21
MayInstructions for foreign investors who need to register an asset or update details about an existing asset. What is an asset An asset can be a: There is no fee payable to register assets. Register a new asset Check the information required to register the relevant asset type. Have the information you need ready to complete the registration in one session, as: Each asset must be registered separately. Log in to Online services for foreign investors. From the home page, select the Asset menu or Register asset quick link. At the Asset page select Add then Register new asset. The asset will have an Asset ID after it is registered. Required information The information you need to provide for each asset type: Property Each registration represents one property. If a property has […]
14
MayJ5 deliver crypto asset investigation training to over 50 members of Australia’s Serious Financial Crime Taskforce. Last week, specialists from across Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5) jurisdictions delivered crypto asset investigation training to over 50 members of Australia’s Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT). This collaboration between the J5 and SFCT comes at a critical time, as crypto assets are increasingly utilised in criminal activities, including to launder the proceeds of tax crime. Criminals are drawn to trading in crypto assets due to perceived anonymity and the ease and speed with which they can be traded anywhere in the world. The training provided the opportunity to explore real-world case studies and emerging technologies to support the identification, investigation, and[…]
14
MayOn Sunday 12 May, I’ll be participating in the Mother’s Day Classic Charity Event in Melbourne with my daughter and nieces, along with thousands of Australians in other capital cities. We’ve dedicated our donation to my sister’s memory, with the funds going to breast and ovarian cancer research. The Mother’s Day Classic is truly inspirational and has led to the creation of a community tradition for thousands of families who want to mark Mother’s Day with an event that makes a difference. The founders of the event should be very proud of how it has evolved and grown, and more importantly the difference the foundation makes to the lives of so many Australians. The growth of not-for-profits (NFPs), however, is not[…]
03
MayNFPs need to get ready for new return From 1 July 2024, non-charitable not-for-profits (‘NFPs’) with an active Australian Business Number (‘ABN’) (sporting, community and cultural clubs, among other organizations) will be required to lodge a new annual NFP self-review return with the ATO to confirm their income tax exemption status. Non-charitable NFPs that have an active ABN can get ready now by: NFPs can use Online services for business lodgment: When it comes time to lodge, NFPs can use Online services for business which lets organizations manage their reporting at a time that is convenient for them. If an NFP has engaged a registered tax agent, their agent can also lodge on their behalf through Online services for agents.[…]
03
MayGovernment warns of ‘malicious’ MyGov scammers The Government says the ATO or MyGov will never send an email or text message with a link to sign in to MyGov. The ATO has received a large number of reports of scammers using fake MyGov sites to steal MyGov sign-in details, which can be used to commit tax and refund fraud in other people’s names. These criminals will often use text message or email to lure people into clicking a link using phrases such as ‘You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund’ or ‘You have a new message in your MyGov inbox – click here to view’. The Government has urged Australians to be vigilant regarding scammers who target ATO[…]
18
MarFind out how your small business compares to others in your industry. We’ve updated our small business benchmarks for 2021–22. The benchmarks help you compare your business turnover and expenses to other small businesses in the same industry. For example, Deb runs a pizza shop as a sole trader. She’d like to track her business against other pizza shop businesses, and see how she can improve. Deb downloads the ATO app and opens the Business performance check tool. She uses this tool to work out the cost of sales to turnover benchmark for her pizza shop. It’s within the higher end of the range and above the average for pizza shop businesses. Deb works out her main supply costs. She then negotiates a better[…]
12
MarLoans to members continue to be the highest reported contravention of the superannuation laws that the ATO sees in auditor contravention reports. SMSF trustees should remember that they cannot loan money or provide other forms of financial assistance to a member or relative, and if they do, they can incur a penalty of up to $18,780. They may also be disqualified as a trustee. SMSF trustees also cannot loan money to a related party, such as a business, where the value of the loan exceeds 5% of the value of the fund’s total assets, as this is a prohibited ‘in-house asset’ investment.
04
MarPrivate company clients who receive payments, benefits or loans from their private companies need to ensure compliance with their additional tax obligations (which are often referred to as their ‘Division 7A’ obligations).There are multiple ways in which business owners may access private company money, such as through salary and wages, dividends, or what are known as complying Division 7A loans.Division 7A is an area where the ATO sees many errors and the ATO is currently focused on assisting taxpayers in managing their obligations when receiving payments and benefits from their private companies.In this regard, the ATO has recommended that business owners do the following:• keep adequate records;• properly account for and report payments and use of company assets by shareholders[…]
26
FebEmployers are reminded that, in relation to their SG obligations for the quarter ending 31 December 2023, the due date is 28 January 2024.If the correct amount of SG is not paid by an employer on time, they will be liable to pay the SG charge, which includes a penalty and interest component.The SG rate is 11% for the 2024 income year.Please note: Many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances.
21
FebThe ATO will acquire officeholder data from ASIC, the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission for the 2024 and 2025 income years, including details such as: The ATO estimates that records relating to approximately 11 million individuals will be obtained. This program aims to (among other things) enable the Australian Business Registry Services to increase uptake of the director ID, and better utilise registry data to combat unlawful activity.
