Blog

Have you missed work/closed your business due to getting tested for COVID or due to the isolation periods that come after this test? There may be a solution for you, as the state government of Victoria have announced a COVID-19 $450 Test Isolation Payment. To be eligible for this payment you will need to be: Over the age of 17; and Have been tested for COVID-19 or are the carer of someone who has been tested for COVID-19; and Currently…

This article outlines the tax and financial reporting implications for a Significant Global Entity. What is a Significant Global Entity? An Australian entity is a Significant Global Entity (SGE) if the entity is a global parent entity or a member of a group of entities with a worldwide consolidated revenue of A$1 billion or more. The SGE concept was expanded by the Treasury Laws Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) Act 2020 applicable for income years commencing on or after 1…

Please find below a quick guide into the amendments to the Victorian Rental Tenancies Act from 29 March 2021. The changes affect any new tenancy agreements commencing after 29 March 2021 or a current fixed term agreement that is rolled-over after this date. The most important steps a Landlord should undertake from 29 March 2021 is to review if their current property manager is up to date with the changes and to investigate taking up or reviewing their current Landlord…

This article outlines some of the major benefits and key developments over the last year concerning COVID-19 and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). For the lodgement of your businesses FBT returns please note the following important dates: Employers providing motor vehicle benefits need to take the odometer reading on the 31st March 2021. If the FBT return is lodged electronically and registered with a tax agent, the due date is 25 June 2021, but the due date for payment is 28…

By Daniel Shaw The ATO recently provided guidance on the types of evidence a trustee can use when valuing the property holdings in an SMSF. Prior to 1 July 2012, trustees could provide a valuation for SMSF assets every three years. However, they are now required to annually report the market value of assets with evidence to support the valuation. Up to date asset valuations are critical to members of an SMSF as it helps to accurately calculate their member…

By Darren Williams JobMaker Hiring Credit Scheme The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme provides eligible employers with a wages subsidy payment of up to $200 per week in respect for  each newly hired eligible employee. The payment amount varies depending on the age of the new employee as shown below: Age of eligible employee(at commencement of employment) JobMaker Hiring Credit 16 to 29 years old $200 per week (the higher rate) 30-35 years old $100 per week (the lower rate) To…

With the festive season upon us, businesses look at holding Christmas parties and providing Christmas gifts to staff. It should be noted when they are both provided to staff, the employer may be subject to Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). A Christmas party is considered an “entertainment benefit” and to the extent that the expenditure relates to employees or their associates attending this party, the expenses may be subject to FBT unless an exemption (e.g. the “minor benefits” exemption) applies. A…

By Daniel Shaw Recently the SMSF Association published the report ‘Costs of Operating SMSFs 2020’ (SMSFA Report) which is an updated version of the report Rice Werner completed in May 2013 (RW Report) for ASIC. The SMSFA’s Report’s findings conclude that in most circumstances the costs of running an SMSF are very competitive and even in some cases cheaper than APRA, industry and retail funds. In the SMSFA Report it details that where an SMSF has a balance of between…

As we all know, the world came to a stop when news of the COVID-19 virus sprung upon us. In the lengthy 8 months we have been in lockdown, businesses all across Victoria took a hit from the state of the economy. According to statistics from the first instalment of the Impact of COVID-19 Businesses report, results show that the crisis has affected majority of business in Australia. In April, approximately 58% of businesses owners reported that COVID-19 strongly affected…

Before the commencement of any business venture one of the first fundamental questions is what business structure you will operate under. If this is not considered carefully & the correct decision made, this can be costly in the future if you need to restructure your business. Your choice of structure will depend on the size and type of business and how you want to run it. Each structure may have an impact on key areas such as tax you’re liable…