2026联邦预算案中提出的税务改革引发了广泛讨论。

房地产投资者正在重新审视自己的投资组合，企业主正在评估现有架构，而使用全权信托（Discretionary Trust）的家庭也开始关注未来可能带来的影响。

本次拟议改革主要聚焦于三个方面：

• 负扣税（Negative Gearing）
• 资本利得税（Capital Gains Tax，CGT）
• 全权信托（Discretionary Trust）

需要特别注意的是，这些措施目前仍未正式成为法律，相关立法仍需经过国会审议及通过。

然而，这并不意味着可以忽视这些提案。相反，现在正是了解潜在影响并提前规划的好时机。

为什么提前规划很重要？

许多人正在等待政策最终确定后才采取行动。

但事实上，明智的规划并不需要等待所有不确定性消除。

根据目前的提案，负扣税及资本利得税改革预计将于2027年7月1日开始实施，而信托税制改革预计不会早于2028年7月1日生效。

因此，无论是投资者还是企业主，都有充分时间检视自身状况并评估各种应对方案。

您今天并不需要立即作出重大调整，但提早了解风险和机会，有助于未来作出更好的决策。

1. 检视现有房地产投资组合

本次预算案中最受关注的内容之一就是负扣税改革。

政府计划限制2026年5月12日之后购买的现有住宅物业（Established Residential Property）所适用的负扣税优惠。

现有投资者或将受益于“祖父条款”

根据目前提案，在预算案公布前已持有住宅物业的投资者，可能受到“祖父条款（Grandfathering Rules）”保护。

这意味着他们仍可继续按照现行规定享受负扣税优惠。

符合条件的出租物业亏损，仍可抵减工资收入、商业收入以及其他应税收入。

对于许多投资者而言，这项待遇未来可能成为重要的长期税务优势。

为什么这很重要？

未来不同投资物业的税务待遇可能不再相同。

因此，现在正是重新审视投资组合的好时机。

首先，识别哪些资产可能符合祖父条款保护；其次，评估这些资产是否符合您的长期投资目标。

一次简单的投资组合检视，可能让您发现过去忽略的机会。

2. 审慎考虑未来房地产投资

拟议改革可能改变投资者未来购买物业时的考量方式。

过去，许多投资者购买现有住宅物业的重要原因之一，就是能够利用负扣税带来的税务优势。

但未来投资者可能需要更加关注投资本身的基本面。

聚焦优质投资

税务优惠固然重要，但不应成为购买投资物业的主要理由。

更重要的是关注：

• 优质地段
• 租赁需求
• 现金流潜力
• 长期增值能力

这些因素通常比单纯税务扣除更能影响投资回报。

新建住宅或更具吸引力

政府亦表示，新建住宅物业未来可能继续享有较优惠的税务待遇。

部分住宅开发项目及建后出租（Build-to-Rent）项目亦可能获得相关优惠政策。

因此，未来投资者可能会更积极比较新建物业与现有物业之间的投资价值。

3. 识别可能需要进行估值的资产

拟议中的资本利得税改革可能创造新的税务规划机会。

同时，也可能带来额外的记录保存要求。

为什么资产估值很重要？

根据提案，2027年7月1日前累积的资本增值，与该日期后产生的资本增值，将可能适用不同的税务处理方式。

因此，许多投资者可能需要取得截至2027年7月1日的准确市场价值。

这可能涉及：

• 投资房产
• 商业地产
• 股票投资组合
• 企业资产

提前准备

专业估值通常需要时间安排及准备资料。

因此，在任何截止日期到来之前提早规划是明智之举。

完善的记录保存不仅能节省时间，也能降低未来税务争议和合规风险。

4. 检视资本利得税策略

政府同时计划调整现行资本利得税折扣制度。

这也是本次预算案最重大的税务改革之一。

过去多年，投资者普遍依赖50% CGT折扣来降低出售资产时的税务负担。

然而，拟议改革可能改变部分投资者对于未来资产出售时机的考量。

检视未来退出计划

现在正是重新审视长期规划的好时机。

例如：

• 哪些资产可能在未来五年内出售？
• 现行制度下的税务结果如何？
• 拟议改革后又会产生什么变化？

这些问题有助于提早识别潜在风险。

保持整体视角

税务固然重要，但不应主导所有决策。

投资目标、退休规划及现金流需求，仍应是决策过程中的核心考虑因素。

5. 检视您的信托架构

拟议中的信托改革受到高度关注。

根据提案，全权信托未来可能需要按最低30%的税率纳税。

了解潜在影响

许多家庭利用全权信托在受益人之间分配收入。

政府希望减少部分与此类安排相关的税务优势。

因此，在新制度下，部分家庭的整体税负可能会上升。

不要忽略信托的非税务优势

信托的价值并不仅限于节税。

信托还可协助实现：

• 资产保护
• 遗产规划
• 传承安排
• 家族财富管理

因此，即使税务结果发生变化，信托在许多家庭和企业架构中仍可能继续发挥重要作用。

6. 考虑其他架构选择

部分纳税人可能希望重新评估现有持有架构。

但重组并不一定适合所有人。

比较不同选择

根据您的具体情况，可以考虑比较：

• 私人有限公司（Private Company）
• 固定信托（Fixed Trust）
• 公司受益人（Corporate Beneficiary）
• 其他商业架构

