Australian Taxation & Compliance Updates

The ATO will take strong actions against false clothing and laundry work-related expense claims this Tax Time. Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat said although many Australians claim clothing and laundry expenses, it is unlikely that half of all taxpayers are required to wear uniforms, protective clothing or occupation-specific clothing to earn their income.

For 2018/19 income year, companies with an annual aggregated turnover under $50m will have a reduced tax rate of 27.5%. To be eligible for the reduced rate, the company must be a base rate entity.

A low and middle income tax offset (LAMITO) was introduced on 1 July 2018. The offset will run in conjunction with the low income tax offset as a targeted reduction of income tax for Australian residents.

The Commissioner has given notice that it will collect data from cryptocurrency designated service providers, under notice, to identify individuals or businesses who have or may be engaged in buying, selling or transferring cryptocurrency during the 2014/15 to 2019/20 financial years.

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has announced an intention in government to change franking credits from a refundable to a non-refundable tax credit from 1 July 2019.

Single Touch Payroll (STP) has changed where every employer will be required to use the system from 1 July 2019. If you are still using a manual system to pay your staff, you will need to change soon.

Officially, the $30,000 instant asset write-off has been passed by both houses of parliament on 4 April 2019. This means that from 7:30pm AEDT 2 April 2019 to 30 June 2020, assets purchased less than $30,000 will be entitled for an immediate write-off.