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Tax Compliance

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Earned an income from the sharing economy?

From 1 July 2023, sharing economy platforms for ride-sourcing, taxi travel, and short-term accommodation must report transactions to the ATO. This marks the first year the ATO will match income tax returns with this data. Other platforms will start reporting from 1 July 2024. Failing to declare income from these sources could trigger a compliance inquiry from the ATO. It’s crucial to accurately report all earnings from sharing economy activities to avoid potential penalties.

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Is your family home really tax free?

The main residence exemption can exempt your family home from capital gains tax (CGT) upon sale, but the rules are complex. Eligibility requires the home to be your main residence, with specific conditions around living arrangements, use of the property, and tax residency status. Partial exemptions may apply if the home was used to generate income. Special rules cover scenarios such as moving out, foreign residency, and changes in ownership. Understanding these nuances is essential for effective tax planning.

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ATO Fires Warning Shot on Trust Distributions

The ATO is intensifying its scrutiny on how trusts distribute income. Trustees must carefully review trust deeds, ensure compliance with distribution requirements, and understand the implications of family trust elections. Changes in tax return reporting now require detailed information on trust income distributions. It’s crucial for trustees to get it right to avoid significant tax ramifications. Learn how to navigate these complexities and ensure your trust distributions are compliant.

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The Assault on Professional Services Practices

The ATO has signalled that it is willing to pursue professional services firms who divert profits to avoid tax. Two new cases before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal demonstrate how serious the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is about making sure professional services firms – lawyers, accountants, architects, medical practices, engineers, architects, etc. – are appropriately taxed. In both …

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Budget 2024-25

The 2024-25 Federal Budget is the third for the Albanese Government and consistent with previous years, the primary themes are expected to be the cost of living and the economic shift to net zero. According to election guru Antony Green, the window for the next election starts on Saturday, 3 August 2024, “the first possible …

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