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TAX | NEWS | VIEWS & CLUES
We have some interesting items to consider this month. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) We are holding an FBT seminar for our clients on 26 March at our office in Parramatta; 7.45am – 9.00am (pastries and coffee from 7.30am). At this Seminar we will provide an update on the changes introduced and cover the main FBT items that can be tricky to get right. See our Seminar Invitation here if you are interested in attending. On the subject of FBT, the Tax Office is targeting log books for motor vehicles. If you are claiming a car for tax and/or FBT, relying on your log book, you must have it ready at hand. The minimum log book requirement is to maintain it for a period of 12 weeks and, provided there has been no significant change in the pattern of use, then that can be relied upon for a total period of 5 years. A change in vehicle does not mean that you need a new log book. If you are claiming concurrently on two cars, relying on your log book, then you need a log book for each car covering the same 12 week period. Superannuation It is worth a reminder to ensure you are optimising the benefits of contributing to superannuation. The tax concessional contribution limits have increased to $30,000 (or $35,000 for those over 49 at 30 June 2014). Superannuation is sure to receive some attention from the Government as they wrestle with budget priorities and the politics of being re-elected (which unfortunately seems to be a prime focus for many of our representatives!). The advantageous tax benefits attached to superannuation however still make this a very attractive, secure, long term investment, and for employees, is generally only surpassed perhaps by paying off a home loan. Compliance with the law when operating a self managed superfund is receiving increased attention from the Tax Office, particularly around the Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements. These are becoming increasingly popular. The Tax Office has issued two interpretative decisions involving cases where the superfund borrowed from a related party, the loans were for a considerable period (15+ years); the loan to valuation ratio exceeded 70%, and the interest on the loan was 0%. The Tax Office's view is that these arrangements are too aggressive and will expose the fund to additional tax imposts. The lesson here is that, whilst the fund can borrow from a related party (rather than from a Bank), the terms of any loan must be relatively commercial. Alternative Saving Product An interesting managed investment fund alternative for long term savings – 8 years plus – for high income taxpayers may be an insurance bond. These allow ongoing contributions; the investment fund pays tax at 30%; after 10 years the net accumulated balance is returned to the investor without additional tax. These can be very useful for saving for large future commitments such as education or other projects. Research and Development tax incentives can be very significant and for the year ended 30 June 2014, registrations must be lodged by 30 April (10 months after the end of the financial year). We are getting close to that date now. For other news:
As usual, please do not hesitate to call us on (02) 9891 6100 should you wish to discuss how any of the points raised in the report specifically affect you, or click here to send us an email. Warm regards, Martin Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation Borrowing by superannuation funds under scrutiny Late last year, the Murray Financial System Inquiry called on the Government to restore the general prohibition on direct borrowings by superannuation funds. The review was of the view that there was an emerging trend of superannuation funds using limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) to purchase assets, and that over time growth in direct borrowing would pose risks to the financial system. The Inquiry, chaired by David Murray, recommended that the current superannuation borrowing exception in the super rules should be removed on a prospective basis. Importantly, it was recommended that superannuation funds with existing borrowings should be permitted to maintain those borrowings. However, funds disposing of assets purchased via direct borrowings would be required to extinguish any associated debt at the same time.
Bitcoin and ATO approach to past transactions The ATO says all these rulings have application to tax periods before their date of issue (ie 17 December 2014) as they discuss laws that were already operative. However, it notes the Tax Commissioner will not generally apply compliance resources to tax periods that started before 1 October 2014 for goods and services tax (GST), or 1 July 2014 for other tax issues, for taxpayers that can show they have made a genuine attempt to determine the tax treatment of Bitcoin and have then adopted a consistent position regarding the tax treatment of Bitcoin in those past tax periods. Some key points on the ATO's view on Bitcoin:
Are your superannuation savings goals on track? There have been a few changes to superannuation which applied from 1 July 2014 and it is important to understand how they may apply to you. The following are some considerations. Making extra contributions The general concessional contributions cap is $30,000 for 2014–2015 (up from $25,000 for 2013–2014). For people aged 50 and over, there is a higher concessional contributions cap of $35,000 for 2014–2015. Checking super savings It is a good habit to check your superannuation balance regularly. In addition to getting to know your super better, you may also want to protect your super from identity crime. For example, you may want to change passwords for accounts that can be viewed online. Consolidating multiple super fund accounts You may want to consider consolidating multiple super fund accounts. This may help avoid paying multiple super fund fees, reduce paperwork, and make it easier to keep track of your superannuation. Keep all your statements in a safe place, especially if you do need to maintain multiple accounts. Salary sacrificing super You may want to ask your employer about salary sacrificing super. Or you may want to consider reviewing an existing arrangement with your employer. Professional tailor advice should be obtained before implementing a new retirement savings strategy. Please contact our office to discuss your circumstances. GST treatment of credit card surcharges – GSTR 2014/2 According to the Ruling, a credit card surcharge imposed by the merchant on the customer for a credit card transaction forms part of the consideration for the supply of the goods or services made by the merchant. The merchant will need to take into account the credit card surcharge that is connected with the supply of the goods or services when calculating the correct amount of GST. The Ruling covers a number of scenarios involving credit card surcharges. The ATO provides the following basic example of a credit card surcharge imposed by a merchant on a customer for a purchase of a shirt, being a taxable supply: Anna purchases a shirt with a price of $55. A sign at the store's counter states that a surcharge of 3% of the price will be imposed if payment is made by credit card. When Anna pays for the shirt using her credit card, the merchant imposes a surcharge of $1.65 on the sale. The price of the shirt is $56.65 as the $1.65 surcharge forms part of the consideration for the shirt. The GST payable in respect of the sale is $5.15, being 1/11th of the GST inclusive price of $56.65. Note the ruling also discusses the ATO's view on the GST treatment of surcharges imposed on debit card transactions. Tax Inspector's proposed new complaint-handling powers According to the Government, the Inspector-General is well-suited to have the sole jurisdiction to investigate individual complaints about the administration of taxation law matters, in addition to the current systemic function. It said that, under the changes, the Inspector-General will be given all of the powers and functions necessary to comprehensively investigate and handle complaints relating to the administration of taxation laws (of both a systemic and individual nature). |
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– Martin Roughley, Managing Director
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