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Just because an agreement states that a worker is an independent contractor, this does not mean that they are a contractor for tax and superannuation purposes, new guidance from the ATO warns. Where there is a written contract, the rights and obligations of the...

The personal income tax cuts legislated to commence on 1 July 2024 will be realigned and redistributed under a proposal released by the Federal Government. After much speculation, the Prime Minister has announced that the Government will amend the legislated Stage 3...

Legislation enabling an extra 15% tax on earnings on super balances above $3m is before Parliament. While not a concern for the average worker, if enacted, those with significant property or other illiquid assets in their superannuation fund are most at risk, for...

Uncertainty has reigned over the last few years, but can we expect more consistency as we head into 2024? We explore some of the key issues and influences. Inflation and labour supply RBA Governor Michelle Bullock stated, “Inflation is past its peak and heading in the...

Don’t want to pay tax on Christmas? Here are our top tips to avoid giving the Australian Tax Office a bonus this festive season.  1. Keep team gifts spontaneous $300 is the minor benefit threshold for FBT so anything at or above this level will mean that your...

A decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has the tax world in a flurry after the Tribunal found in favour of a taxpayer who sold the apartment she lived in for a loss, then claimed the $265,935 loss in her tax return as a deduction. In this case, the taxpayer...

From 6 December 2023, employers can no longer employ an employee on a fixed-term contract that: is for 2 or more years (including extensions) may be extended more than once, or is a new contract: that is for the same or a substantially similar role as previous...

The ATO estimates that incorrect reporting of rental property income and expenses is costing around $1 billion each year in forgone tax revenue. A big part of the problem is how taxpayers are claiming interest on their investment property loans. We’ve seen an uptick...

Legislation currently being debated in Parliament will introduce a new criminal offence for intentional “wage theft”. If enacted, in addition to the criminal offence, a fine will apply. The fine is three times the underpayment and: For individuals - 5,000 penalty...

Workers owed $3.6bn in super guarantee Workers are owed over $3.6 billion in superannuation guarantee according to the latest Australian Taxation Office estimates – a figure the Government and the regulators are looking to dramatically change. Superficially, the...

We want to welcome Jamie Rossington as a part owner of Bentleys Newcastle. Many clients know Jamie and have had interactions with him over the many years he has been with Bentleys, and he has now stepped up to an ownership role. Jamie draws on over 20 years of...

The Australian Taxation Office have released a new draft ruling on self-education expenses. We revisit the deductibility of self-education expenses and what you can and can’t claim. If you undertake study that is connected to your work you can normally claim your...