Working from home: What deductions can you claim?

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For a while now, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been concerned about tax deductions individuals have been claiming for a whole host of expenses. The latest on their ‘hit list’ are home office expenses.  We guide you through what you can and can’t claim if you work from home.  Last financial year, 6.7 million … Read more

Single Touch Payroll: what you need to know

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Single Touch Payroll (STP) – the direct reporting of salary and wages, PAYG withholding and superannuation contribution information to the ATO – comes into effect from 1 July 2018. For employers Employers with 20 or more employees at 1 April 2018 must use standard business reporting-enabled software from 1 July 2018. The head count for … Read more

What is a downsizer super contribution?

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The downsizer super contribution rules introduced by the Government were one of a number of measures introduced to help reduce pressure on housing affordability. But it can also help people top up their ability to live more comfortably and affordably. From 1 July 2018, individuals over 65 years of age may be eligible to contribute … Read more

The ATO needs to know MORE about your SMSF

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The ATO is constantly changing various aspects about what you need to disclose and 2018 is no different. When you lodge this year you need to report more data than ever and ensure your SMSF is in top shape going forward. From the 1st July 2017 superannuation reforms introduced a new reporting regime for funds. Funds now need … Read more

All you need to know about single touch payroll

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Single touch payroll (STP) is a new regulation that changes when and how small businesses report payroll activity to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Businesses used to report this information to the ATO once a year. Now, they need to send a report after each payday. And those reports must be submitted digitally, using a … Read more

Going away… Out of Office replies count

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I’m not a huge fan of auto-replies, but they can be a necessary evil and a godsend at times when used well. It’s probably the last thing you do before you head out of the office to enjoy your holiday, but here’s why you should take some time to create your out-of-office message. But to … Read more

Contractor or employee? Defining workers in the gig economy

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A former Foodora Australia delivery rider, Joshua Klooger, recently won an unfair dismissal claim despite a service agreement that classified him as an independent contractor. We explore the implications of the case.  Pivotal to the Fair Work Commission’s decisionwas the classification by Foodora of Mr Klooger as an independent contractor. The “Corporate Rider” was employed under … Read more