Why common-sense tax reform is vital to Australia’s future

A few weeks ago, I discussed the limitations of using monetary policy – increasing interest rates – to tackle inflation. I highlighted that only 37% of Australians have mortgages, so they are the only ones that are directly affected by higher rates. Conversely, around 30% of Australians without mortgages benefit from higher interest rates as …

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What is more tax-effective, investing in property or shares?

Many people are attracted to borrowing to invest in property because of negative gearing tax benefits. That is, the (income) loss that an investment property generates helps reduce the amount of tax you pay on your salary or business income.   However, investing in shares also offers unique tax advantages. I thought it would be …

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2023 Federal Budget: What’s in it for you?

With the uncertain economic outlook, higher interest rates and cost-of-living burdens, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down his second Budget on 9 May. The Treasurer has flagged the need for ongoing spending restraint, both to repair the budget and to ensure inflation continues to ease.  This blog summarises the initiatives contained in the 2023/24 Federal …

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Note to tax clients: Managing trust distributions

If you have a family trust that earns taxable income, there are several tax compliance matters that you must fulfil. Distributions to beneficiaries other than your spouse In 2022, the ATO issued Tax Ruling 2022/4: Income tax: section 100A reimbursement agreements. It relates to a section of tax law (S. 100A) that has always existed, …

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Important changes to Queensland land tax

Update: on 30/9/22 the Queensland government confirmed that it had decided to not implement the changes discussed below. Queensland announced changes to land tax in its state budget in February 2022. On 12 July 2022, it released more detail regarding how these changes will be implemented (see here).  Queensland land tax to rise substantially for interstate …

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How to maximise investment property tax deductions

You must invest in residential property primarily to benefit from the power of compounding capital growth. Any tax benefits (negative gearing) are merely a positive consequence of this investment, not the reason for it. That said, of course it makes sense to maximise your taxation deductions wherever possible. Make it easy for yourself Maintaining accurate …

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Everything you must know about Capital Gain Tax (CGT)

Paying Capital Gains Tax (CGT) isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it means that you have sold an asset and made a profit, which is better than a loss, of course. That said, I’m certain that most people would prefer to pay less tax, not more. Therefore, it’s important to understand the ins and outs …

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Salary packaging a car – is it worth it?

Many employers allow their staff to salary package the cost of a vehicle. Doing so allows you to pay for some of your car running expenses on a pre-tax basis which reduces your taxable income and therefore the amount of tax you pay. In addition, you may be able to save GST. However, they are …

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Land tax minimisation (elimination) strategies

Land tax is levied on the value of an investor’s landholdings on 31 December each year. It is an insidious tax as any land tax is relatively small when you initially purchase an investment property but typically increases each year. As such, the problem is that it can become quite costly by the time you …

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