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JanYou 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
JanIf 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
DecIn 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 In April 2020, as part of the taxpayer’s divorce proceedings, the sum of $1,575,000 was withdrawn from one of the taxpayer’s superannuation funds and paid to the benefit of his former wife.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
DecPS 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
DecThe 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[…]
10
DecTreasury recently released draft guidelines setting out the proposed rules which community charities must follow to receive and maintain deductible gift recipient (‘DGR’) endorsement. The draft guidelines state that a community charity must be established, maintained and wound up in accordance with each of the following principles: Community charities are also required to follow various other requirements in the draft guidelines. Among other things, a community charity’s governing rules must include objects that clearly set out the purposes of the charity, and require that, on the charity winding up or ceasing to be a community charity, all of its net assets must be provided to a DGR in accordance with the purposes of the charity. The guidelines are to take[…]
10
DecWhile the ATO knows most small businesses try to report correctly, it understands that mistakes can happen. ATO Deputy Commissioner, Will Day, advises: “Establishing good habits, and knowing what support and resources are available, will give your small business its best chance of success.” The ATO advises taxpayers that it is important to get the following ‘basics’ right: Taxpayers can refer to ‘Good business habits’ and ‘Supporting your small business’ on the ATO’s website for further assistance. Deputy Commissioner Day wrapped up his business tips by stating: “It’s important to get it right, so that you can focus on your business and don’t end up with any unwelcome surprises, like being required to pay off a debt or to prove[…]
10
DecIn a recent decision, the AAT rejected in full a taxpayer’s claims for “several classes or categories of deductions.” Facts For the relevant period of 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, the taxpayer was (according to his employer) a ‘technical architect’. However, the taxpayer also claimed that he worked from home 6am to 11pm seven days a week, 365 days of the year, as he was ‘always on call’. The taxpayer’s income tax return for the financial year ended 30 June 2022 claimed a range of deductions totaling approximately $40,000. There were several classes or categories of deductions claimed, comprising occupancy expenses, running expenses, plant and equipment expenses, consumable expenses, mobile phone expenses and spouse expenses. In September 2022,[…]
10
DecDraft legislation has been released to amend the Corporations Act 2001 to enhance the substantial holding and tracing notice regimes, which, amongst other things, govern the disclosure of beneficial ownership for listed entities. This is pursuant to the Government’s announcement as part of its 2022 election platform that it would implement a public registry of beneficial ownership to show who ultimately owns or controls companies and legal vehicles in Australia. Increasing the availability of companies’ beneficial ownership information is intended to discourage the use of complex structures to obscure tax liabilities and facilitate financial crimes. The draft legislation proposes to amend the Corporations Act 2001 to: Interested parties are invited to submit responses until 13 December 2024. Ref: Treasury website,[…]
10
DecThe Government recently announced changes to repayments for the Higher Education Loan Program (‘HELP’) and other student loan schemes. It states that it is making the HELP and student loan repayment system ‘even fairer’ by changing the repayment system and increasing the amount people can earn before they are required to start repaying their loan. The minimum repayment threshold will change from $54,435 in the 2024/25 to $67,000 in 2025/26. The Government will also introduce a system where HELP repayments are calculated only on the income above the new $67,000 threshold rather than repayments being based on total annual income. “This new repayment system means that people will only have to make student loan repayments when they can afford to[…]
