Quick Tax Tips

1. Assessable Income    
   
2. Tax Deductions    
   
3. Family Tax Issues    
Rebates (Tax offsets) Dependent spouse rebate Child-housekeeper rebate Housekeeper rebate
Medical expenses rebate Parent, spouse's parent or invalid relative rebate Private Health Fund Rebate
   
Substantiation Motor vehicle travel Cents per kilometre Travel expenses
More substantiation info.. Laundry expenses Receipts for tax deductions Depreciation
Shares, options etc (trading transactions)        
   
   
4. Audits    
What to expect
How the ATO obtains information..
   
   
5. Extension Of Time To Lodge Returns    
   
6. Extension Of Time To Pay Tax    
   
7. HECS    
HECS repayment income
   
   
8. Tax Rates    
Residents of Australia for tax purposes: 2002/2003
For non-residents with a valid tax file number
   
   
9. Small Business Tips    
Do I need to register for the GST?
Completing a BAS
How the GST system works?
How is GST calculated?
Registering for an ABN
   
   
10. BAS  - Business Activity Statement    
How the GST works?
   
  Starting a new business
1. Trading structure
2. Register for Tax File Number  (TFN)
3. Register your business name
4. Register for GST and obtain an Australian Business Number
5. Registering a business license (if applicable)
6. Duties as an Employer
   
   
11. Taxation    
Income tax (Individuals)
Income tax (Companies)
Pay As You Go Instalments
   
   
12. Minimising Your Tax Liability    
Do you have a second job?
Do you have a HECS debt?
   
   
13. Non Resident Australians    
Who is an Australian resident for tax purposes?
Who is not an Australian resident for tax purposes?
Why do you need to determine if you are an Australian resident?
   
   
14. Tax Calender    
Individual tax payers
Important due dates
Why the date is important?
   
   
15. Work Related Expenses    
   
16. Useful Links    
   


QUICK TAX TIPS

1. Assessable Income
  This section will help you determine what to include in your tax returns as income, allowances, reimbursements and reportable fringe benefits.
 
*
Allowances
*
Dividends
*
Interest
*
Interest on home mortgage offset accounts
*
Living away from home allowance
*
Property - income earning
*
Reimbursements
*
Reportable fringe benefits
 
2. Tax Deductions
 

Allowable tax deductions are items of expenditure that are allowed by the Tax Office to reduce your assessable income.

The eligibility of a tax deduction being deductible depends on whether the expense is "Incurred in earning assessable income". That is the expense must be incurred in relation to earning income.

In assessing whether an expense is a tax deduction, you must examine the nature of the expense or the timing of the expense. An expense that is of a personal nature is not considered an eligible tax deduction. Whereas an expense that is connected with earning income may be allowable as a deduction. The expense must be directly incurred in earning your assessable income. For instance, taxi costs would generally be deductible if you were travelling to meet a client (for work).

The following list is not a comprehensive list of deductions but rather a list of common expenses that are generally applied across occupations.
Although the item may or may not be tax deductible, we suggest you use "occupation specific guide" to determine if the item will be an allowable deduction to your specific occupation.

 
*
Advertising
*
Allowances
*
Bank charges & fees
*
Borrowing expenses
*
Briefcases
*
Business income tax deductions
*
Calculators and electronic organisers
*
Capital losses
*
Childcare
*
Claim
*
Clothing
*
Computer
*
Depreciation
*
Dividends
*
Donations
*
Drivers licence
*
Fines
*
First aid courses
*
Glasses and contact lenses
*
Grooming costs
*
Guard dogs expenses
*
Haircuts
*
Home office expenses
*
Insurance - Income protection
*
Insurance on tools
*
Interest - Negative gearing
*
Interest received
*
Internet access
*
Legal expenses
*
Living Away from home allowance
*
Meals
*
Motor vehicle expenses
*
Newspapers
*
Parking fees, bridge and road tolls
*
Pay TV access payment
*
Professional library
*
Property
*
Referrals
*
Reimbursements
*
Relocation Expenses
*
Removal and relocation
*
Repairs and maintenance
*
Reportable fringe benefits
*
Safety equipment
*
Self-education expenses
*
Seminars, conferences and training courses
*
Stationery expense
*
Subscriptions - Magazines
*
Superannuation
*
Tax Agent fees
*
Telephone
*
Tools and equipment
*
Transport of tools
*
Travel
*
Union fees
*
Watches
 
