Tax

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.

As originally announced in this year's March Federal Budget by the then-Morrison Government, new reforms surrounding Employee Share Schemes (ESS) available to employees have now received Royal Assent, with revised legislation to take effect from 1 October 2022.

As of 1 July 2022, new legislation has now taken effect which details the Australian Tax Office’s compliance approach to the allocation of profits or income from Professional Firms as assessable income to the ‘Individual Professional Practitioner’ (IPP).

As house prices continue to remain high in a competitive market, for those with a significant portion of land, the attraction of subdividing the family block may appeal as a source to increase wealth, build a property portfolio, or downsize for retirement.

After two years of significant spending by the Government amid the COVID-19 pandemic in providing financial assistance to businesses and individuals, the Government will now be looking at ways to boost revenue and recoup the money spent to support the economy through the pandemic. With increased funding being provided to the ATO, we can expect to see a rise in the level of review and audit activity in areas the ATO believe mistakes are being made by taxpayers.

As Australia re-opens its international borders in a return to ‘normal’ life following forced closures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many expatriates may be considering this as an ideal time to return home to family and friends – resettling life back Down Under.