Expenses
The importance of cash flow forecasts
As we enter into the new year, with many economists predicting a slowing of the economy, planning your business’s cash flow is more important than ever. Studies suggest that the failure to plan cash flow is one of the leading causes of small business failure. To this end, a cash flow forecast is a crucial…
Read MoreTravel Allowances and the Proper Use of the Exception to Substantiate Claims
A travel allowance is a payment made to employees to cover accommodation, food, drink or incidental expenses they incur when they travel away from their home overnight in the course of their duties. In most circumstances, when claiming other deductions, you will be expected to be able to substantiate the expense being claimed with documentary…
Read MoreSubstantiation for mobile, home phone and internet costs
The ATO has issued guidance on making claims for mobile phone use as well as home phone and internet expenses, and says that if you use any of these for work purposes you should be able to claim a deduction if there are records to support claims. But the ATO points out that use for…
Read MoreDeduction tip: Can you claim the cost of travelling to this office?
Tax time has arrived, but before you have us lodge your return here is another deduction tip — should your circumstances allow (or file this away for next income year.) The ATO recently issued what it calls a “tax determination” which more clearly spells out the circumstances of what may be an allowable claim (under…
Read MoreBusiness costs and deductibility of interest expenses
If a business racks up an interest bill from borrowing funds to pay for the expenses of running the business, or to acquire other income-producing assets or investments, this expense is generally allowed as a tax deduction for the relevant year. For business taxpayers under the accruals accounting method, a claim can be made for…
Read MoreAre personal carer travel costs claimable? It depends…
A recent Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision has ramifications for taxpayers with disabilities, and who are in need of a personal carer. The decision centres around what is or is not acceptable as a tax deduction in relation to the costs that arise with regard to that carer under certain conditions. The circumstances of the taxpayer…
Read MoreGetting deductions for clothing and laundry expenses right
The ATO allows certain taxpayers to claim a deduction for the cost of buying and cleaning occupation-specific clothing, items of protective wear and for certain unique, and usually distinctive, uniforms. To claim a deduction it is generally expected that you will be able to provide evidence that you purchased the clothing concerned, and will have…
Read MoreWork Deductions: What’s On The Taxman’s Radar?
The ATO says that this year it will pay extra attention to people whose deduction claims are higher than expected, in particular those claiming car expenses. The expenses the ATO says it will be scrutinising can include claims by those transporting bulky tools, and deductions for travel, internet and mobile phone as well as claims…
Read MoreWhat To Bring To Your Tax Return Appointment
If you’re coming in soon to discuss your tax return for yourself or your business, come prepared with some records or access to them to help us with the preparation. Being prepared is not only wise, but saves a lot of time and effort for both yourself and for us. If you are a new…
Read MoreMaximise your claim: Overlooked property deductions for investors
Many investment property owners may be missing out on valuable property depreciation entitlements, simply by not being up-to-speed on what is and is not depreciable. Generally speaking it seems that many property investors may not be claiming their full tax entitlements, most likely because the range of items that qualify can be unexpectedly diverse. Examples…
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