Accounting & Wealth Insights

It sounds strange, but the FBT law is full of exemptions and concessions. The FBT law was introduced way back in 1986 with the intention to tax non-cash fringe benefits. But in doing so, the law has allowed for exclusions, concessions, reductions and exemptions.

You may have noticed significant media coverage recently regarding the Australian Labor Party’s proposed policy to stop SMSFs from receiving tax refunds for the franking credits they receive in conjunction with the dividends paid from Australian companies they own.

From 1 July 2018, GST will apply to sales of low value imported goods (valued at A$1,000 or less) to consumers in Australia. These GST changes will also affect Australian GST-registered suppliers including Australian retailers who ‘drop ship’.

From 1 July 2017, those who purchase Australian real property or interests in such property valued at $750,000 or more from a non-resident vendor would be obliged to withhold a 12.5% non-final withholding tax from the purchase price and pay this to the ATO.

Directly held property makes up approximately 19% of all SMSF assets, indicating that many SMSF trustees consider it’s an important and significant part of a diversified portfolio.  There are numerous strategies and ways for property to form part of an SMSF’s investments and each must be carefully considered.

Recent media releases from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have stated that they intend to audit more people this coming year over work-related expenses.

It is best practice to review clients’ taxation affairs in advance of the year end to identify any tax planning opportunities that may exist. Good planning opportunities do not necessarily have to be most complex / innovative, simple strategies are often the most effective.