Your employer sets aside a portion of your income as superannuation, for you to access when you retire. Strict superannuation rules and mandatory fund contributions have put Australians’ retirement savings ahead of people in many other counties that have no required retirement contributions. Superannuation is fairly straightforward for most of us who earn a wage […]
Your Tax and Finances
Your Tax and Finances: Money Tips | Budget and Savings | Superannuation | Rental Income
Claiming laptop on tax – what you need to know…
Many of us work after hours at home or spend a portion of our week working from home. Quite often you might use our own equipment for this, especially if you don’t have a work laptop or removing it from the office poses a security risk. If this is this case for you, it’s likely you […]
Claim personal grooming expenses as tax deductions
Do you have to pay for make up or other personal grooming expenses? If these purchases are essential for your job, you may be able to claim your money back at tax time. When we’re in the public eye at work, we all want to feel like we are well presented or reflect the role […]
Zone Tax Offset: Do you live in a remote area?
What is a zone tax offset? The zone tax offset is a tax concession offset offered by the Australian Tax Office for people who live in remote areas of Australia. This offset is to assist with the higher cost of living, amenities and other environmental factors associated with remote living. The zone tax offset provides […]
Overseas Forces Tax Offset: Are you claiming yours?
A question we often hear from people who have worked or are working overseas in the Australian Defence Force is: Am I eligible to receive an overseas forces tax offset when lodging my tax return The answer is YES as long as you meet certain criteria. How can I claim the overseas forces tax offset? […]
Simple Ways to Improve Your Tax Refund
Here’s the most common question people ask us in July every year about how to improve your tax refund; “What can I do to get a bigger refund or pay less tax?” Australians are always looking for ways to improve their refund. That’s why we’ve decided to answer this common question with four easy ways […]
HECS-HELP Benefit
The HECS-Help benefit was created to provide an incentive for graduates in particular fields to pursue industry relevant roles and/or work in specified locations. Taxpayers who meet the relevant eligibility criteria can apply to the Australian Tax Office for the HECS-HELP benefit and if approved, the ATO will pay a “benefit amount” up to approximately […]
Airbnb Tax Information: Tax tips for Airbnb hosts
How does Airbnb affect your tax return? Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about Airbnb tax On a non-business level, Airbnb offers a great opportunity to earn some extra cash by renting out that spare room, or a holiday home that would be quiet for much of the year. However, Airbnb hosts […]
What’s A Good Superannuation Strategy For Me?
(With links to superannuation strategy how-to guides from Money Magazine and CANSTAR) Whether you’re in your 20’s now, or almost ready to retire: A good superannuation strategy can make the difference between a comfortable retirement and a financial struggle. The Government continues to make changes to how you receive the aged pension in retirement, therefore, […]
How To Claim Work-Related Calls and Phone Expenses On Your Tax Return
Do you use your own mobile phone for work-related tasks? If you do, you may be able to claim a portion of your mobile phone expenses on your tax return. Keep in mind, if you are claiming your work from home expenses using the 67c method, you cannot claim your mobile phone separately. Instead, by […]
How does your superannuation work?
Your superannuation questions answered. Just thinking the word ‘superannuation’ can make your brain spin. There are a lot of rules and limits to keep in mind. So, to answer some of your top superannuation questions, we take a quick look at how your super works. “Are my super contributions tax-deductible?” To learn more about super […]
Manage your receipts and boost your tax refund!
When it comes to tax time, do you ever find yourself searching all over the place for deduction receipts from months earlier? You are not alone! A recent study conducted by the Commonwealth Bank found that lost receipts are costing one in two Australians an average $1000 in tax rebates every year. Can you afford […]
How much super do I need for a comfortable retirement?
Everyone has different ideas of how their retirement might ‘look’. How much super will be enough depends on many things, starting with what a ‘comfortable’ retirement looks like to you. You might want to travel or you may want to dine out every week at a fancy new restaurant. It could be that just want […]
Claim Your Dental Expenses as a Tax Deduction
“Can my dental expenses be deducted on my tax return?” Let’s discuss how you can maximise your tax refund by legally claiming your dental treatment costs as a deductible expense. Update: 2013 Budget Changes May Affect Your Ability to Claim: The net medical expenses tax offset was slowly phased out starting in July 2013. Only […]
Work-Related Car Expenses:
Can I Claim My Car Expenses Without a Logbook?
Important Note: This method of claiming car costs as a tax deduction was discontinued by the ATO as of the financial year 2015-16. Late tax returns lodged for 2015 and earlier tax years are still able to use this method. Have you used your car for work this year, but forgot car expenses to keep […]
