October 2017

FBT Article ‘ can the reimbursement of an employee’s mortgage payment constitute an exempt living away from home accommodation benefit?

It is very common in the modern workforce for employees to be temporarily stationed in a town or city that is a considerable distance from where they and their family currently live. In the majority of these cases the employee will rent accommodation or is provided with accommodation rented by their employer in the new […]

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FBT Q&A ‘ What is meant by the term ‘payload’ of a vehicle?

Question We are looking for guidance as to what constitutes the ‘payload’ of a vehicle. We have been working off the manufacturer’s compliance plate, however we have been told that if the dealer installs accessories, e.g. canopy, bull bar, that the payload will then be reduced from that stated on the compliance plate. This could

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Salary Packaging Q&A ‘ Income protection and life insurance policy costs

Question Our organisation is planning to allow salary sacrifice for our employees in regards to their income protection insurance and life insurance policy costs. We will reimburse these policy costs and reduce their pre-tax salary accordingly. Can you please let me know if it will result in a fringe benefit tax liability or is there

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GST Article ‘ I choose going concern but if … then I want the margin scheme to apply

The recent (31 August 2017) AAT decision MSAUS Pty Ltd as the Trustee for Melissa Trust v  Commissioner of Taxation  considered a contract for sale of land which consisted of standard NSW contract for the sale of land with special clauses. The Commissioner was demanding the purchaser (MSAUS Pty Ltd) pay GST in accordance with

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GST Q&A ‘ GST and land improvements

Question Council recently sold a (almost vacant) block of land.  The land contains a redundant concrete water tank which will need to be demolished and removed by the purchaser.  Once this is done, the land will be suitable for residential development. Could you please advise whether this land sale would satisfy the requirements of a taxable supply (assuming that the normal requirements

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GST Q&A ‘ GST and deposits

Question My question relates to deposits paid by Council to hire a facility.  Currently, when Council pays a deposit, GST is also paid.  It is my understanding that GST is not applied when a deposit is paid, but rather calculated after the service has been granted and the final balance is paid.  Some clarification would be appreciated. 

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Payroll Q&A – Treatment of car allowance paid to employee re employer provided car

Question Our organisation pays a lump sum car allowance to certain employees in relation to cars provided by the employer to the employee. Employees use these cars for business and private purposes. Are these allowances subject to PAYG withholding and how should they be shown for Payment Summary reporting purposes. Answer Section 51AF ITAA 1936

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Payroll Q&A ‘ Treatment of cents per KM car allowance in excess of 5000kms

Question Our organisation pays cents per KM car allowances in relation to business travel – we pay at a cents per KM rate above the ATO approved rate of 66 cents and the employees claim more than 5000kms per annum – what is required re PAYG Withholding and Payment Summary reporting? Answer The ATO position

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