Approximately one-third of Australians own shares held directly in their name. It’s really quite common, and many of them receive dividends on those shares. But when it comes to how dividends are taxed, it can suddenly seem very confusing. What are the tax benefits of fully franked dividends and franking credits? Think back to the […]
Your Tax and Finances
Your Tax and Finances: Money Tips | Budget and Savings | Superannuation | Rental Income
Worried about job security? Up-skill to protect yourself!
Up-skilling to protect your existing job seems tough, but in recent years it’s become the norm across many industries. Plenty of jobs that used to be common just don’t exist anymore. When was the last time you saw a milkman doing the rounds? (Or, have you ever seen a milkman?) The flipside is that change […]
How to save money – 3 money saving tips to ignite your savings
Not feeling the love for your savings account? With so many increases in the cost of living, many of us are feeling the pinch in our savings accounts. We regularly hear of people actually having to dip into their savings to make ends meet, or make purchases that just couldn’t be put off any longer. […]
Property investors: Is your investment property tax smart?
With the ATO cracking down on investment property expense claims, making sure you’re ‘tax smart’ and in control of your finances is more important than ever. How do you keep your investment property expenses, taxes and finances in order? And how do you keep the ATO out of your hair? It all starts with good […]
Getting Married and Taxes: What you need to know for your next tax return
Marriage is an exciting and joyful time, but when it comes tax and your spouse, it’s also a source of confusion amongst taxpayers in Australia. At Etax, prospective newlyweds often ask us about the tax implications of getting married. Often, they want to know whether a joint tax return is needed when their relationship status […]
Heading overseas to Work? You need our Australian expat tax guide!
Traveling to work or study overseas is hugely exciting but when it comes to Australian expat tax obligations, there can be a bit of administration and paperwork that comes with the move. Read on to make your transition to working overseas easier! Australian residency and tax All Australian residents are required to lodge tax returns […]
Saving Money: How to save a million dollars – plus how to save money faster
How to be great at saving money It’s a comfort to know you can get your hands on some money quickly if you need it – without resorting to a loan from a bank, family or friends. It’s also a comfort to know you’ll be able to reach goals like buying a home and retiring comfortably. […]
5 Common Tax Return Mistakes
These common tax return mistakes are easily detected by the ATO The ATO works hard to find mistakes on your tax return. With more money and staff granted to them every year, it’s getting easier for the ATO to catch every mistake. So, if you think you can get away with a few extra deductions […]
What is STP or Single Touch Payroll?
What is Single Touch Payroll? Single Touch Payroll (STP) makes payroll reporting far easier for employers. Instead of juggling a raft of paperwork, your boss reports payroll details including super payments, to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) on or before each pay day. New payroll software now looks after that. Each time your pay is […]
Shared Finances vs Separate Bank Accounts – Which is Right For You?
At some point, every couple has the shared finances vs separate bank accounts conversation. But, as with all money-related matters, it’s rarely a straightforward process. Let’s look at the 3 most common options, to help you choose what kind of finance strategy may work best for you… 1. 100% Shared finances The ‘traditional’ idea of […]
Tax Guide For Couples: How does having a spouse affect your taxes?
This tax guide for couples helps you determine whether you need to include your partner’s information on your next tax return. Read on to learn what you should tell the ATO this year… Who the ATO defines as a spouse for tax purposes is a common cause of confusion. Once you’re familiar with the definitions, […]
Death and Taxes – What You Need to Do
Any death in the family is a very difficult time for all involved. Apart from the emotional burden, there are also a range of administrative tasks that need to take place after a bereavement. This death and taxes article covers the main steps family members should take to ensure tax obligations are met. Death […]
Private health insurance rebate tiers to ease health cover confusion
Private health insurance had a much-needed overhaul back in 2019 that introduced structured health insurance rebate tiers. With confusion growing over what health insurance policies did and didn’t cover, the aim of the new health insurance rebate tiers system is to greatly simplify the process. Making purchasing the right level of health cover for your […]
Can You Still Claim your Laptop, Handbag or Briefcase as a Tax Deduction?
Yes, you can often claim your handbag for work as a tax deduction, as well as your other work bags. But don’t go shopping just yet! There are some important things to keep in mind. The basic rule for claiming a handbag or briefcase as a tax deduction is that it must be directly connected […]
Smart ways to pay off your credit card debt
Credit card debt is one of the most common debts that Australians face. High interest rates and fees mean credit card debt can quickly spiral out of control, making it very difficult to make any progress, or regain financial stability. So how do you pay off your credit card? Even when it seems impossible, there […]
