2025
Let us keep you informed
Learn more about tax areas and issues that may impact you.
In a previous blog, we discussed the changes to the accounting standards relating to classification of current / non-current liabilities on the balance sheet. We have been receiving a number of questions on this topic and have provided some practical scenarios below as well as some actions for you as we approach 30 June reporting dates.
High Court special leave application granted to appeal Bendel Case decision The Australian Taxation Office has been granted special leave to appeal to the High Court from the Full Federal Court decision in FCT v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15. During March 2025 we released a Tax Alert ( see here ) explaining the current view of the ATO following the Full Federal Court decision that an unpaid present entitlement (or UPE) owed by a discretionary trust to a corporate beneficiary is not a “loan” for Division 7A purposes. The ATO also issued an Interim Decision Impact Statement ( see here ) in response to the Full Federal Court decision, providing information for taxpayers and advisers in relation to the details of the case and issues decided by the court.
Year-end tax checklists for Individuals and Businesses We have recently prepared two Year End Checklists which help explain some common strategies that may be considered for Individual and Businesses taxpayers. Year End Checklist for Individuals – click here Year End Checklist for Businesses – click here
Planning for Superannuation Contributions before 30 June 2025 As the end of the financial year is approaching, we take this opportunity to remind you of the various superannuation thresholds, opportunities, obligations and changes, including topics such as: Concessional contributions Non-concessional contributions Superannuation guarantee Impending proposed changes to superannuation from 1 July 2025
How to manage business day-to-day transactions The ATO has the following tips for small business owners "that can make your tax life easier": They should keep an eye on upcoming expenses, and regularly update their books and reconcile their accounts. They should set aside the GST they collect (ie. by transferring it into another bank account within the business to keep it separate from their cash flow). They can also set their PAYG withholding and super aside, so they will have the funds available when payments are due. They should plan ahead and schedule time in their calendar to prepare their business activity statement ( BAS ), and lodge and pay their BAS on time. If you need assistance with any of these issues, please contact our office.
ATO's new focus for small business The ATO is currently focusing on the following 'specific risk areas', where it is concerned "small businesses are getting it wrong": Contractors omitting income — with a focus on data matching to ensure all income is reported. Quarterly to monthly BAS reporting for GST purposes — The ATO will move around 3,500 small businesses with a history of non-compliance to monthly reporting from 1 April 2025. Small business boost claims — with a focus on encouraging self-amendments to correct errors and omissions. The ATO will also continue its focus on non-commercial business losses, small business capital gains tax ( CGT ) concessions, business income that is not personal income, incorrect claims for 'small business boosts', GST registration and income of taxi, limousine and ride-sourcing services.
Bill passed for Instant Asset Write-Off of $20,000 for 2024-25 There was no mention of the extension of the instant asset write-off ( IAWO ) within the Federal Budget delivered last Tuesday night, leaving many small business taxpayers frustrated and uncertain. However, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Bill 2025 has now been passed through the Parliament, and it included the extension of the IAWO threshold of $20,000 for assets first used or installed ready for use between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. After the Bill has now been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it now simply waits to receive Royal assent.
ATO appeals to High Court in the Bendel Case decision The Australian Taxation Office ( ATO ) has now applied to the High Court for special leave to appeal the Full Federal Court’s decision in FCT v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15. Last month, we released a Tax Alert ( see here ) after the Federal Court delivered their unanimous decision that an unpaid present entitlement (or UPE ) owed by a discretionary trust to a corporate beneficiary is not a “loan” for Division 7A purposes. The ATO has also issued an Interim Decision Impact Statement ( DIS ) in response to the Full Federal Court decision. A DIS provides information for taxpayers and advisers, and includes: details of the case, a brief summary of facts, issues decided by the court or tribunal, and relevant legislation and case law.
External audit is often considered to be ‘just a compliance exercise’, however while these financial statements audits are often required to meet legal obligations, they can provide significant value beyond ticking a regulatory box. An important question is to consider why you are having an audit: Is it required by legislation / constituting documents? Have your suppliers / customers / funders requested one? Board / Management has chosen to have an audit for good governance practices. The reason for your audit can shape what you need from your auditor. Look for an auditor with industry experience and if you are a not-for-profit or small business entity then experience in that sector is critical. An external auditor should not only understand your organisation’s unique challenges but also bring insights in relation to financial risks in your industry and best practice improvements. Remember an external auditor needs to be independent so be careful about using someone with a particular relationship with the entity even if they do offer to do the work for a cheap price. An external doesn’t just identify material errors; they offer practical advice for improving financial management and help foster a culture of transparency and accountability. An effective audit can strengthen internal operations and bolster the confidence of donors, investors, and regulators in your organisation’s financial health. If you don’t need a financial statement audit, then consider using an auditor to perform work on specific areas to provide detailed recommendations and provide an opinion on accuracy over key systems. This work is equivalent to an internal audit project where the auditor does not need to be independent and can agree the scope with management, this could cover financial and non-financial areas such as payroll, purchasing system, compliance with specific standards (e.g. child safety, health and safety, privacy).
