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Tips to to make Tax Time easier
It's nearly that time of the year again - TAX TIME - and hard to believe that a year has passed already. You are probably looking at your Group Certificate and wondering "where has all that money gone?", so to help you get started here are some "tax tips"
Make sure that you declare all interest and other investment income. The tax office has a data matching system that tracks interest, managed funds and dividends so it doesn't matter how small they are.
Investments should be in the name of the family member who pays the least amount of tax. Even better would to be use a family trust so that there is true asset protection and income sharing
As we approach June 30 if you have made a capital gain and have an investment that is making a loss consider selling that investment to help reduce any gain and tax liability.
Make sure you have all rental property details in order such as Rental Statements, Repairs and Maintenance, Rates, Insurance, Travel Logs for inspections/collection of rent(logbook or invoices of travel), capital improvements, interest on loans and all details on any refinanced loans(loan contracts and statements) this will enable you to have the correct borrowing costs claimed against the property. Download a checklist - click here
Do you have a Quantity Surveyors Report? These reports allow you to claim the construction costs and fixtures of the property as a tax deduction over the life of the property.
Prepay the interest on your investment property loan so that you can claim the deduction now. Talk to your bank first to make sure your loan has this facility.
Do you have audit protection insurance? With the ATO always increasing audit activity it is only a matter of time before you get an audit. This cover is tax deductable and covers you for the costs of your accountant/lawyer to complete the audit.
DOUBLE YOUR MONEY......Do you earn less than $32000? You can earn 100% on a super investment of $1000 with the government super co-contribution. If you earn more you can still earn 100% however the maximum amount reduces, visit our website www.kpsa.com.au for further information
Superannuation provides great tax savings. Salary sacrificing and contributing to your low income earning spouse's fund can give great tax benefits
Income protection insurance is a tax deduction however life insurance is not. However if you have your superannuation fund pay the policy then it becomes a deduction for the fund. If you are self employed then you can contribute to super and get the tax deduction while paying for your life insurance. Or if you fall into the co contribution you can effectively have the government pay for the insurance policy.
A 50%Education tax refund is still available and applies to eligible education expenses incurred.
- $750 for each eligible child in primary school, i.e. a refund of up to $375 per child
- $1500 for secondary school students i.e. a refund of up to $750 per child.
Make sure you have all your receipts!
Being prepared not only saves you time, but more importantly money.
Don't prepare your own tax return.......you WILL miss opportunities to claim deductions
Please visit our resources section as we have more information and checklists that will assist you with you tax.
If you wish to take the stress out of preparing your tax return or just need some professional advice call the team at KEVIN P SCAMBLER & ASSOCIATES ON 07 5452 7205 or click here to email us
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