每种架构均有其优缺点。

避免仓促决定

不要仅根据尚未通过的提案作出重大结构调整。

应综合考虑税务结果、资产保护需求、商业目标及传承规划等因素后再作决定。

7. 持续关注政策发展

这可能是最重要的一项行动。

截至目前，这些提案仍未正式成为法律。

重视准备，而非恐慌

在法案正式通过前，许多细节仍有可能发生变化。

因此，提前准备远比猜测政策走向更有价值。

检视自身状况、模拟不同情境、了解各种选择。

当更多细节公布时，您便能够更有信心地采取行动。

常见问题

负扣税会被取消吗？

不会。

目前提案主要限制部分亏损的使用方式，并非全面取消负扣税制度。

现有物业是否受到保护？

根据目前提案，许多现有物业持有人将受到祖父条款保护。

我现在应该重组信托吗？

未必。

在最终立法内容更明确之前，通常建议保持谨慎并持续关注政策发展。

信托未来还有价值吗？

有。

在许多情况下，信托仍可提供资产保护、遗产规划及财富传承等重要功能。

在作出重大决定前寻求专业意见

每位纳税人的情况都不同。

例如，有些投资者可能从祖父条款中获益，而另一些投资者则需要重新规划未来购置策略。

同样地，有些企业主可能适合进行架构重组，而另一些则未必如此。

专业意见能够帮助您了解各种选择，并避免因仓促决策而产生不必要的成本和风险。

下一步应该做什么？

拟议中的2026联邦预算税务改革，可能在未来多年影响投资者、企业主及家庭的税务安排。

但目前仍有充足时间进行准备。

现在正是检视自身状况、了解潜在影响并制定未来规划的理想时机。

通过提早行动，您能够在政策逐步明朗的过程中，作出更明智的决定，并从容应对未来变化。

需要协助？

与我们这样的专业税务会计师和贷款经纪人合作，您可以放心，我们的团队可以提供针对性建议，确保贷款结构既能保护您的税务最大化扣除，同时避免错误的风险，从而让您更加安心，并更好地规划财务。

皮特马丁会计师事务所 Pitt Martin Group 是一家提供税务，会计，生意咨询，自管养老金，审计及贷款等综合性服务的经澳洲特许会计师协会认证的注册会计师事务所。我们每年会花上几百个小时去研究新的税法，以保证我们的客户可以最大化合理避税。我们的中文联系方式是 Robert Liu +61292213345 或邮件 info@pittmartingroup.com.au。皮特马丁会计师事务所Pitt Martin Group坐落在交通便利的悉尼市市中心，是一家拥有可以说中文合伙人的会计师事务所。我们的荣誉包括2018年CPA新州首席优秀奖， 2020年澳大利亚小生意年度冠军入围奖, 2021年澳洲知名媒体《每日会计师》年度最佳会计师事务所冠军入围奖，2022年最佳会计师事务所新人入围奖和2023香港澳大利亚商业协会最佳积极生意入围奖。

皮特马丁会计师事务所 Pitt Martin Group资质包括超过十五年的从业经验，澳大利亚税务注册代理，澳大利亚与新西兰特许会计师协会（CAANZ）会员，新州、维州和西澳律师协会信托账户 (Trust Account) 认证审计师，澳大利亚金融贷款经纪人协会（FBAA）执业认证会员，澳大利亚证券及投资委员会注册代理，XERO, QUICKBOOKS, MYOB等会计软件授权单位及认证顾问。

本文内容仅供参考，不构成对任何个人或团体的具体情况而形成建议。任何个人或团体应该在征求专业人士的意见后方可采取行动。由于税法的时效性，我们在发布时已致力于提供及时、准确的信息，但不能保证所称述的内容在今后任然可以适用。转发该文内容请注明出处。

By Robert Liu @ Pitt Martin Tax

随着澳大利亚主要城市的城市扩张不断推进，越来越多的房产持有者开始考虑进行土地分割项目。尽管这类项目可能带来可观的经济回报，但在投入之前，充分了解相关税务影响至关重要。若误解了分割项目的税务处理方式，可能会带来高昂的代价，并严重影响项目的整体收益。