3. Family Tax Issues
  The ATO allows tax relief to Australian families by way of claiming rebates (Tax Offsets) or by qualifying for a reduced Medicare Levy,  when lodging an income tax return. Families may also be assessed for their eligibility to receive family tax benefits from Centrelink.
 
Rebates (Tax offsets):
 

A rebate is different from a deduction. A deduction is subtracted from income you have earned to give you your taxable income. A rebate (now referred to as an offset) on the other hand are deducted from the gross tax figure that you have  to pay. Therefore $1 in rebate puts an extra $1 in your pocket. This is not the case with a deduction, as a $1 deduction only gives you back the marginal tax you paid (eg. 30%). A rebate cannot exceed the amount of tax payable.

For the purpose of claiming tax rebates, someone is dependent on you when;

  • the dependent lives with you
  • you provide the dependent with food, clothing and shelter
  • you help them financially

Rebates are available for spouse, child housekeeper, invalid relative and parents, provided that the separate net income of these dependants does not exceed $282. If their separate net income does exceed $282 they will entitled to a part rebate. The rebate will be reduced by $1 for each $4 over $282.

This is calculated by dividing the amount of separate net income by 4 and deducting the amount of rebate. Provided that the amount is a positive figure (not negative) you will still be entitled to that part claim.

The most common rebates are as follows

 
Dependent spouse rebate
*

If you had a spouse who earned very little or no income, you may be eligible to claim a rebate of up to $1,365.
Separate net income for working spouse can be determined after taking away costs of meals, car parking, travel, child care and depreciation, even though these amounts may not be deductible for tax purposes.

*
If you had a child who was dependent on you and also kept house for you on a full-time basis, you may be able to claim a rebate of up to $1,637.
*
If you employed a full-time housekeeper to look after your dependent children, spouse or relative and the housekeeper was responsible for the daily running of the household, you may be entitled to claim a rebate of up to $1,637.
*

The ATO allows you to claim a rebate of 20 cents in the dollar for any net medical expenses over $1,250. Net medical expenses are total medical expenses less any refunds from a private health insurance fund or from Medicare.

Medical expenses include pharmaceutical, doctors, hospitals, pathology, physiotherapy, dental and optical.

You may claim for yourself and your dependents. To maximise your claims, the rebate should be claimed by one taxpayer (rather than splitting the income between husband and wife).

If you are a member of a health insurance, you may be entitled to a 30% private health fund rebate. That is provided you haven't already claimed a reduction on your premiums directly with the health insurance company.

*

If you look after a dependent or invalid relative, you may be eligible to claim a rebate of up to $1,227

*
If you are a member of a health insurance, you may be entitled to a 30% private health fund rebate. That is provided you haven't already claimed a reduction on your premiums directly with the health insurance company.
   
 
Group Certificates (PAYG Payment Summaries)
 

You are required to retain your copy of group certificates (PAYG payment summaries) for at least five years from the date you lodge your tax return or October 31st of the year your return is due, whichever is sooner.

 
Substantiation
 

To ensure that you deduction will not be disallowed in the event of an ATO audit, you MUST comply with the substantiation rules. Substantiation requires that evidence of expenses and other records are kept. Log books must be written up for a 12 week period once every five years. The main rules on substantiation are as follows

 
Motor Vehicle Travel
 
Cents per kilometre
 

Under the cents per kilometre method a log book must be written up for km travelled.
You can elect to claim your motor vehicle travel on a cents per Km method up to a maximum of 5000km (no greater) per vehicle. If the car expenses do not exceed $300 then no substantiation is required.
If one vehicle is owned by two taxpayers then each tax payer can claim 5000 km on their tax return, provided that they are using the vehicle for separate income earning activities.

