically cash-basis accounting is used by smaller businesses who prioritise simplicity. Using cash-basis accounting a company records

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Depreciation game changes for residential investment properties

Last week marked the biggest change to depreciation legislation in 15 years. As part of the government’s efforts to claw back negative gearing parliament passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Tax Integrity bill) into legislation. This legislation means that you can no longer claim income tax depreciation for plant and

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Product lines…how much profit is enough?

In my work advising business owners I’m often asked the following question – “how much profit should I be making?” Or to put it another way, “how much profit is enough?” Often a business owner will advise me that they’re making a certain gross profit margin (GP margin) or certain

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Two Proven Strategies to Increase Sales

In my work dealing with business owners, I’m often asked how to increase sales. Often, lifting sales can be viewed as too daunting, particularly if your current sales are already significant. I think this is because people don’t often break sales down into its component parts. Invariably I focus on

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Corporate beneficiaries: the complete story

Corporate beneficiaries are a popular and effective strategy for delaying tax. However if you use a corporate beneficiary it’s important that you remember just that; it is a delaying strategy. Recently I have noticed a number of new clients telling me that their previous accountant saved them a fortune through

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Strategy implementation: 6 reasons why it doesn’t happen

Formulating a strategy for your business means defining and setting your business’ mission, objectives or goals, and stating how you plan to achieve them. But while many organisations commit time and money to formulate great strategies, they often fail to turn ambition into reality. If the execution or implementation of

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