一个常见的误区是认为土地分割所得的税负非常低。然而，事实远比这复杂，多个关键税务因素可能大幅影响您项目的整体盈利能力。

例如，如果您购买房产的目的是为了分割并短期出售地块以获取利润，澳大利亚税务局（ATO）很可能会将此类行为视为营利性活动。在这种情况下，您的利润将按普通收入纳税，而不是适用资本利得税（CGT）规则。这意味着，原本适用于持有资产超过12个月的50% CGT折扣将无法使用，您也不能利用资本亏损来抵减应纳税额。

除了所得税之外，土地分割出售所得还可能适用商品及服务税（GST）。这两项税种都会大幅压缩您的税后利润。

很多个人低估了自己在所得税和GST方面的义务。当他们意识到真实的财务影响时，往往为时已晚，整个项目的可行性也可能因此陷入危机。

为协助纳税人，ATO更新了其有关房产交易税务处理的指南。更新后的指南包含一系列真实案例，展示了在不同房产情境下，如土地分割、房产倒卖和开发等，所得税和GST规则可能如何适用。

其中一个案例讲述了一位纳税人反复购买、翻新并出售房产的情形。此人会进行全面的市场调研，寻求专业建议，获得商业贷款，并以结构化、商业化的方式进行翻修。ATO将其视为一种经营行为，其主要目的在于通过转售房产获取利润。因此，其所得将被视为普通收入征税。由于这些房产被视为交易存货而非资本资产，CGT规则及折扣将不适用。

然而，除非房产进行了“实质性翻修”，否则GST可能并不适用。这里的“实质性翻修”是一个具有技术性的定义，每个案例都必须进行仔细评估。

ATO的另一个示例展示了另一种情况。在该案例中，纳税人由于个人困境（健康恶化和债务增加）而进行土地分割。该分割活动仅限于获得市政批准，并未进行进一步开发，也无明确意图获取利润，仅是出售部分土地来缓解财务压力。ATO将此类交易视为对资本资产的“单纯变现”。这意味着所得将按照CGT规则征税，并且如果该土地持有时间超过12个月，将可享受50%的CGT折扣。

不过，尽管被分割出售的地块属于纳税人主要住所所在的土地范围，但由于它是与住宅本身分开出售的，因此不符合主要住宅豁免的条件。

这些案例强调了从项目一开始就准确识别土地分割目的和规模的重要性。意图、结构或执行方式的细微差异，都可能导致完全不同的税务结果。 在启动任何土地分割项目前，务必寻求专业税务建议，以全面了解自己的税务义务。充分的信息准备有助于避免意外的税务账单，并确保您的项目在财务上保持可行性。

皮特马丁会计师事务所 Pitt Martin Group 是一家提供税务，会计，生意咨询, 自管养老金及审计的贷款等综合性服务的经澳洲会计师公会认证的注册会计师事务所。我们每年会花上几百个小时去研究新的税法，以保证我们的客户可以最大化合理避税。我们的中文联系方式是 Robert Liu +61292213345 或邮件 info@pittmartingroup.com.au。皮特马丁会计师事务所Pitt Martin Group坐落在交通便利的悉尼市市中心，是一家拥有可以说中文合伙人的会计师事务所。我们的荣誉包括2018年CPA新州首席优秀奖， 2020年澳大利亚小生意年度冠军入围奖, 2021年澳洲知名媒体《每日会计师》年度最佳会计师事务所冠军入围奖，2022年最佳会计师事务所新人入围奖和2023香港澳大利亚商业协会最佳积极生意入围奖。

皮特马丁会计师事务所 Pitt Martin Group资质包括超过十五年的从业经验，澳大利亚与新西兰特许会计师协会（CAANZ）会员，澳大利亚注册会计师协会（CPA）执业认证会员，澳大利亚税务注册代理，新州、维州和西澳律师协会信托账户 (Trust Account) 认证审计师，澳大利亚金融贷款经纪人协会（FBAA）执业认证会员，澳大利亚证券及投资委员会注册代理，XERO, QUICKBOOKS, MYOB等会计软件授权单位及认证顾问。

本文内容仅供参考，不构成对任何个人或团体的具体情况而形成建议。任何个人或团体应该在征求专业人士的意见后方可采取行动。由于税法的时效性，我们在发布时已致力于提供及时、准确的信息，但不能保证所称述的内容在今后任然可以适用。转发该文内容请注明出处。

By Robert Liu @ Pitt Martin Tax

财年即将结束，现在正是检查企业税务状况的好时机。本文整理了几项切实可行的税务优化建议，以及当前受到澳洲税务局（ATO）高度关注的风险点。提前规划，有助于提升财务表现并避免不必要的麻烦。

