As the new financial progresses, it’s crucial to stay on top of record-keeping and expense claims to ensure compliance with Australian tax regulations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage your records and claims effectively.
1. Essential Record-Keeping for Work-Related Expenses
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records for work-related expenses. Whether you prefer paper documents, electronic copies, or clear photographs, it’s essential to keep these records organised. Remember, electronic records should be backed up daily to avoid any data loss.
Important Note: Bank statements alone do not suffice as proof for work-related expenses. To meet ATO requirements, you must keep all relevant records for a minimum of five years from the date you lodge your tax return.
2. Managing Working from Home Expenses
For those who work from home, the method used to claim expenses determines the type of records you need:
Fixed Rate Method: Track the total hours worked from home throughout the year. Maintain a record of any additional expenses included in the fixed rate, which can be documented using spreadsheets, timesheets, diaries, or rosters. Ensure these records are updated regularly.
Actual Cost Method: Keep detailed records of additional running expenses and depreciating assets purchased for work. Document how these assets are used for work purposes, along with the hours worked from home each year.
3. Car Expense Claims
When it comes to car expenses, the method chosen affects the records required:
Logbook Method: Maintain a logbook for a continuous 12-week period that accurately reflects your work-related travel throughout the year. The logbook should include:
The destination and purpose of each trip
Odometer readings at the start and end of each trip
Total kilometres travelled over the logbook period
Odometer readings at the beginning and end of the logbook period
Odometer readings at the start and end of the income year covered by the logbook
Additionally, keep all receipts for car expenses.
Cents Per Kilometre Method: No need to keep receipts for actual expenses. Instead, record the work-related kilometres travelled for the year, which can be managed using tools like the ATO’s myDeductions app or a diary.
4. Withholding Tax Obligations for Non-Residents
The ATO’s focus on withholding tax includes payments to non-residents for interest, royalties, or dividends. Taxpayers must:
Register with the ATO for PAYG withholding if applicable.
File a PAYG annual report or an annual investment income report.
Be aware of your withholding obligations based on whether you are a small, medium, or large withholder. It’s also important to consider relevant tax treaties or exemptions.
Alerts and Guidelines:
TA 2018/4: Deductions for accruals and strategies to defer or avoid withholding tax.
TA 2020/3: Schemes using offshore entities to evade interest withholding tax.
TA 2022/2: Treaty shopping tactics to obtain lower withholding tax rates.
5. GST Treatment of Food and Health Products
The ATO has released self-review checklists to assist with GST classification for food and health products. While using these checklists is voluntary, they offer a practical approach to ensuring accurate GST classifications and evaluating internal processes.
For small to medium businesses, it is recommended to review GST processes annually. Small business food retailers with a turnover below $2 million may qualify for simplified GST accounting methods.
6. Updated Thin Capitalisation Guidelines
Recent updates to the thin capitalisation regime, effective from 1 July 2023, include three new earnings-based tests:
Fixed Ratio Test: Caps net debt deductions at 30% of EBITDA.
Group Ratio Test: Allows debt deductions up to the same portion of tax EBITDA as the worldwide group's net third-party interest expense.
Third-Party Debt Test: Limits deductions to qualifying external third-party debt.
These changes also introduce a new integrity provision for debt creation schemes starting from 1 July 2024. Detailed guidance on these new rules is available and is crucial for clients with significant interest and debt deductions.
7. Debt Deduction Creation Rules for Private Businesses
The ATO has provided guidance on how new debt deduction creation rules apply to privately owned groups and businesses, including Division 7A loans. These rules impact related party arrangements and apply regardless of whether the loans are under Division 7A agreements.
Key Points:
Exemptions like the 90% Australian assets threshold do not apply to the new rules.
Debt deductions for related party arrangements can be disallowed under certain conditions.
Exceptions include cases where the group has less than $2 million in debt deductions for the income year or where the group operates solely within Australia without foreign ownership.
By staying informed and maintaining accurate records, you can navigate these tax regulations with confidence and ensure compliance throughout the financial year. Contact Symmetry Accounting & Tax who can help you understand and remain compliant with all aspects of Australian taxation law.
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