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 […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
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 […]
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 […]
Save Receipts and Deductions to Fast-Track Your Next Tax Return
The best way to tackle next year’s tax deductions is to save ALL your tax receipts – but that’s not always easy. Did you get to tax time this year and wonder where your other expenses have gone? It’s SO annoying when you realise you can’t claim back the hard-earned cash you spent on work-related […]
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): your guide to buying your first home sooner
If you’re someone who’s been saving for a first home deposit, then there’s one scheme you should know about. It’s called the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). The point of the scheme is to help people of all ages get into their first homes sooner. It was introduced by the Australian Government in the […]
Crypto Tax Australia – Your Guide to Cryptocurrency and Your Tax Return
The use of cryptocurrency is growing every day in Australia, but what actually is it? More importantly, how does crypto tax affect you? First things first: What is cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency, usually shortened to crypto, is used to describe a digital or ‘virtual’ currency. Crypto is similar to normal currency when it comes to spending but […]
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 […]
COVID Tax Deductions (And Other Changes To Your Return)
It’s no secret that the global COVID-19 pandemic changed many aspects of our lives and now that COVID appears to be here to stay, it’s time to learn what it means for your tax return. If you’re like the millions of other Australians who’ve had their work arrangements change, it’s important you understand how your […]
5 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund
We’re often asked the smartest ways to use your tax refund – so we’ve collated a quick list of tips and ideas! How to spend your tax refund to get ahead 1. Pay off your debts Probably the very smartest way to use your tax refund is to pay off any bills or credit cards. […]
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 […]