 值得考虑的机会

• 坏账核销
  如果客户明确无法偿还欠款，且你已采取一切可能的追收措施，那么在 6 月 30 日前将其核销，有望在本财年申报扣除。请务必留存书面记录，比如在应收账款明细中注明，或通过董事会决议形式确认。
• 报废闲置资产
  是否还有已停止使用但仍在折旧清单上的设备？如果这些资产已无实际用途，不妨在 6 月 30 日前一次性报废并冲销账面价值，从而获取完整的扣除额度。
• 企业可提前确认支出
  若对企业而言合理合适，可通过决议方式提前确认董事薪酬与员工奖金的支付义务，并于 6 月底前支付该季度的养老金，从而提前获取相关扣除。
• 2 万澳元即时资产扣除门槛正式确定
  政府已通过立法，将 2025 财年的即时资产扣除门槛 20,000 澳元延长12个月，适用于年营业额低于 1,000 万澳元的小型企业。在 2025 财年内购入、符合条件的资产（如设备等），其成本若不超过该门槛（不含可退 GST），通常可在当年一次性全额扣除。
  但需注意：相关规则较复杂，购买前建议先与我们确认。若无进一步立法支持，该门槛将在 2025 年 7 月 1 日 起恢复至 1,000 澳元。

 需重点关注的风险

• 申报延迟与税务欠款
  未按时报税将被视为重大风险信号。ATO 有权在企业未提交报表的情况下，直接依据其判断发出估税通知，可能引发更大欠款。如果你遇到税务或申报方面的困难，请尽早联系我们，我们可以协助你与 ATO 沟通协调。
• 专业服务收入结构受审查
  ATO 正加强对专业服务企业（如律师、会计师、工程师等）利润分配方式的审核。如果企业存在不合理的利润转移结构，使专业人士缴税低于其应缴水平，或对其劳务价值支付明显不足，则可能引发监管行动。务必确保收入分配符合商业逻辑与实质。

皮特马丁会计师事务所 Pitt Martin Group 是一家提供税务，会计，生意咨询, 自管养老金及审计的贷款等综合性服务的经澳洲会计师公会认证的注册会计师事务所。我们每年会花上几百个小时去研究新的税法，以保证我们的客户可以最大化合理避税。我们的中文联系方式是 Robert Liu +61292213345 或邮件 info@pittmartingroup.com.au。皮特马丁会计师事务所Pitt Martin Group坐落在交通便利的悉尼市市中心，是一家拥有可以说中文合伙人的会计师事务所。我们的荣誉包括2018年CPA新州首席优秀奖， 2020年澳大利亚小生意年度冠军入围奖, 2021年澳洲知名媒体《每日会计师》年度最佳会计师事务所冠军入围奖，2022年最佳会计师事务所新人入围奖和2023香港澳大利亚商业协会最佳积极生意入围奖。

皮特马丁会计师事务所 Pitt Martin Group资质包括超过十五年的从业经验，澳大利亚注册会计师协会（CPA）执业认证会员，澳大利亚税务注册代理，新州、维州和西澳律师协会信托账户 (Trust Account) 认证审计师，澳大利亚金融贷款经纪人协会（FBAA）执业认证会员，澳大利亚证券及投资委员会注册代理，XERO, QUICKBOOKS, MYOB等会计软件授权单位及认证顾问。

本文内容仅供参考，不构成对任何个人或团体的具体情况而形成建议。任何个人或团体应该在征求专业人士的意见后方可采取行动。由于税法的时效性，我们在发布时已致力于提供及时、准确的信息，但不能保证所称述的内容在今后任然可以适用。转发该文内容请注明出处。

By Yvonne Shao @ Pitt Martin Tax

Originally set to commence on July 1, 2024, the Stage 3 of the personal income tax cuts will undergo a significant overhaul as proposed by the Federal Government.

Following widespread speculation, the Prime Minister has confirmed the Government’s intent to revise the scheduled Stage 3 tax cuts set to begin on July 1, 2024. In contrast to the current plan, the proposed redesign aims to extend the benefits of the tax cuts to individuals earning below $150,000 in taxable income. If implemented, an additional 2.9 million Australian taxpayers are expected to see an increase in their take-home pay starting from July 1.

This departure from the original vision of Stage 3, part of a 5-year plan to restructure the personal income tax system, reflects a response to the sharp rise in living costs, altering the prevailing sentiment within the community. As stated by the Prime Minister, the focus now lies on addressing immediate concerns rather than long-term structural changes.

The redesign is anticipated to generate an estimated $28 billion in additional Government revenues from personal income tax by 2034-35, primarily due to bracket creep.

So, what’s changing?

The revised tax cuts will reallocate resources to benefit lower-income households that have been disproportionately affected by rising living costs.

