The private health rebate is a percentage of the total premium amount which can be applied as a reduction to your health insurance premiums or it can be applied as a refundable tax offset come tax time. What impacts my private health rebate? Your rebate is calculated based on your living status, age and income […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
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 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 to […]
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?” The short answer is likely no. Dental expenses were phased out by the ATO in 2014/15. If you have an overdue tax return from prior to 2014 and records of dental expenses you wish to claim, please read on to learn more. For everyone else, […]
ATO tax payer investigation: 10 million taxpayer records under scrutiny
The latest ATO investigation will see the financial records of over 10 million Australian taxpayers go under the microscope. What is the latest ATO Taxpayer investigation looking for? Here are a few highlights in the latest ATO Investigation: How do I avoid an investigation? If you’ve correctly declared all of your income and expenses then you […]
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 […]
Bankers Call for Tax Cuts for Parents
The government’s October tax forum is fast approaching. Industry body, the Australian Bankers Association (ABA) has called for increased tax cuts for parents. Also, the simplification of complex taxes at both a State and Federal level. Help and Tax Cuts for Parents In the ABA’s eyes, the biggest concerns everyday Australians are currently faced with is […]
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 […]
Motor Vehicle Data Matching in Full Swing at ATO
In its crusade against what they call the cash economy’, the ATO has announced plans to collect the details of all individuals and businesses that have purchased or acquired a vehicle where the transfer and/or market value is $10,000 or greater in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 financial year. This involves computerised “motor vehicle data matching” […]
New carbon tax had no effect on inflation
Private analysts TD Securities-Melbourne Institute’s inflation gauge rose 0.6 per cent during August. But, according to their head of Asia Pacific business, Annette Beacher, this was not due to the introduction of the Carbon Tax. A few goods and services increased in price during August which contributed to the 0.6% increase, however there were also […]