   
 
Travel Expenses
 

Under the cents per kilometre method a log book must be written up for km travelled.
You can elect to claim your motor vehicle travel on a cents per Km method up to a maximum of 5000km (no greater) per vehicle. If the car expenses do not exceed $300 then no substantiation is required.
If one vehicle is owned by two taxpayers then each tax payer can claim 5000 km on their tax return, provided that they are using the vehicle for separate income earning activities.

   
 
Travel Expenses
 

A diary is only required to substantiate travel expenses if you travel for more than 5 nights away. If so written evidence of expenses is required.

   
 
Laundry Expenses
 

Laundry of protective clothing or uniform can be claimed without substantiation up to $150. Any amount over $150 will require substantiation with receipts or documentary evidence.

   
 
Receipts for Tax Deductions
 

To satisfy substantiation requirements, you must retain evidence of tax deductions for at least 5 years. The evidence must consist of a receipt or diary entry showing the date of purchase, the suppliers name, the original cost of the item, and a description of the item.

If the receipt is unclear write the exact description on the back and sign and date it. If you do not keep accurate and proper receipts and records you may invariably lose the deduction if you are subjected to an audit.

   
More substantiation info
 
Shares, options etc (trading transactions)
 

If you trade in shares it is ideal to maintain a share register. Since the introduction of capital gains tax (CGT) any capital profit made on the sale of shares need to be declared and are taxable at marginal tax rates (there are a number of exemptions to CGT that you should be aware of - such as the 50 % discount available for individuals making a capital gain). Capital gains is no doubt a complex area and you may need assistance in this area. If so contact our online help service.

Keeping good records are imperative in relation to CGT. Often shares in the same company are purchased at different intervals and therefore, separate records must be maintained in order to correctly calculate capital gains tax when the shares are eventually sold.

The information that would need to be recorded for tax purposes would include;

1

Type of transaction (Buy or Sell)

2

Date of transaction

3

Company name

4

Number of units bought or sold

5

Price per unit on buy or sell transaction

6

Brokerage / stamp duty charged on buy / sell transaction

7

Other expenses incurred

   
 
Depreciation
 

Any equipment that is used for employment or business purposes is allowable as a deduction over a period of time (rather than claimable in one year). Each year a proportion of the original cost of the item may be claimed as a tax deduction.

It is important to keep accurate records of all equipment purchased or sold for income tax purposes. Appropriate records for income tax purposes would include;

1

Date of purchase

2

Purchase price

3

Description of the item

4

The estimated useful life of the item

5

Approximate business use or work use percentage

Records must be kept for the entire life of the item, and for a further five years from your last claim for a depreciation tax deduction. If you maintain a depreciation schedule, additional information may be kept - such as the depreciation method (prime cost or diminishing value), the useful life of the asset or the rate of depreciation.

   
4. Audits
 

If you are unluckly enough to be selected for a desk audit, you will need to convince  the tax auditor that you are entitled to a tax deduction. Often this will mean simply producing accurate records or evidence of the expenses; such as a receipt and proving the circumstances which the expenditure was incurred.

Even though you may have the appropriate receipts, you still will need to be able to establish a connection between the expenditure and the income reported for that year.

   
 
What to expect
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The ATO will call upon you to substantiate your expenses claimed. In a lot of cases this will simply be a written request to produce receipts and records that you have kept. If you are unable to do so, your tax assessment will be amended and you will be asked to pay the tax for the amount omitted, plus interest and culpability penalty (as determined by the commissioner).
*
The tax auditor does have scope to reduce the culpability penalty of an audit. Therefore it is important that during an audit you make that auditor aware of the mitigating circumstances behind the claim made. If you have a reasonably arguable position, there should be no penalties charged. Interest will be charged regardless.
   
