What is the tax free threshold? The tax free threshold is the amount of income you can earn each year before you have to start paying tax. In Australia, the first $18,200 you earn between 1 July and 30 June is tax-free, regardless of which employer you earned it from. NOTE: The ATO’s definition of […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
Etax Property Investment Tax Hub
Find out which property investment expenses can claim as tax deductions. Learn about depreciation, negative gearing, Capital Gains Tax and more.
The Etax Investment Property Tax Hub has everything you need to know about owning, renting and selling an investment property.
Tax deductions for IT professionals – what you can claim
There’s no denying it, IT professionals are the unseen frontline heroes of a business. Whether you’re a developer, a support guru or a security ninja, it’s never an easy job to keep services and people working, 24/7. What is surprising is the number of available tax deductions for IT professionals. So, let’s get our IT […]
Paying GST at Settlement: What you need to know
What is GST Withholding If you buy a new residential property, or land with the intention to build a residential property and you make this purchase from a GST registered business, you need to withhold an amount for GST to pay directly to the ATO on settlement. When does the GST Residential Withholding payment apply […]
ATO Data Matching – What is it and will it affect me?
You may have heard that ATO data matching technology is now being used in Australia. The ATO launched the system to find missing income from individual tax returns. It’s a new, more sophisticated way to collect more tax from taxpayers who may, either accidentally or deliberately, understate their income. What is ATO Data Matching? ATO […]
How to defer a HELP debt during financial hardship
If you have a HELP debt and are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible to ask the ATO to defer your HELP debt for a temporary period. If the ATO accepts your request, it means that they will put a temporary hold on your repayments. What is a HELP debt? Commonly referred to as […]
The Low and Middle Income Tax Offset (LMITO) is Over – What Does it Mean for You?
We all enjoy an extra boost in our tax refund. Most recently, the low and middle income tax offset (LMITO) has helped boost refunds for millions of Aussie workers. The government introduced LMITO in the 2018-19 tax year and increased in value in 2021-22 with an additional “cost of living tax offset”. Unfortunately, the end […]
Salary Sacrifice and Tax: The Basics
Salary sacrifice arrangements, also known as salary packaging, can be a smart way to get ahead, but it can also get confusing. Essentially, salary sacrificing means you use a portion of your pre-tax income in exchange for certain benefits or items. And, as you use your pre-tax income, you pay less tax overall. Many employers […]
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)
Whether you receive fringe benefits as part of your employment contract or a salary sacrifice package, it’s important to understand how fringe benefits tax affects your tax return. Your employer must pay any tax applied to the fringe benefits you receive, but you will also need to report them on your tax return. What are […]
Investment property tax deductions under the ATO spotlight
Australian investment property owners may be on a collision-course with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) in 2025, over incorrect claiming of tax deductions. Along with the rising cost of living and borrowing rates in Australia, the estimated 1.7 million people who own a rental property will also have their investment property tax deductions put under […]
Tax Bracket Creep in Australia: What Is Bracket Creep, And How Does It Affect You?
Bracket creep is a situation in Australia where inflation and wage increases push more and more people into higher tax brackets. The result is that income tax takes more and more of people’s earnings, even though the Government did not formally raise tax rates. Let’s dig into the concept of bracket creep, its impact on […]
Actual Cost Method
The Actual Cost Method is one of two methods available to taxpayers to claim their work from home expenses. As opposed to the fixed cost method where you claim 70c per hour worked from home, the actual cost method involves claiming the actual cost you incurred for items like phone, internet and electricity while working […]
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 a natural disaster has affected you or a loved one, please read our guide below for assistance. Need more time to lodge, pay or respond to the […]
What are the maximum super contribution and tax rates?
When you know the super contribution limits and rates – and the different ways to add money to your super – you can boost your annual tax refund and save painlessly for your retirement. A healthy superannuation fund is an important part of planning for your retirement. Putting extra money into your superannuation is a great investment in your future. […]
5 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund This Year
This year, before you race off to the shops to spend your tax refund, consider how your tax refund could have the biggest impact on your life and your finances. At Etax we hear from lots of Australians (and tax accountants) about the ways they plan to spend their tax refund. Let’s look at some […]
