Tax Planning for 30 June 2016

Traditionally, 30 June each year brings forth a rash of initiatives through which the level of taxation for the current financial year may be reduced.  Consult your tax advisor about the following:

TIMING OF INCOME

Where possible, defer receipt of income until after year end.

TIMING OF EXPENSES

Where possible, incur expenses prior to year end.

BAD DEBTS

Review debtors and, where debts are unrecoverable, physically write off before year end to claim a tax deduction.

TRADING STOCK ON HAND

Scrap any obsolete or damaged stock by year end.

SUPERANNUATION

Ensure payments for employees or by self-employed persons are physically made (and received) on or before year end.

PRE-PAYMENTS

Immediate deductions are available for:

  • Pre-payment of salary;
  • Expenses <$1,000;
  • Individuals, for non business expenses incurred on or before 30 June for the next twelve months – e.g. interest on rental property.

SUPERANNUATION REBATES

Contributions made on behalf of a low or no income spouse of up to $3,000 can attract an 18% rebate – i.e. $540.

SUPERANNUATION CO-CONTRIBUTIONS

The Government will contribute up to a maximum $500 to add to eligible employees’ personal contributions to superannuation funds of up to $1,000, subject to an assessable income (reportable fringe benefits, reportable employer superannuation contributions and salary sacrifice superannuation contributions) limit of $35,454, phasing out at $50,454.

MOTOR VEHICLE EXPENSES

Where significant employment or business use of a personal motor vehicle is claimed, maintain a log book for twelve weeks to maximise the tax deduction and keep records of all expenses.  The log book must be renewed every five years.

Record the financial year end odometer reading.

Small businesses (turnover <$2m) can claim an instant deduction for motor vehicles used for business 100% and costing up to $20,000.

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Review your asset schedule to scrap obsolete, worn out, lost or stolen items to maximise your depreciation claim.

Delay the disposal of any plant and equipment likely to be profitable in terms of written down value until 1 July.

Small businesses (turnover <$2m) can claim an immediate deduction for assets acquired, first used or installed ready for use, costing under $20,000 (GST exclusive).

HOME OFFICE EXPENSES

If carrying on a business from your home, pro rata tax deductions for interest or rent, insurance etc are available but impact on the main residence exemption from capital gains tax.

DIRECTORS / EMPLOYEES’ ENTITLEMENTS

Ensure any 2016/2017 salary packaging arrangements are in place before the commencement of the new tax year.

Bonuses and fees for the 2015/2016 year need to be approved at meetings and in place prior to 30 June 2016.

PRIVATE COMPANY LOANS

Any loans to shareholders or associates during 2014/2015 need to be repaid on or before 30 June 2016, unless a formal loan agreement is in place.

SALE OF INVESTMENTS

Delay the sale until after year end where a gain is anticipated to defer tax for a year.

Crystallise any capital losses in the tax year to offset against any gains made in the same year.

Timing of disposal under a contract for capital gains tax purposes is generally the date of making the contract, not settlement.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX CONCESSION

Assets need to be held for at least twelve months to access the 50% discount for individuals and trusts and the 33⅓% discount for superannuation funds.

CEASING BUSINESS / SALE OF BUSINESS ASSETS

Consider redundancy payments for employees.

Plan “golden handshake” payments for after the tax year end.

Small business capital gains tax relief measures may be available for:

  • 15 year exemption
  • 50% reduction
  • Retirement exemption
  • Replacement asset rollover

PAYG PAYMENT SUMMARIES

Summaries and summary statements for employees are required by the ATO by 14 August, otherwise substantial penalties apply.

SUPERANNUATION FUND EXPENSES

All expenses of a fund ought to be paid by the fund in order to claim a tax deduction.

DEPRECIABLE PLANT COSTING $300 OR LESS

Salary and wage earners and rental property owners will be entitled to an immediate deduction if plant for work related purposes costing $300 or less is purchased before 1 July 2016.  Some purchases you may consider include:

  • Beepers and pagers;
  • Books and trade journals;
  • Briefcases/luggage or suitcases;
  • Calculators, electronic organisers;
  • Software;
  • Stationery; and
  • Tools of trade.

CLOTHING EXPENSES

Purchase and pay for work related clothing/expenses prior to the end of the income year, such as:

  • Compulsory, non-compulsory (and registered) occupational specific and protective clothing;
  • Other expenses associated with such work related clothing such as dry cleaning, laundry and repair expenses.

SELF-EDUCATION EXPENSES

Consider pre-paying the following self-education items before the end of the income year:

  • Course fees (but not HELP fees), student union fees and tutorial fees;
  • Interest on borrowings used to pay for any deductible self-education expenses.

Also bring forward purchases of stationery and text books (i.e. those which are not required to be depreciated).

OTHER WORK RELATED EXPENSES

Employees can pre-pay any of the following expenses prior to 1 July 2016:

  • Union fees;
  • Subscriptions to trade, professional or business associations;
  • Magazine and newspaper subscriptions;
  • Seminars and conferences;
  • Income protection insurance (excluding death and total/permanent disability).

Note:  When pre-paying any of the above expenses before 1 July 2016, ensure that any services are provided within 12 months of the payment and before 1 July 2017.  Otherwise, the deductions must be claimed over the period of the pre-payment.  Any expense under $1,000 is exempt from pre-payment rules.