Strategies to fix the superannuation imbalance
By Westcourt Blogger Those living in households where one spouse has a much lower super balance may want to start considering their options as to how to even up the superannuation imbalance. In Australia, many couples and families have at least one member with limited finances due to taking time off work to raise a […]
Self-employed money management tips
When you are self-employed or run a home-based business, it is vital that you have a business plan that outlines your goals and financial information. Unfortunately, statistics show that many home-based businesses often fail due to poor financial planning. Therefore, for small business owners should not only develop a financial plan, but also consider developing […]
ATO launches Super Scheme Smart
The Australian Tax Office has launched a new initiative called Super Scheme Smart to help educate individuals about the pitfalls of certain retirement planning schemes and how to protect their retirement nest egg. Each year the ATO discovers complex tax schemes and arrangements designed by promoters solely for the purpose of helping people avoid tax. […]
Overview of revised super contribution proposals
The Government has announced some changes to the superannuation proposals originally announced in the May 2016 Federal Budget. While these are just proposals, and therefore not law, it is likely that they will be introduced into Parliament as a Bill. The Coalition’s proposal is to reduce the existing annual non-concessional (after-tax) contributions cap from $180,000 […]
Seasonal cash flow management
Seasonal businesses can confront many cash flow problems if it is not accurately forecasted and monitored. The cyclical nature of seasonal businesses makes them prone to cash shortfalls as they rely on sales to peak at a certain time of the year. The basic operating expenses still remain in their off-season so it is crucial […]
ATO outlines common FBT mistakes
Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is a tax an employer pays on certain benefits they provide to their employees, including their employees’ family or other associates. The benefit may be in addition to, or part of, their salary or wages package. Fringe benefits tax is separate to income tax and is calculated on the taxable value […]
Five expenses you can’t claim as a tax deduction
By Westcourt Blogger As the countdown begins to Australia’s tax return lodgment date, many individuals in the country may be hurrying to find a few extra possible tax deductions to claim. However, in the rush before the deadline, it is important not to waste time claiming deductions for expenses or items that are commonly thought […]
Meeting cash flow needs in retirement
By Westcourt Blogger Working out the right cash management strategy for a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a critical component of its success. Retirees usually spend more in the first few years of retirement because they are doing all the things that they couldn’t while they were still working. Therefore, a smart way to determine […]
Small business company tax rate reduced
The small business company tax rate has been reduced from 30 per cent to 28.5 per cent. The new lower rate applies to small businesses that are corporate unit trusts and public trading trusts. When completing company tax returns, use the new rate of 28.5 per cent on calculation statements at label T1 – Tax […]
The importance of diversification in an SMSF
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) that are not well diversified are quite risky investments since they aren’t as protected as they could be against shocks and volatility in the market. Diversification aims to maximise an individual’s return by investing in different asset classes that react differently to the same event. Although it does not guarantee avoiding […]