Increased Threshold = Increased Problems (for some):

The increase in the tax free threshold from $6,000 to $18,200 is a welcome relief for those entering the workforce, however there are potential traps to be aware of for certain workers. What we have seen over the years are people who either change jobs frequently or...

E-Tax and Audit adjustments:

The Tax legislation is a walk in the park right? Well not exactly, just ask the myriad of people who have shown up at Boston Accounting this year after having prepared their last years tax return using the E-Tax software provided by the ATO. These people thought it...

Parental Leave Pay sucker punch:

“I opted for the Parental Leave pay over the baby bonus after the extensive questionnaire I filled out told me I would be better off, now you say I have to pay it back?” – This is what we have been hearing this year at Boston Accounting after entering Centrelink’s...

Contractor or Employee?

A lot of businesses around Australia are putting on workers as contractors/subcontractors instead of as employees. This has traditionally been done either due to a mistaken belief that (a) the employee is a contractor, or (b) for the business to save on costs that...

Unregistered tax agents:

The Federal Court of Australia has recently handed out a $30,000 fine to a person who claimed to be a tax agent but wasn’t. Details of the case are here: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/FCA/2012/642.html Before you get your tax return done this year, check that...

Tax Office Video Competition:

For all you university students / budding movie makers – you should consider entering the Tax Office’s video competition. You can choose from two topics: –          Tax File number protection; or –          How the ATO contributes to a sustainable society...