25

Feb

Critical minerals and hydrogen production incentives now law

As part of the 2024–25 Budget, the Government announced its Future Made in Australia package to support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. This package included 2 new, temporary tax incentives: These measures are now law. Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive The CMPTI provides eligible companies with a refundable tax offset of 10 per cent of the eligible costs of processing certain critical minerals in Australia. The offset will be available for a maximum of 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040. The CMPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive The HPTI is a refundable tax offset of $2 per kilogram of eligible hydrogen produced by eligible companies. The […]

21

Feb

Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive

About the incentive In the 2024–25 Budget, the Australian Government announced its Future Made in Australia package. This package supports Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. The Future Made in Australia package includes support for investment in critical minerals processing in Australia through the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive (CMPTI). This measure is now law. The CMPTI provides eligible recipients with a refundable tax offset of 10 per cent of the eligible costs of processing certain critical minerals in Australia. The offset will be available between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040, for a maximum of 10 years. Administration The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and the ATO jointly administer the CMPTI: Eligibility You are eligible for the CMPTI tax offset in an income[…]

05

Feb

New learning small business platform can help your NFP

The ATO’s small business online learning platform provides flexible and free courses to build knowledge for all stages of operating a business or organisation. NFPs share many tax obligations with small businesses, and the online learning is a valuable resource to help you avoid common mistakes and understand the tax and super obligations of your NFP better. Essentials for your small business can enhance your knowledge of tax and super with a learning path tailored to support your NFP, at a time that is convenient for you. Key features of the learning platform include: You can also save your progress and jump back into a course when you’re ready again. Some content that NFPs might find useful includes: With over 20[…]

04

Feb

Master your employer obligations in 2025

If you employ staff, here are the important dates and obligations to remember throughout the year, to set yourself up for success. Super guarantee (SG) Fringe benefits tax (FBT) 31 March 2025 marks the end of the 2024–25 FBT year. There are 4 key steps to nail your obligations for FBT tax time. Pay as you go (PAYG) withholding Tax rates may increase from 1 July 2025. Use the tax withheld calculator to calculate how much you need to withhold from your employees’ payments. Single touch payroll (STP) Finalize your STP data by 14 July 2025 for the 2024–25 year. This ensures your employees have the right information they need to lodge their income tax returns. If you have any closely held payees, you may have a later due date for[…]

30

Jan

Online tax schemes on the rise: Get the information to protect yourself from unlawful tax schemes.

Potentially dodgy tax schemes are being promoted online and offered to people when they least expect it. We’re urging individuals and businesses to be wary of tax schemes promoted online (including via social media) promising to significantly reduce or avoid tax. Getting involved can attract heavy penalties. Our website lists examples of tax schemes we are concerned about. Recently, we’ve seen one unlawful tax scheme encouraging people to dodge their taxes by setting up a purported not-for-profit foundationOpens in a new window and organising their finances to look like their income belongs to it. Another recent scheme offers would-be investors the opportunity to invest into a start-up that allegedly qualifies as an early stage innovation company, to benefit from the associated tax offset. We’re concerned investors won’t qualify[…]

24

Jan

Claim your super: Online, Paper applications and Authorising someone to claim on your behalf

You can apply for a DASP via either: Before submitting your DASP application, check with your employer to confirm they have paid all the super they are required to. Online applications You can use the DASP online application system free of charge The DASP online system will automatically confirm your immigration status online with the Department of Home Affairs – you don’t need to apply for a Certification of Immigration Status from the Department of Home Affairs unless directed by your super fund. You can start and save your online application while you are still in Australia and have all the relevant information handy. You can only submit a DASP application when you’ve left Australia and do not hold an active visa.[…]

10

Jan

Foreign Residents and Capital Gains Tax on Australian Property: What You Need to Know

If you’re a foreign resident disposing of taxable Australian property (TAP), it’s essential to understand your tax obligations under Australian tax law. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) closely monitors these transactions, and failure to meet your requirements can lead to scrutiny and potential penalties. Here’s what you need to know: What is Capital Gain Tax Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies to the profit you make when selling or disposing of assets like property, shares, or cryptocurrency. While it’s called “capital gains tax,” it is not a standalone tax. Instead, CGT is included as part of your overall income tax. In essence, CGT is considered a part of your overall tax calculation. What is Taxable Australian Property (TAP)? TAP includes: If[…]

10

Dec

Withdrawal and contribution due to divorce not considered ‘special circumstances’ regarding excess super contributions

In a recent decision, the AAT rejected a taxpayer’s claim that there were ‘special circumstances’, that warranted an excess contributions determination to disregard or re-allocate an excess contribution. Facts In October 2018 the taxpayer separated from his wife. As at 30 June 2019, the taxpayer’s total superannuation balance was recorded at just over $1,820,000, held in separate funds. In April 2020, as part of the taxpayer’s divorce proceedings, the sum of $1,575,000 was withdrawn from one of the taxpayer’s superannuation funds and paid to the benefit of his former wife. This had the effect of reducing the taxpayer’s member’s account balance in that fund as at 30 June 2020 by an amount of $427,497. On 18 June 2020, the taxpayer[…]

10

Dec

PS LA 2005/20 UPDATED — Signature requirements for approved virtual forms, lodged electronically or given by phone

PS LA 2005/20 provides guidance on signature requirements for making declarations in approved virtual forms lodged electronically or by phone and the approval process for electronic or telephone signatures. This Practice Statement recently had its content checked for currency and technical accuracy, and was updated to apply current ATO style and accessibility requirements. An approved form that is lodged with or given to the ATO is required to contain a signed declaration from the entity lodging or giving the form. Where the form is lodged electronically, any required signature must be an electronic signature, defined as ‘a unique identification of the entity in electronic form that is approved by the Commissioner’. This gives the ATO a broad discretion to determine[…]

10

Dec

A reminder for employers from ATO: Pay SG contributions on time and in full

The ATO reminds employers that they must pay their super guarantee (‘SG’) contributions in full, on time, and to their eligible employees’ correct super fund. If they fail to do so, they will need to pay the super guarantee charge (‘SGC’), which will cost them more than the super they would have paid, and which is not tax deductible. The ATO is “committed to taking a firm approach on the non-payment of SG”, and it has published its ‘snapshot’ of 2023/24 SG compliance actions and results. Taxpayers can read the full results at ‘Super guarantee annual employer compliance results’ on the ATO’s website. Key results include: The ATO says employers need to “keep good records, report accurately and pay on[…]