Tax rate	2023-24	2024-25 legislated	2024-25 proposed
0%	$0 – $18,200	$0 – $18,200	$0 – $18,200
16%			$18,201 – $45,000
19%	$18,201 – $45,000	$18,201 – $45,000
30%		$45,001 – $200,000	$45,001 – $135,000
32.5%	$45,001 – $120,000
37%	$120,001 – $180,000		$135,001 – $190,000
45%	>$180,000	>$200,000	>$190,000

Under the proposed redesign, resident taxpayers with taxable income below $146,486 will experience larger tax cuts compared to the existing Stage 3 plan. For instance:

• A taxpayer with a taxable income of $40,000 will receive a tax cut of $654, as opposed to no tax cut under the current Stage 3 plan (though they may have benefited from Stage 1 and Stage 2 tax cuts).
• A taxpayer with a taxable income of $100,000 would receive a tax cut of $2,179, which is $804 more than under the current Stage 3 plan.

However, those earning $200,000 will see their expected benefit from the Stage 3 plan nearly halved, from $9,075 to $4,529. While there’s still a benefit compared to current tax rates, it’s not as significant.

Additionally, low-income earners will receive relief through a 7.1% increase in the Medicare Levy low-income threshold, indexed to inflation. This adjustment means individuals won’t begin paying the Medicare Levy until their income reaches $26,000, and they won’t pay the full 2% levy until their income reaches $32,500 for singles.

While the proposed redesign aims to maintain revenue neutrality compared to the existing budgeted Stage 3 plan, it is estimated to incur approximately $1 billion more in costs over the next four years before the effects of bracket creep mitigate the gains.

It’s not a done deal yet!

The implementation of the redesigned Stage 3 tax cuts is contingent upon the enactment of amending legislation by July 1, 2024. This necessitates securing support from independent or minor parties in Parliament, which convenes from February 6, 2024.

How did we get here?

Initially introduced in the 2018-19 Federal Budget, the personal income tax plan aimed to tackle the issue of ‘bracket creep’—where tax rates fail to keep pace with wage growth, leading to increased taxes over time. The three-point plan sought to simplify tax thresholds and rates, reduce the tax burden on many individuals, and align Australia’s tax system with some neighboring countries (e.g., New Zealand’s top marginal tax rate of 39% applying to incomes above $180,000).

The plan introduced incremental changes starting from July 1, 2018, and July 1, 2020, with Stage 3 slated to take effect from July 1, 2024.

What’s next?

For tax planning purposes, those with taxable incomes of $150,000 or more will find fewer planning opportunities with the redesigned Stage 3 tax cuts. Nevertheless, any alteration in tax rates presents an opportunity to review and adjust to ensure you’re maximizing available opportunities and not paying more than necessary.

Should you please have any question in regards to above, please feel free to contact our friendly team in Pitt Martin Tax at 0292213345 or info@pittmartingroup.com.au.

The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only.  It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone.  If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.

By Robert Liu @ Pitt Martin Tax

Tax time is fast approaching and for some of you this might be the last thing on your mind. There might be other things that are more important for you to get through this uncertainty. However, now is the best time to get your tax affair in order and avoid last minute planning that can cost you.

As you have spent more time working from home during the lockdown period, it might be a good idea to put together all the information you need to prepare your returns as it will take some time especially if you have not organised them as you go. You can collect all your receipts or invoices for work related expenses and any credit card statements for invoices that you no longer had and discuss with your tax agent to ensure you are maximising your claims.

If you have been working from home as a result of COVID-19, the Australian Taxation Office has introduced special arrangements which will allow people to claim 80 cents per hour for all their running expenses, rather than needing to calculate costs for specific running expenses. You will need to keep a record of the number of hours you have worked from home. This will apply from March 1 to June 30, after which the ATO will review the arrangement for the next financial year.

If you choose to use the 80 cents per hour for all your running expenses, you can’t make other claims in relation to working from home because items such as mobile phone and internet are included in the 80 cent rate.

You still had the option to use the old claiming method which is known as the 52 cents per work hour method for claiming items such as heating, cooling, lighting, cleaning and the decline in value of office furniture. You need to keep a diary of when your start and finish work each day. This old method also allowed you to calculate the work-related portion of phone and internet expenses, computer consumables, stationery and the decline in value of a computer, laptop or similar device. Nevertheless, you would still require to work out what private use and work use is on ‘a reasonable basis”

You can claim tools or equipment as a deduction in your tax return if you have to use them as part of your job and your employer didn’t reimburse you. You can claim a deduction straight away if the tools or equipment are $300 or less otherwise you will need to depreciate over the life of the item. On the other hand, if you run your own business and acquired all your capital items from 12 March 2020 and the cost of all of them less than $150,000, you can claim a deduction straight away. The capital items included work related IT equipment, cars and tools. Please note that you will still require to apportion the cost if you use them for private use.

