The latest ATO welfare and tax crackdown will see the financial records of over 10 million Australian taxpayers go under the microscope in the coming months. What is the ATO looking for? Here are a few highlights in the latest ATO crackdown: Credit Cards: The ATO has requested taxpayers’ credit card records from 10 major banks, […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
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
With the government’s October tax forum fast approaching, industry body, the Australian Bankers Association (ABA) has called for increased tax cuts for parents and 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
You can save big just 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. Unfortunately many organisations don’t provide these, or at best offer them at a discounted price to their employees. But for you the costs of […]
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 then you may qualify for a tax emption on the income you earned while deployed. In this post we’ll discuss the two overseas forces tax exemptions available to overseas forces and how to […]
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 […]
Tax Information for People Affected by Natural Disasters
Natural disasters take an incredible toll emotionally, physically and financially. In times like this, it’s vital to know your entitlements and where you can go for help. If yourself or a loved one has been affected by natural disaster, please read our guide below for assistance. Need more time to lodge, pay or respond to […]
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” […]
23,300 TFNs Compromised Last Year
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has revealed that 23,300 Australians had their tax file number compromised in the 2012 financial year, up from 22,000 the previous year. In an effort to combat the rise in identity fraud and compromised returns, the ATO has embarked on an intensive audit campaign when processing this year’s tax returns. […]
Trans-Tasman transfer of retirement savings may be possible in 2013
The federal government is drafting new legislation to establish a ‘trans-Tasman savings portability scheme’ in an effort to help people who move between Australia and New Zealand better manage their retirement savings. Currently, Australian and New Zealand citizens working in Australia are unable to take their superannuation with them if they move permanently to New […]
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, there does not appear to be any noticeable impact from the introduction of the Carbon Tax. A few goods and services increased in price during August which contributed to the 0.6% […]
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 […]
Income Tax Breaks could mean more $$$ in your pocket!
With the government tax forum drawing to a close last week, one significant proposal on income tax seems to have gained some traction. While not committing to a specific timeframe, Treasure Wayne Swan explained that government is in the planning stages of raising the tax free threshold to $21,000 – a move that would also […]