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
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 […]
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 cut expenses and save more money
Do you want to cut your living expenses or just want to save more money? The following tips help to give you more control over your finances. In a world where anything can happen – and does – that’s something we all need. Giving yourself a regular financial health check each year helps rein in […]
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 […]
How to check your HELP debt balance
Your HELP debt often seems like a heavy weight around your neck, especially when your uni days seem like a lifetime ago and you’re keen to take your next step in life. You keep throwing money at it but unless you’re an avid spreadsheet Ninja, like Mandy in our accounts department, you often have no […]
HELP Repayment Scheme to Stay… For Now
Please Note: This Content is Archived The Federal Government has legislated this change and ended the HELP repayment scheme. For a full overview on all things HELP related, we’d suggest viewing our article on how to repay your help debt. Back in August 2013 the Federal Government announced they would end the discount for early […]
When is the best time to do your tax return?
The best time to do your tax return is generally “sooner, not later”, but the reasons and details depend whether you have a refund coming, or you owe money to the ATO. PART ONE: What’s the best time to do your tax return… IF you expect a tax refund? If you will get a tax […]
Can’t work due to COVID? What help is available?
What do you do if you can’t work due to COVID? With self-isolation rules relaxing, the Government is no longer providing the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. Instead, the High-Risk-Setting Pandemic Payment has taken its place but is not available to everyone. Luckily there is some help out there to help you stay afloat if you […]
Income Protection Insurance is your safety net, with a tax-deductible perk!
It’s natural for us to want to protect everything we care about. So, why don’t more of us protect our income? Many of us insure our cars, our houses and our possessions, but how many of us protect our weekly income with income protection insurance? The answer is, no many! In fact, when we surveyed taxpayer data we discovered that […]
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? […]
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 […]
Generation Y could be losing thousands in tax refunds!
A new Bankwest survey found that many of Australia’s tech-savvy Gen Ys could be missing out on higher tax refunds from the ATO. The report found that 53% of Gen Ys submit their own return in the hope of saving themselves the Accountant fees. The Bankwest report says that while the younger generation feel more […]