As we are approaching the end of financial year, we still have plenty of time to generate some extra common tax deductions if you made the payment by 30 June:

• Donation to a charity registered as a deductible gift recipient over $2 with a receipt are tax deductible
• A personal contribution into your super fund including the contribution made on your behalf by your employer which are less than $25,000 can be claim as a tax deduction providing the payment made by 30 June. You need to advise your super fund by completing the relevant form or speak to your accountant for guidance.
• You need to pay by 30 June your professional membership or subscriptions and union fees to claim the deduction this year

Remember that good record keeping including invoices and receipts will ensure the finalisation of your tax return easier and you can claim for everything you’re eligible to.

If you know anyone in your circle who need any assistance during tax time, please reach out to them because “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone” and “Together We Can Make A Difference”

Pitt Martin Accountants & Tax Advisers is here to assist you and your business in time of crisis by contacting 02 9221 3345 or connect@pittmartingroup.com.au.

As the coronavirus outbreak grows, more people are forced to work from home. While working from home can come with its benefits like getting to sleep in longer, avoid the daily commute and work from bed in your pyjamas, it can also hurt your hip pocket if you’re having to fork out for expenses your employer would normally cover, like increase utility bills, phone and home internet bills.

The good news is that most of these expenses can be claimed back at tax time. In order to make it easier for people to claim deductions for working from home, the Australian Taxation Office is introducing special arrangements which will allow people to claim 80 cents per hour for all their running expenses, rather than needing to calculate costs for specific running expenses.

Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat said that if you choose to use this shortcut method, all you need to do is keep a record of the hours you worked from home as evidence of your claim. “We needed something to help people through this time to make it easier to work out how much they can claim”, Ms Foat said.

The change will apply from March 1 to June 30, after which the ATO will review the arrangement for the next financial year. If the Federal Government announces a prolonged lockdown extending into the next financial year the ATO is likely to extend the new claiming method.

The new arrangement does not forbid people from making a working-from-home claim under existing arrangements, where you calculate all or part of your running expenses. Neither does it prohibit multiple people living in the same house to claim this new rate. Furthermore, the requirement to have a dedicated work from home area has also been removed. However, the claims for working-from-home expenses prior to March 1, 2020 cannot be calculated using the shortcut method and must use the pre-existing working from home approach and requirements,” Ms Foat added.

People still had the option to use the old claiming method which is known as the 52 cents per work hour method for claiming items such as heating, cooling, lighting, cleaning and the decline in value of office furniture. This old method also allowed taxpayers to calculate the work-related portion of phone and internet expenses, computer consumables, stationery and the decline in value of a computer, laptop or similar device. Nevertheless, taxpayers would still need to work out what private use and work use is on ‘a reasonable basis”

ATO are expecting a lot of people to be working from home as the outbreak continues to grow; therefore believed that the new method would cut down on the need for reviews and audits, because it was simpler and reduce the chances of people making mistakes while claiming the deductions this year.

The ATO is also reminding people that the three golden rules for deductions still apply,

1. The taxpayers must have spent the money themselves and not have been reimbursed by the employers
2. The claim must be directly related to earning income, and
3. The record must be kept to substantiate the claim

Please note that children’s education expenses, as well as tea, coffee and toilet paper which used to be supplied by employers in the office could not be claimed and neither do rent and mortgage (unless it is an investment property)

The ATO gives this example of how the arrangement might work:

Sophie is an employee who works as a copywriter and an editor. Sophie starts working from home on 10 March as a result of COVID-19 and had since using a lot of online video conferencing for her meeting.

Sophie has just bought a new computer, monitor, desk, chair and stationery. She also wants to claim some additional gas, electricity, phone and internet costs due to working from home.

Under the shortcut method, Sophie can now claim all her expenses under a rate of 80 cents per hour. All she needs is her timesheets to show a record of the number of hours worked from home.

Sophie can also decide to claim using existing working from home calculations which is known as the 52 cents per work hour method. Under that method, Sophie can claim the desk, chair, gas and electricity under the 52 cents per hour, but would need to work out the decline in value of the computer, monitor, and calculate the work-related portion of the computer, monitor, stationery, phone and internet.

Pitt Martin Accountants & Tax Advisers are Xero qualified and award-winning accountants and bookkeepers for small businesses which can be reached on 02 9221 3345 or connect@pittmartingroup.com.au.

With the announcement from Federal Governments Economic Response to the COVIC-19 Coronavirus, the cash flow grant for employers measure is designed to support employing small and medium sized businesses and to improve business confidence. The measures also supports the activities of not-for-profits (including charities) at a time where they are facing increased demand for services.

