News
As businesses and individuals gear up for another financial year, it's crucial to stay informed about the Australian Tax Office's (ATO) priorities and areas of scrutiny. Each year, the ATO announces specific focus areas to ensure compliance and combat tax evasion effectively. In the 2023/2024 financial year, several key areas have come under the ATO's radar, warranting attention and proactive measures from taxpayers. Let's dive into these focus areas and explore how you can navigate ATO crackdowns with confidence.
Before we jump into the details, it’s worth us reminding you that your Attune team remains completely across all areas relating to personal and business tax requirements and can assist ensure compliance in any/all areas. Our tailored approach means your specific circumstances are what guides us in helping ensure you’re compliant and can maximise your tax position.
Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) have become a target for the ATO's scrutiny due to the potential risks associated with non-compliance and illegal early release of superannuation funds. The ATO is ramping up efforts to detect and penalise instances of fraudulent early release schemes, which undermine the integrity of Australia's superannuation system.
If you’re involved in an SMSF you must ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements and should certainly seek advice from the Attune team to navigate complex superannuation laws effectively.
Contractor payroll arrangements have emerged as another focus area for the ATO, with particular attention on combating payroll plundering and GST rorts. Unscrupulous practices such as sham contracting, underpayment of wages, and manipulation of GST reporting can result in severe penalties and reputational damage for businesses. To mitigate risks and ensure compliance, businesses must review their contractor engagements, implement robust payroll systems, and maintain accurate records to withstand ATO scrutiny.
In addition to specific focus areas, the ATO is enhancing its oversight of taxation compliance across various sectors and industries. Taxpayers are advised to review their tax obligations carefully, including income tax, fringe benefits tax, and Goods and Services Tax (GST), to avoid potential penalties and audits. Maintaining accurate financial records, seeking professional advice, and proactively addressing any compliance gaps are essential steps to mitigate risks and demonstrate commitment to regulatory compliance.
As a client of Attune Advisory, you can be assured that our advice is designed to ensure your obligations are met at every tax milestone throughout the year.
As the ATO intensifies its enforcement efforts, taxpayers can take proactive measures to navigate ATO crackdowns effectively:
By staying informed, seeking professional advice, and implementing robust compliance mechanisms, you can mitigate risks, uphold regulatory obligations, and safeguard your financial interests.
If you have concerns about your tax obligations or require assistance in addressing compliance challenges, our team at Attune Advisory is here to help. Visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive tax advisory services tailored to meet your unique needs.
Contact us today on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation.
As a business owner, every opportunity to maximise tax deductions is worth exploring. And it may seem odd, but we’re often asked if caravan can be claimed as a tax deduction. While the answer isn't straightforward, it's certainly worth delving into the specifics to see if this expense can benefit your business (and hip pocket). Let's unpack the possibilities and considerations.
The prospect of claiming a caravan as a tax deduction may sound enticing, but it's essential to navigate the regulations carefully as penalties for incorrect deductions can cause serious heartache. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) outlines specific criteria for claiming business-related expenses, and compliance is paramount to avoid those potential penalties. While there's no blanket rule allowing caravan deductions, certain circumstances may warrant consideration.
Before determining if your caravan qualifies as a tax deduction, consider the following factors:
Navigating the intricacies of tax deductions can be complex, especially when considering unconventional expenses such as caravans. Consulting with the team at Attune Advisory, can provide invaluable insights and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. By leveraging their expertise, you can ensure compliance with tax regulations while maximising available deductions to optimise your business's financial performance.
At Attune Advisory, we're committed to assisting businesses in navigating complex tax matters and optimising their financial strategies for long-term success – caravan or not!
If you're considering claiming a caravan as a tax deduction or have other tax-related queries, our team at Attune Advisory is here to help. Visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive accounting and advisory services tailored to meet your business needs and reach out to us today on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation.
As businesses, both established and startups, continue to chart their paths towards growth and expansion, the question of raising capital looms large on the horizon. However, the landscape of capital raising is not without its challenges, especially in light of recent economic shifts and market conditions. In this article, we'll delve into the nuances of capital raising in 2024 and explore what it means for businesses across Australia.
