Tax

In January 2024, the government announced that it would redesign the Stage Three tax cuts that were initially announced by the former government in 2018. The new rates were designed to provide larger tax cuts to low and middle income earners and reduce the tax cuts for those earning $160,000 or more.

As part of the 2022-23 Budget, the government introduced the Small Business Technology Investment Boost. Small businesses (with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million) are able to deduct an additional 20% of expenditure that is incurred to support their digital operations and digitise their operations.

As we approach the Christmas period, many businesses will now be considering the festive season, with planning and organisation of celebrations for workplaces, employees, clients, and associates well underway.

In approaching the end of the Financial Year, we provide key analysis into potential tax changes to take effect from 1 July 2023, with potential insights covering Instant Asset Write-Off, Fringe Benefit Tax, and Superannuation.

For business owners, as we approach the End of the Financial Year, it is important to gain a true understanding of your potential tax position and establish a variety of business strategies for EOFY 23 and leading into FY24.

Personal Services Income, or PSI, is the income derived by an individual mainly as a result of their personal work or exertion, rather than the sale of goods or use of assets. The individual may operate as a sole trader, or through a trust, partnership, or company structure. You can receive PSI in almost any industry or profession, but it is commonly seen within the Professional Services sector (namely among accountants, lawyers, consultants and engineers, etc) and medical practitioners.

As a business owner, securing a prime commercial location can be an essential component in the success of a business – especially for those operating in high-traffic industries. Many business owners often commence their journey leasing a premises, however following successful start-up and continued expansion, consideration can turn to the purchase of a commercial premises and how best to do so.

The medical industry has a large number of high-income earners and this attracts the attention of the ATO, especially where income splitting is concerned. The characteristic of income in this industry is largely for the personal services of practitioners/specialists whose income generally fall into higher individual marginal tax brackets.

For many opting to start their own business, the financial freedom gained from its success is a significant draw-card – potentially creating wealth for immediate and future generations.

In a measure to reduce emissions and reduce Australia's carbon footprint, the Federal Government's proposed Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Bill 2022 has passed Parliament, with Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemptions for electric cars now law.