 
How The ATO obtains information
*
The ATO is able to obtain your information from many varying sources; such as banks, councils, Centrelink, Vic roads, Family Courts, real estate agents, employers, just to name a few.  Therefore, when you are completing your tax return or attending a desk audit, never assume that the ATO doesn't know.
   
5. Extension Of Time To Lodge Returns
 

As Ezy Tax is a Tax Agent you will have an extension in time (past the 31st of October deadline) to lodge you tax.

   

6. Extension Of Time To Pay Tax
 

It may also be possible to obtain an extension of time to pay any tax liability you may incur. Circumstances that are considered by the ATO to grant an extension of time include where;

 
insufficient funds are available
payment of tax would cause financial hardship
all avenues for obtaining the funds have been exhausted.
  General interest will accrue on a daily basis on outstanding tax from the original date for payment.
   
7. HECS
 
Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) facts
*
HECS is a contribution scheme which is applicable to any students undertaking higher education (other than TAFE students who do not pay HECS contributions).
*
The HECS scheme will be applicable to you if you are enrolled on 31/03/2002 for first semester and 31/08/2002 for second semester.
*
When enrolling in university you can choose to pay your HECS contributions for each semester in three ways;
 
1.
Up front and receive a 25% discount.
2.
Pay at least $500 up front and receive a discount.
3.
Defer the entire HECS contribution until you are earning income.
   
  You do not have to pay HECS debt if;
 
*
the income that you have earned is less than $22,346 (Taxable income plus reportable FBT plus any rental loss income you may have) or,
*
you are entitled to a reduction of at least $1 from your medicare levy due to low family income.

The ATO will calculate you HECS debt in June each year and an accumulated balance statement will be forwarded to you. You are not charged interest on your accumulated HECS debt, however it is indexed according to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Once your HECS repayment income exceeds the income threshold ($22,346 for 2001 and $23,242 for the 2002 income year), then you will be required to start paying your HECS debt.

Your HECS repayment income is calculated as your taxable income plus any reportable fringe benefits amounts plus the amount by which your taxable income has been reduced by a rental income loss.

The amount of your annual HECS that you will be required to repay to the ATO is calculated by applying a repayment rate according to your income level (see the chart below).

It is your responsibility to inform your employer that you have a HECS debt so the correct amount of PAYG withholdings are deducted from your pay. If you do not tell your employer, you may have to pay a lump sum at the end of the tax year.

 
HECS repayment income

HECS Repayment Income

Repayment Rate
- % of HECS repayment income

Below $35,001

nil%

$35,001 - $38,987

4.0%

$38,988 - $42,972

4.5%

$42,973 - $45,232

5.0%

$45,233 - $48,621

5.5%

$48,622 - $52,657

6.0%

$52,658 - $55,429

6.5%

$55,430 - $60,971

7.0%

$60,972 - $64,999

7.5%

$65,000 and above

8.0%

HECS annual repayment amount = HECS repayment income x  repayment rate

*Note: your HECS repayment income is taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits amounts plus the amount your taxable income was reduced by a loss from rental property income

8. Tax Rates
 

There are differing income tax rates applicable to Taxpayers depending on whether they are residents or non residents of Australia.

 

Residents of Australia for tax purposes: 2009/2010

Taxable Income Bands

$ Tax Payable Rates

 

0 - 6,000

Nil

 

  6,001 - 35,000

$0.15

15c for each $1 in excess of $6,000

35,001 - 80,000

$0.30

$4,350 + 30c for each $1 in excess of $35,000

80,001 - 180,000

$0.38

$17,850 + 38c for each $1 in excess of $80,000

180,001 and over

$0.45

$55,850 + 45c for each $1 in excess of $180,000

 

 

For Non-Residents with a valid tax file number *

Taxable Income Bands

$ Tax Payable Rates

 