On 12 March 2020, the Government announced the cash flow grant for employers measure and initially provided up to $25,000 with a minimum payment of $2,000 for eligible businesses. Small and medium sized business entities that employ workers with aggregated annual turnover less than $50 million are eligible.

The Government has then improved this measure as part of the second economic stimulus package. Not-for-profit entities (NFPs), including charities that employ workers, with aggregated annual turnover less than $50 million will now also be eligible. This will support employment activities at a time where NFPs are facing increasing demand for services.

Under the improved scheme, employers will receive a payment equal to 100 per cent of their salary and wages withheld (increase from 50 per cent), with the maximum payment being increased from $25,000 to $50,000. Furthermore, the minimum payment is being increased from $2,000 to $10,000.

An additional payment is also being introduced in the July to October 2020 period. Eligible entities will receive an additional payment equal to the total of all of the cash flow grant for employers payments they have received. This means that eligible entities will receive at least $20,000 up to a total of $100,000 under both payments. The cash flow grant for employers is tax-free payment with no new forms required and automatically calculated by the ATO

This additional payment continues to support businesses over a longer period to help them maintain staff, improve confidence, continue operating and at the same time stimulating the economy. It’s crucial for the government to help small businesses because they are the backbone of the economy.

Who is eligible and what is the timing?

SME business entities and NFPs that employ workers, with aggregated annual turnover less than $50 million will be eligible with the eligibility generally be based on prior year turnover.

• The payment will be an automatic credit in the activity statement system from 28 April 2020 upon employers lodging eligible upcoming activity statements.
• Eligible employers that withhold tax on their employees’ salary and wages will receive a payment equal to 100 per cent of the amount withheld, up to a maximum payment of $50,000.
• Eligible employers that pay salary and wages will receive a minimum payment of $10,000, even if they are not required to withhold tax.
• The payments will only be available to active eligible employers established prior to 12 March 2020 except charities which are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission will be eligible regardless of when they were registered, subject to meeting other eligibility requirements.

The cash flow grant for employers payment will be applied to a limited number of activity statement lodgements. The ATO will send the payment as a credit to the entity upon lodgement of their activity statements. The ATO will send the refund within 14 days if the entity is entitled to a refund.

Type of lodger	Eligible period	Lodgement due date
Quarterly	Quarter 3 (January, February and March 2020) Quarter 4 (April, May and June 2020)	28 April 2020 28 July 2020
Monthly	March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020	21 April 2020 21 May 2020 22 June 2020 21 July 2020

If you lodged quarterly, you will be eligible to receive the payment for the quarters ending March and June 2020.

If you lodged monthly, you will be eligible to receive the payment for the March, April, May and June 2020 lodgements. To provide a similar treatment to quarterly lodgers, the payment for monthly lodgers will be calculated at three times the rate (which is 300 per cent) in the March 2020 activity statement with the minimum payment will be applied to the entities’ first lodgement.

Additional payment eligibility and timing

Your entity must remain active in order to qualify for the additional payment from the Government.

If you lodged activity statements monthly, the additional payments will be delivered as an automatic credit in the activity statement system. This will be equal to a quarter of their total initial cash flow grant for employers payment following the lodgement of their June, July, August and September 2020 activity statements up to a total of $50,000.

If you lodged activity statements quarterly, the additional payments will be sent as an automatic credit in the activity statement system. This will be equal to half of their total initial cash flow grant for employers payment following the lodgement of their June and September 2020 activity statements up to a total of $50,000.

The additional payment will be applied to a limited number of activity statement lodgements. The ATO will send the payment as a credit to the entity upon lodgement of their activity statements. The ATO will send the refund within 14 days if the entity is entitled to a refund.

Type of lodger	Eligible period	Lodgement due date
Quarterly	Quarter 4 (April, May and June 2020) Quarter 1 (July, August and September 2020)	28 July 2020 28 October 2020
Monthly	June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020	21 July 2020 21 August 2020 22 September 2020 21 October 2020

If you lodged quarterly, you will be eligible to receive the additional payment for the quarters ending June 2020 and September 2020. Each additional payment will be equal to half of their total initial cash flow grant for employers payment with up to a total of $50,000.

If you lodged monthly, you will be eligible to receive the additional payment for the June, July, August and September 2020 lodgements. Each additional payment will be equal to a quarter of their total initial cash flow grant for Employers payment with up to a total of $50,000.

Examples of Tax-Free Payment to Employers

Example 1 – John’s Removalist Business

John owns and runs a removalist business in Western Australia and employs 10 workers on average full-time weekly earnings, who each earn $90,750 per year. John reports withholding of $15,600 for his employees on each of his monthly Business Activity Statements (BAS).

