The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has revealed that 23,300 Australians had their tax file number compromised in the 2012 financial year, up from 22,000 the previous year. In an effort to combat the rise in identity fraud and compromised returns, the ATO has embarked on an intensive audit campaign when processing this year’s tax returns. […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
Trans-Tasman transfer of retirement savings may be possible in 2013
The federal government is drafting new legislation to establish a ‘trans-Tasman savings portability scheme’ in an effort to help people who move between Australia and New Zealand better manage their retirement savings. Currently, Australian and New Zealand citizens working in Australia are unable to take their superannuation with them if they move permanently to New […]
New carbon tax had no effect on inflation
Private analysts TD Securities-Melbourne Institute’s inflation gauge rose 0.6 per cent during August, but according to their head of Asia Pacific business, Annette Beacher, there does not appear to be any noticeable impact from the introduction of the Carbon Tax. A few goods and services increased in price during August which contributed to the 0.6% […]
Superannuation Co-Contribution: Get More Money for Your Super
Ever wonder how you can better prepare yourself for retirement? Low or middle-income earners can give your super a nice boost – with very little sacrifice! Read on to find out how you can take advantage of the Federal Government’s superannuation co-contribution scheme. What is it the government super co-contribution scheme? The super co-contribution scheme is […]
Income Tax Breaks could mean more $$$ in your pocket!
With the government tax forum drawing to a close last week, one significant proposal on income tax seems to have gained some traction. While not committing to a specific timeframe, Treasure Wayne Swan explained that government is in the planning stages of raising the tax free threshold to $21,000 – a move that would also […]
eBay Income: Do you sell online? The ATO is watching…
As online retail continues to outpace high street stores, the ATO is keeping a careful eye on everyone’s eBay income When eBay launched in 1999 it was simply an auction site where people could sell household goods they no longer needed. This has changed dramatically over the past 20+ years, with many people now using […]
Generation Y could be losing thousands in tax refunds!
A new Bankwest survey found that many of Australia’s tech-savvy Gen Ys could be missing out on higher tax refunds from the ATO. The report found that 53% of Gen Ys submit their own return in the hope of saving themselves the Accountant fees. The Bankwest report says that while the younger generation feel more […]
Super Fund Commission Charges Wipe Out Super Tax Breaks
A new study conducted by Rainmaker Information found that super fund commission charges and fees wipe out almost all of the tax concessions Australians receive for superannuation. These commissions are being charged on Retail Super Funds – funds run by the “big four” banks and insurers. These super fund commission charges – often secretive but […]
Australians Think the Wealthy Should Pay More Tax
The majority of Australians appear to feel that the wealthy should pay more tax. 60% of respondents in a recent ACTU survey support raising taxes for Australia’s highest income earners. Major findings of a recent ACTU study include: Support for raising taxes for people who earn more than $200,000 per year. Support for cutting taxes for […]
ATO Audits are Now More Accurate at Finding Tax Cheats
ATO Audits are conducted when ATO systems detect signs that someone is cheating on their taxes. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) now uses more advanced computers to detect suspicious claims and fraudulent tax returns. Computer modeling finds tax cheats and triggers ATO audits A series of 20 computer models run on every tax return, with […]
2011 Tax Return Changes: 6 important items that may affect you…
Year after year, the Australian Tax Office refines and updates their rules and regulations for personal income tax in Australia. With July 1st fast approaching we’ve decided to take a look at the 2011 tax return changes and how they will affect you in preparing your upcoming tax return. Our expert accountants identified the following […]
Tax Audits: Are they likely to affect you this year?
The ATO identifies key targets for tax audits in 2011. Each year the ATO releases a list of risks they have identified under their compliance program. The list points out what the ATO will focus on in their tax audits and checking in the upcoming year. Take a look below to see if any of the key […]
Australia’s Favourite Online Tax Return is Faster & Easier Than Ever!
Australia’s favourite online tax return has many new features and improvements. What’s New? We’ve made many new updates this year. Here are four we think you’ll really like: Can I start now? Yes! The 2024 online tax return is live. But don’t worry, you can enter all of your details now and finish your 2024 […]
The Etax Accountants blog is here!
Welcome to the newly launched Etax Accountants Blog: Tax Tips for Australians. Our accountants have been hard at work preparing for the beginning of this year’s Tax Season. And, with July 1st only 10 days away, it is with great excitement that we have launched this invaluable resource for all Australian Tax Payers (and anyone […]
