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 […]
Your Tax and Finances
Your Tax and Finances: Money Tips | Budget and Savings | Superannuation | Rental Income
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 […]
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 […]
27 Valuable Investment Property Tax Deductions
By including rental property expenses on your tax return you access an incredible range of possible tax deductions that boost your tax refund and leave more rental income in your pocket. It’s important to stay on top of your investment property taxes and claim deductions correctly to maximise your tax refund (without getting into hot […]
Work Uniform Expenses: The tax deductions you can and can’t claim
Save money by claiming your work uniform expenses on your tax return There are many types of jobs that require you to wear a uniform and/or protective clothing. Many organisations don’t provide these, or at best offer them at a discounted price to their employees. Work uniform expenses soon mount up, especially when they are […]
Overseas Forces Tax Exemptions – Do They Apply To Me?
Are you a member of the Australian Defence Force who served overseas during the past tax year? If your deployment meets certain criteria you may qualify for one of the overseas forces tax exemptions on your income. In this post we’ll discuss the two overseas forces tax exemptions available to overseas forces and how to work […]
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 […]
Superannuation Co-Contribution: Get More Money for Your Super
Ever wonder how you can better prepare yourself for retirement? Low or middle-income earners can give your super a nice boost – with very little sacrifice! Read on to find out how you can take advantage of the Federal Government’s superannuation co-contribution scheme. What is it the government super co-contribution scheme? The super co-contribution scheme is […]
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 […]
Super Fund Commission Charges Wipe Out Super Tax Breaks
A new study conducted by Rainmaker Information found that super fund commission charges and fees wipe out almost all of the tax concessions Australians receive for superannuation. These commissions are being charged on Retail Super Funds – funds run by the “big four” banks and insurers. These super fund commission charges – often secretive but […]