Under the Government’s measure, John will be eligible to obtain the payment on lodgement of his BAS. John’s business receives:

• A credit of $46,800 for the March period
• A credit of $3,200 for the April period, before he reaches the $50,000 cap.
• No payment for the May period, as he has now reached the $50,000 cap.
• An additional payment of $12,500 for the June, July, August and September period, respectively

Under the Government’s enhanced cash flow grant for employers measure, John’s business will receive $100,000.

Example 2 – Tony’s Barber Shop

Tony owns a barber shop on the Surfers Paradise. He employs 10 employees, with average salary of $45,000 per year. Tony reports withholding of $8,601 for his employees in each of his monthly BAS. Under the measure, Tony will be eligible to receive the payments on lodgement of his relevant BAS.

Tony’s business will receive:

• A credit of $25,803 for the March period
• A credit of $8,601 for the April and May period, respectively
• A credit of $6,995 for the June period, before he reaches the $50,000 cap. Tony will also receive an additional payment of $12,500 for the June, July, August and September period, respectively

Under the Government’s enhanced cash flow grant for employers measure, Tony’s business will receive $100,000.

Example 3 – Todd’s Courier Run

Todd owns and runs a small paper delivery business in South Australia and employs two casual employees who each earn $10,000 per year. In his quarterly BAS, Todd reports $0 withholding tax for his employees as they are under the tax-free threshold.

Under the Government’s measure, Todd will be eligible to receive the payment on lodgement of his BAS.

Todd’s business will receive:

• A credit of $10,000 for the March quarter, as he pays salary and wages but is not required to withhold tax.
• An additional payment of $5,000 for the June and September quarter, respectively

If Todd begins withholding tax for the June quarter, he would need to withhold more than $10,000 before he receives any additional payment.

Under the Government’s enhanced cash flow grant for employers measure, Todd’s business will receive $20,000.

If you know anyone in your circle who need any assistance during these times, please reach out to them because “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone”and “Together We Can Make A Difference”

Pitt Martin Accountants & Tax Advisers is here to assist you and your business in time of crisis by contacting 02 9221 3345 or connect@pittmartingroup.com.au.

The COVID-19 situation is bigger than any of us have ever faced. Our clients, professionals, mum’s and dad’s don’t understand how badly they need accountants and advisors’ help.  They are scared and don’t know what to do, and most probably haven’t really thought through what the consequences will be for them.

As a business owner, there’s one key thing you need to focus on now which is keeping your business alive during these tough times. Downturn can be scary usually because there is no plan in place for your business and the world around you appear to be panicking. There is no reason to be panicking. In times of difficulty lies an opportunity. If your cash flow is under control then so is your business.

You need to take actionable appropriate steps to create a Continuity Plan, then in reality a downturn is just a stop gap to the next upturn, where your business will be cash flow fit and ready to take full advantage.

To maintain your cash, you may need to consider options that you haven’t consider before. You need to work with your accountant to identify which key parts your business is eligible for Australian Government stimulus package and get the process started to obtain these cash flow bonuses. When you meet with your accountant, it’s important to update your business cash flow plan over the coming months.

As an employer, you need to openly discuss reduced working hours with your employees to save cash (if this does save cash) and working from home arrangements. Employees will be scared. They will need to be assured, so they need to be given an understanding of the plan to keep the business alive.

Constant communication and a payment plan with the ATO could be an option especially if you need to delay making payments of GST and PAYG Withholding Tax. However it’s vital that you keep lodging you Business Activity Statements (BAS) and Instalment Activity Statements (IAS) by their due dates. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is implementing a series of relief options to assist those impacted by the coronavirus. The relief will not be automatically applied. You can contact your accountant to contact the ATO to make any requests for assistance.

In addition, you can contact your Bank Manager as soon as possible and arrange for additional bank funding or lines of credit that can be approved now for use in an emergency. Making these arrangements early before things have gone bad is the key. Bank approvals may take up to one month or longer. Consider also using alternative funders to set up a short term line of credit now to pay for inventory and operating costs. You should consider doing this as a backup now to any other bank lending arrangements you may have.

If you have to self-quarantine or if you incapacitated in any way, you need to have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) in place so your business can continue to operate. Ensure your EPOA and Will are up to date now and ensure your family and your Accountant know where the original signed documents are.

Now is the time to contact your insurance agent to review your policy to understand precisely what you are and are not covered for in the event of an extended incident. Review your general insurance policies for any Business Interruption Insurance inclusions.

We need to stay calm and rely on reliable sources of information from State and Australian Government. In the meantime, below is the link directly to the Government Media release of the second Economic Stimulus Plan, https://www.pm.gov.au/media/supporting-australian-workers-and-business

If you have any questions or would like to seek assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Pitt Martin Accountants & Tax Advisers on 02 9221 3345 or connect@pittmartingroup.com.au