0 - 35,000

$0.29

$0.29  for every dollar earned

35,001 - 80,000

$0.30

$10,150 + $0.30 for each $1 in excess of $35,000

80,001 - 180,000

$0.38

$23,650 + $0.38 for each $1 in excess of $80,000

180,001 

$0.45

$61,650 + $0.45 for each $1 in excess of $180,000

*For Non-Residents without a valid tax file number

Tax Rate = $0.45 for every dollar earned

   
9. Small Business Tips
   
 
Do I need to register for the GST?
*
If you are self employed and in business with a view to making profits you may to wish register for the GST System.
*
Registration criteria for GST is based on your annual turnover;
 
If your annual turnover is less than $50,000 you will not have to register for GST. However you may still decide to register even though you are below the annual income threshold. If you choose not to register for the GST you will not be entitled to claim input tax credits, nor will your customers be entitled to claim input tax credits for goods or services they purchase from you.
If your annual turnover is $50,000 or more you must register for the GST.
   
   
 
Completing a BAS
*
Once you register for the GST you will be required to lodge a Business Activity Statement either monthly, quarterly or annually.
   
   
 
How the GST System works?
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Once you register for the GST you will be required to lodge a Business Activity Statement either monthly, quarterly or annually.
*
Once registered you will be required to charge GST on any goods and services you sell and claim input tax credits for GST on any business inputs acquired by your business. An input tax credit is the GST component of an expense and will be shown on a tax invoice issued by the supplier.
   
 
How is GST calculated?
*
If the invoice shows only the total price including GST, you can calculate the value of the input tax credit by dividing the total shown on the invoice by 11.
   
 
Registering for an ABN
*
If you are in business, but decide not to register GST, you should still register for an ABN. By having your ABN on all items of business stationery, this will ensure that your customers do not withhold extra tax from payments they make to you.
   
 
10. BAS  - Business Activity Statement
 

The ATO has designed a Business Activity Statement (BAS) for small business owners to report any GST activity.

The BAS statement is designed to obtain other information besides GST activities. The BAS statement requires you to report such information as;  Pay As You Go instalments, PAYG withholding payments, fringe benefits tax and deferred company instalments.

 

How the GST works?

 
 

Under the GST system you are entitled to claim 1/11 th (10%) of any business expenses (referred to as inputs tax credits). These credits are credited off any GST that you collect from sales (1/11th of sales). The net result is GST payable or refundable which is reported on the BAS along with your PAYG withholding and PAYG instalment obligation. The end result after accumulation of all your obligations will either be a net GST bill or refund.

Important dates:

   
 

Important Deadlines

Due Dates

Sep quarterly BAS 

Oct. 28, following month

Dec quarterly BAS 

Jan 28, following month

Mar.quarterly BAS 

Apr. 28, following month

June quarterly BAS 

July 28, following month

   
   
  GST is a complex area and you may find that you need some further assistance in completing your return. If you have any queries about the GST please email us here.
   
  Starting a new business
 
 

There are a lot of things that you will need to consider before commencing a business.

If you are contemplating starting a new business, you may need to consider the following issues. The information is not intended to be taxation advice nor is it a comprehensive list, but merely a guide to assist your thought process if considering to go into business.

 
1.      Trading structure
 

You will need to consider what type of trading structure you will operate a  business under. Will it be a Company or Trust? or will you simply trade in your own name?
The structure you choose will ultimately determine what tax rate will be paid, so you need to be informed before you select your trading structure.
The main differences can be explained as follows;

 

Sole Trader

Partnership

Trust

Company

Any profit earned will be taxable directly in your own tax return.

Any profit earned by the business are distributed to the partners based on their ownership percentage

Any profit earned is distributed to the beneficiaries of the trust according to the Trustees discretion

A Proprietary Limited Company is taxed as a separate legal entity. It is required to lodge a tax return and pay tax on any profit earned.

You are the business and any profits earned are taxed at your marginal tax rates

The partners of the business pay tax at the partners' individual tax  rates

If the beneficiary of the trust is an individual, individual income tax rates apply.

The business pays tax at the company tax rate, which for the 2002 financial year is 30%. The company tax rate for the 2001 financial year is 34%.

You are legally and financially responsible for the debts of the business.

Each partner is legally and financially responsible for the debts of the business and for the actions of their other partners

Limited liability in protecting ones assets can be obtained by appointing a corporate trustee.