In recent times, Australian businesses have encountered various hurdles when it comes to raising capital. Economic uncertainties, shifting investor sentiments, and regulatory complexities have all contributed to the complexities of the capital raising process. As a result, businesses are navigating through uncharted waters, seeking clarity and guidance on how to secure the funds needed for their growth initiatives.
Despite the challenges, 2024 presents a landscape ripe with opportunities for businesses seeking capital infusion. According to insights from Business News Australia, venture capital (VC) and startups are poised for growth, with investors showing increasing interest in innovative ventures across various sectors. This signifies a shift towards forward-thinking investments and a willingness to support ventures with disruptive potential.
For businesses embarking on the capital raising journey, it's essential to approach the process strategically and methodically. A comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved, coupled with a well-defined strategy, can significantly enhance the likelihood of success. A good look through a google search for capital raising resources can offer valuable insights and practical tips for businesses navigating the complexities of capital raising.
As businesses prepare to embark on their capital raising endeavours, several key considerations come to the forefront:
In navigating the complexities of capital raising, businesses can benefit from the expertise and guidance of financial advisors and qualified accountants. Here at Attune Advisory, we offer tailored solutions and strategic insights to help you navigate the capital raising process effectively. From financial modelling and due diligence to investor relations and compliance, we’re here to support you and your business at every stage of the journey.
As you set your sights on growth and expansion, capital raising emerges as a critical enabler of their aspirations. By staying informed, strategic, and proactive, businesses can navigate the capital raising landscape with confidence and clarity. With the right resources, guidance, and support, the path to securing capital becomes more accessible, empowering businesses to realise their growth potential and achieve their long-term objectives.
At Attune Advisory, we're committed to supporting you in your capital raising endeavours. Our team of experienced professionals provides tailored solutions and strategic insights to help you along the way.
Ready to embark on your capital raising journey? Contact the Attune team today on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you won’t regret it!
When it comes to tax deductions, understanding what can be claimed against your motor vehicle is crucial for optimising financial outcomes come tax-time. There’s little doubt that deductions relating to motor vehicles are some of the most common but how familiar are you with what you can claim and how?
By no means do you need to be an expert, but understanding what’s possible may help you make decisions about your vehicle during one tax year or another. So with that in mind, we thought we’d shed some light on what many deem one of the simpler tax deductions on the list …
To start with, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides a comprehensive guide on motor vehicle expenses, offering clarity on what can be claimed by individuals for business purposes. But, the key to maximising deductions lies in understanding the different categories of claimable expenses.
If you own or lease a car primarily for business purposes, you may be eligible to claim various expenses associated with its operation. These include:
The ATO provides two primary methods for claiming motor vehicle expenses: the logbook method and the cents-per-kilometre method.
Logbook Method: This method requires maintaining a logbook for at least 12 continuous weeks, detailing all travel, to determine the percentage of business use. Once the percentage is established, it can be applied to relevant expenses like fuel, maintenance, and depreciation and can be relevant for up to 5 years if your travel circumstances don’t change much.
Cents-per-Kilometre Method: An alternative is the cents-per-kilometre method, where a standard rate is applied to business kilometres travelled. While simpler, it may not accurately reflect the actual expenses incurred.
In addition to the operating costs, parking fees and toll expenses directly related to business travel are also claimable. Keeping detailed records of these expenses is vital for accurate deductions and to avoid penalties if questions are asked later.
It's crucial to meet certain eligibility criteria to claim motor vehicle expenses. The vehicle must be used for business purposes, and accurate records must be maintained to substantiate the claims. Documentation should include receipts, invoices, and a comprehensive logbook if using the logbook method. There’s more detail in this criteria worth discussing with the Attune team when lodgements are being prepared.
Navigating the nuances of motor vehicle tax deductions can be complex depending on your situation, and seeking professional guidance is always the way to go. Our expertise in tax planning and compliance means we’re ready to assist you as an individual and business owner in optimising your tax outcomes through tailored, strategic advice.
If you’d like to discuss your tax position, or specifically the structure of your vehicle as part of your tax, reach out to the Attune team on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation, you’ll be glad you did.
