ATO cracking down on developers avoiding GST

This year, the Australian Taxation Office has placed a greater focus on property developers and are particularly watching company directors with a history of GST obligations avoidance. As of May 2017, the Government announced new requirements on those purchasing newly constructed residential properties or new subdivisions to remit the GST directly to the ATO as…

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ATO reforms on deductible gift recipients

The Government has announced a reform of the Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to strengthen governance arrangements, reduce administrative complexity and ensure trust and confidence in the sector. The reforms are as follows: From 1 July 2019, non-government DGR’s must be registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Non-for-profits Commission. Non-government DGR’s that…

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FBT issues that raise ATO attention

With the FBT year-end just around the corner, it is a good time to review your FBT compliance to avoid raising attention from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The ATO is currently targeting the following rules for FBT: Motor vehicles Situations where an employer-provided motor vehicle is used or available for private travel for staff.…

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FBT parking exemptions for small businesses

It is quite common for small businesses to provide their staff with car parking benefits, however, many business owners may not take into account the effect parking has for fringe benefits tax (FBT) purposes. Fortunately, if you are a small business, car parking benefits are exempt if you meet all of the following conditions: –…

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ATO targeting mischaracterised lifestyle assets and private pursuits

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is targeting privately owned and wealthy groups that display specific behaviours and characteristics in relation to their tax affairs and lifestyle. A large focus is currently on lifestyle assets and private pursuits that generate deductions or are mischaracterised as business activities. The ATO is also looking at those assets and…

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Earning income from the sharing economy

The holiday season is a peak time for activities in the sharing economy to increase. During this time those participating in the sharing economy must not forget their tax obligations. The most common sharing economy activities around the festive season include: – Providing ride-sourcing services for a fare. – Completing jobs or errands for payment.…

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Annual ATO closure

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) will be closed from midday Friday 22 December 2017 to 8.00am Tuesday 2 January 2018 over the festive season. The Tax Agent Portal Dashboard and BAS Agent Portal Dashboard will be available to check portal availability. The ATO’s technical help desk will be available from 7.00am to 6.00pm weekdays, excluding…

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Early payments

Taxpayers are being reminded they can prepay amounts towards their expected tax bill to help stay on top of their tax and avoid falling into debt. To make a prepayment to the Tax Office, you must get the correct payment reference number, decide how much to pay and choose a payment method. Using the correct…

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