The company offer protection of ones own assets through the corporate veil that separates the business trading from ones own assets. The company is a separate financial and legal entity and therefore the members of the company have limited liability concerning the debts of the business.

   
 
2.      Register for Tax File Number  (TFN)
 

This will only be necessary if you do not intend trading as a sole trader (eg company), that is of course unless you do not have a TFN in your own name.

   
 
3.      Register your business name
 

A business will be required to be registered with Office of Fair Trading, to ensure that your not operating under the same business trading name as some other business operator, or more importantly to ensure that someone doesn't use your business name once you have a successful business operating.

Generally, you are required to register any trading name other than your usual name. There are different departments for each state which handle business name registration.

   
 
4.      Register for GST and obtain an Australian Business Number.
 

You will only be required to register for GST purposes if you expect your annual income to exceed $50,000 per annum. If it does, GST registration still remains optional for you. You may decide to register for GST so that you can claim you GST input tax credits or so it appears (to your customers) that you do have a bigger operation than you actually have.

   
 
5.      Registering a business license (if applicable).   
 

In some instances, depending what type of business you are in, it may be necessary to register a business license. It may be beneficial to check with your local council to determine if your business will be required to be licensed.

   
 
6.      Duties as an Employer.
 

In some instances, depending what type of business you are in, it may be necessary to register a business license. It may be beneficial to check with your local council to determine if your business will be required to be licensed.

 
   
  a.      Register for PAYG with holding
  If you expect to employ staff  in your business you will need to register for the Pay As You Go withholding system. The tax you deduct from your employees wages is referred to as PAYG withholding. This is report with your BAS and paid with your GST obligation.    
  b.      Workers compensation insurance
  Employers are required by law to take out a workers compensation insurance policy to cover any employee that may suffer a work related injury or illness. Different states legislation imposes different obligations on employer with regards to workcover. You will need to obtain the relevant information as to the responsibilities imposed within your relevant state.
  c.      Superannuation contributions (Superannuation Guarantee)
 

An employer must contribute a percentage (8% in 2000/2001 and 9% in 2001/2002) of the gross salary to superannuation for any employees who earn over $450 per month. Upon hiring a new employee you will need to set up a superannuation account on his/her behalf. The account may be held with a complying superannuation fund or a Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

The full amount of superannuation obligation must be paid into a superannuation fund for each employee before 30th of June each year to claim a tax deduction and by the 28th July, to avoid penalties imposed by the ATO.

   
 
11. Taxation
  Small business tax rates depends on the trading structure selected.

Income tax - Individuals (Sole traders, Partnerships and Trusts)

 
 

Generally all other structure (sole traders, Trusts, and Partnerships) require that the profit is distributed to the individuals involved, hence the individual rates of tax (as below) will be applicable to any profit distribution received.

   
 

Taxable Income

Income Bands

$ Tax Payable

Tax Rates

 

          0 - 6,000

Nil

 

  6,001 - 21,600

$0.17

for each $1 in excess of $6,000

21,601 - 58,000

$0.30

$2,652 + 30c for each $1 in excess of $21,600

58,001 - 70,000

$0.42

$13,572 + 42c for each $1 in excess of $58,000

70,001

$0.47

$18,612 + 47c for each $1 in excess of $70,000

   
 

Income tax - Companies

 
 

Company tax rates are levied at a flat rate on profit earned by the company (34% in 2000/2001 and 30% in 2001/2002).

   
Pay As You Go Instalments
 
 

The PAYG system requires companies and individuals to report and pay their expected annual tax liability along the way. By making monthly or quarterly contributions, the overall tax liability for the year will be full settled before the end of the financial year. PAYG instalments are reported on the Business Activity Statement and are paid along with any GST liability accumulated.

The ATO will determine what percentage rate of tax you will pay along the way based on the tax liability you paid last year. The ATO will advise you of your PAYG instalment rate on a regular basis. This rate  will be applied to your income earned in the period the Business Activity Statement relates to.

