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Tax planning tips for businesses

Although the 2018-19 financial year is coming to an end, there are still a number of tactics you may be able to employ to ensure that you get the most out of your tax return.

Bring forward expenses:
It is a common recommendation at tax time for small business owners to claim all of the appropriate deductions that are available. These can include rent, utilities, repairs for the business, or work-related travel. You may also consider bringing forward as many expenses as possible to before 1 July, such as pre-paying rent or repair expenses. This can allow you to claim the necessary deductions in your 2018-19 tax return.

Take advantage of the instant-asset write off:
More business owners can take advantage of the instant-asset write off this financial year, as it has now been extended to include businesses with a turnover from $10 million to less than $50 million. These businesses can claim a deduction of up to $30,000 for assets purchased or installed and ready for use from 2 April 2019 until 30 June 2020. This could be particularly helpful for individuals who rely on tools, cars or other assets.

Keep strong records:
As a good recommendation to keep in mind for the end of each financial year, keeping up-to-date records can make tax time a little easier next year. It’s never too late to start getting your records in order, so consider keeping all of your documents together once you have filed your 2018-19 tax return. As an added benefit, a well-detailed set of records is the easiest way to resolve any issues that you may face with the ATO.

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No More Shortcuts: The Methods You Can Use To Claim WFH Expenses

March 25, 2024

Ensure you’re up to date on how to claim your working-from-home expenses!

As the business landscape shifts back and forth between office, hybrid and home-based work opportunities, it’s important to remember what methods are available to you when it comes to claiming. If part of your role allows you to work from home, you may be able to claim certain expenses on your tax return this year using one of the following methods.

The Revised Fixed Rate Method:

Under the revised fixed rate method, individuals can claim 67 cents per hour worked from home during the relevant income year. This rate includes additional running expenses, such as home and mobile internet or data, phone usage, and electricity and gas for heating, cooling, and lighting. Importantly, using this method, you cannot claim separate deductions for these expenses.

To use this method, taxpayers must maintain records of the total number of hours worked from home and the expenses incurred while working at home. Additionally, they must keep records of expenses not covered by the fixed rate per work hour, demonstrating the work-related portion of those expenses.

What Records Do You Need?

Previously, taxpayers required a dedicated workspace at home. From 1st March 2023 onwards, the record-keeping requirement has shifted again, necessitating the recording of all hours worked from home as they occur.

How Does The Fixed Rate Method Work?

To utilise the revised fixed rate method:

The Actual Cost Method:

Alternatively, taxpayers can opt for the actual cost method, where deductions are calculated based on actual additional expenses incurred while working from home. This includes expenses for depreciating assets, energy expenses, phone and internet, stationery, computer consumables, and cleaning dedicated home offices.

What Records Do You Need?

To claim work-from-home expenses using actual costs, you must maintain records showing:

How Does The Actual Cost Method Work?

To claim actual expenses:

Australians need to understand their entitlements and tax deductions while working remotely.

Consulting with a tax advisor can provide valuable insights into available concessions, deductions, and offsets for your tax return.

By staying informed and adhering to ATO guidelines, taxpayers can ensure compliance and make the most of available deductions in the evolving landscape of remote work. Why not start a conversation with us today?