   

12. Minimising Your Tax Liability
 

Do you have a second job?

 
 

If you more than one employer, be sure that you advise your second employer that you have already claimed your tax free threshold with your other employer. Otherwise both employers will deduct a lower rate of tax, leaving your tax short paid (in the way of tax deducted) for the level of income you have earned. If you do not have enough tax deducted, this will result in you receiving  a tax bill at the end of the financial year.

   
 

Do you have a HECS debt?

 
 

If you have a HECS debt make sure you tell your employer. This will ensure that the correct amount of PAYG withholdings are deducted from your pay to cover your HECS contribution repayment liability.

   
   

13. Non Resident Australians
 

Who is an Australian resident for tax purposes?

 
 

Determining if a Taxpayer is a resident or non-resident is not always as clear cut as it seems. It may depend on many factors such as your place of abode, the frequency of the visits to Australia, the length of time in Australia etc.

The easiest way to determine if you are a non-resident or not is to look at the  definition of an Australian Resident.

Generally, an Australian resident for tax purposes is someone who;

 
Lives in Australia
Has lived in Australia for the past 6 months and intends to stay in Australia
Has just moved to Australia and intends to stay indefinitely
 

Who is not an Australian resident for tax purposes?

 
 

A non-resident of Australia for tax purposes is someone who;

 
Has their main residence overseas
Is an overseas student
Is visiting Australia
  Why do you need to determine if you are an Australian Resident?
 
 

It is important to determine if you are a Resident or Non-resident for taxation purposes as the tax rates are different. The tax rates for Non-residents are much higher than for those Resident Taxpayers.

 
Non-residents are not entitled to a tax-free threshold. This means tax is paid on every dollar of income earned in Australia.
Non-residents are not entitled to rebate (tax offsets), family tax benefits or Medicare entitlements.
A non-resident without a Tax File Number will be taxed at the highest marginal rate of tax - 47%

14. Tax Calender 
   
 

Individual tax payers

Important Due Dates

Why The date is important?

July 14th 2005

You should have received a Group Certificate ( PAYG payment summary) from employer.

October 1st 2005

Any Taxpayer  who does not lodge a taxation return through a tax agent must apply for an extension before this date.

October 31st 2005

If you do not lodge your return through a tax agent, this is the due date for your 2001 income tax return.

October 31st 2005

If you wish to lodge your tax return through a tax agent after October 31st, you must register with the tax agent before this date.

   

15. Work related expenses
 

Basically a work related expense is any expense that has been necessarily incurred in you earning your assessable income. Many of the work related expenses have been covered in detail (refer to each expense).

Some common work related expenses that you can claim include;

 
  • Answering machines, pagers and other telecommunication equipment
  • Bank fees (for wage accounts)
  • Computer and software claims
  • Depreciation of equipment used for work
  • First aid courses
  • Home office
  • Insurance on income and tools
  • Mobile phones
  • Parking fees, bridge and road tolls
  • Professional library
  • Safety equipment, clothing, footwear and glasses
  • Seminars, conferences and training courses
  • Technical or professional publications
  • Telephone calls and rental
  • Tools and equipment
  • Watches with special characteristics
  Some typical expenses that you cannot claim include;
 
  • Child care
  • Drivers licence
  • Fines
  • Glasses and contact lenses
  • Grooming costs including, hair and skin care products
  • Haircuts
  • Meals (whilst at work during normal hours)
  • Newspapers (unless specifically related to your employment)
  • Removal and relocation
  • Watches (conventional)

16. Useful Links
   
 
*
Family Assistance Office
*
Australian Taxation Office
*
Centrelink
*
Health and Family Services
*
The Business Entry Point - Comprehensive information and links for new businesses
*
Tax Reform - Helping businesses and individuals with GST transition
 

www.cpa.com.au

www.ato.gov.au
www.runningmybusiness.com.au
www.bizdirect.com.au
www.canbas.com.au
www.smallbusinessresearch.com.au
www.workcare.com.au
   
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