Australian residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income from all sources. Temporary residents of Australia and foreign residents are generally taxed only on their Australian-sourced income, such as money they earn working in Australia. To comprehend your tax situation you first need to work out if you are an Australian or foreign resident for tax purposes. This might be distinctive to your residency status for different purposes – for instance, you could be an Australian resident for tax purposes even if you're not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Coming to Australia

You might come to Australia to reside permanently, study or holiday.

If in any of the scenario you are earning the money here you have to pay the tax and need to lodge an Australian tax return. To work in Australia you need a work visa and a tax file number.

Working in Australia 

To work in Australia you need a visa that allows you to work here. You should also have a tax file number (TFN). You visa is allocated by Department of immigration and Border protection and your TFN is your personal reference number in our tax system. You can apply for a TFN online once you have your work visa and have arrived in Australia.

Studying in Australia

If you are enrolled to study in Australia in a course that last for six months or more, you are generally considered as an Australian resident for tax purposes which implies that you have to pay tax on your earnings at the same rate as other resident and you are also entitled to the benefits of the Australian tax system.

 Moving to Australia permanently

If you moved to Australia and intend to reside here permanently, you are an Australian resident for tax purpose which includes that you have to declare your income which you have earned from anywhere in the world in you r tax return and you can also claim the benefits of the Australian tax system.

Paying tax and lodging a tax return

After the end of the Australian income year (30 June), you lodge an annual tax return to tell us how much income you received and tax you paid. We then send you a notice of assessment and your tax refund if you're entitled to one.

For more information contact Absolute Accounting Solution 1300 488 330 and we can help you in lodging a tax return and paying a tax.

Lodging Your Tax Return

For most of us lodgment of our income tax return is not the most favorite pass time, but as a wage earner we all have to take a little time out to organise ourselves to declare all of the income that we have earned over the financial year (you may need to lodge a return even if your income is below the tax free threshhold of $18200 and you paid income tax) less the expenses that can be deductable. 

            When do I have to lodge my return?

Tax returns need to be completed between the 1st of July and the 31st of October. Extentions are available for taxpayers if they are on an Australian Tax Office list belonging to a Registered Tax Agent, like Absolute Accounting Solutions.

            What do I declare as income?

Income is all of the money that you earned with an employer, payments from centrelink, the interest your bank accounts earned, rent earned from and investment property - this includes the shared economy (for example - Air BnB), dividends on shares that you may have. This list is not exhaustive but gives you a good start.

         What are my deductable claims?

Deductions can be specific, and highly dependent on your individual circumstances. Receipts will need to be kept and you can only claim what you are entitled to, if you need help call us on 1300 488 330.

Tax return fees are tax deductable and start from $120.00

Absolute Accounting Solutions, also offer a range of services to help small business owners with tax, bookkeeping/accounting services and virtual assistants.

 For more information regarding your tax returns call us on: 1300 488 330

The Sharing Economy and Tax

There are various sharing economy websites and applications working in Australia. The general populations who give merchandise or services through any of them have to consider how GST and wage charge applies to their income.

What is the Sharing Economy?

The Sharing economy connects users and suppliers through a facilitator who usually operates an app or website.

Generally Sharing Economy includes?

• Leasing a room or an entire house or unit for a short timeframe premise
• Giving taxi travel Services (called 'ride-sourcing') for a charge
• Giving individual Services, for example, such as creative or professional services like graphic design, creating websites, or odd jobs like deliveries and furniture assembly
• Leasing an auto parking spot.

The Sharing economy and tax

 If you are involved in the sharing economy, you need to consider the following things:

• If you are carrying on an enterprise whether you need an ABN or you need to register for GST and lodge activity statements
• If the price of the goods and services you are providing includes GST
• If and when you are supposed to provide tax invoices for your sales
• Whether you are Supposed to declare your income in your income tax return or not
• How your sharing economy activities effect your GST  and tax obligations

Providing taxi travel services: If you are a part of organisation providing ride-sourcing services then according to law you need an ABN and you need to be registered for GST and you need to account for GST on the full amount of every fare regardless of how much you earn.

Leasing out a room or all of your house: If you are renting out a room or a whole house then GST wouldn’t be the part of that as GST doesn’t apply to residential rents,so you are not liable for GST on the rent you charge and you cannot claim any GST credits for associated costs.

Renting goods and services: If you are already registered for GST, and you are earning extra money providing services through a sharing economy app or website, you need to account for GST on that extra money through your existing ABN and GST registration.

Leasing an auto parking spot: If you rent out a car parking space it can mean that you are running an enterprise. You will need to get an ABN and register for GST if either:

• You earn, or are likely to earn, $75,000 or more per year renting out the car parking space(s)
• You have an existing enterprise for which you are registered for GST
• Your turnover is, or is likely to be, $75,000 or more a year for all of the goods and services you provide while carrying on a number of enterprises.

For further information about Sharing Economy and how to avoid tax debt you need to contact 1300 488 330

If you are going to outsource bookkeeping for your organisation, when would it be a good idea for you to be that right? That all relies on upon your business and the season of year help. Following tips will help you to decide the best time to do the switch.

Tip #1 – Commencing Of the Year

One of the easiest times to change over to outsourced bookkeeping services is toward the start of the year. That is on the grounds that you're bookkeeping group can work with your IPA to ensure that everything has a right starting equalisation.

Tip #2 - At the End of Month

Most organisations don't have the advantage of exchanging toward the start of the year. In the event that that is the situation, you might need to work out a transformation arrange so that your new online accountant can assume control once an entire month has wrapped up. Doing as such implies that they'll be strolling into crisply accommodated ledgers (accepting your books are present), and a fresh set of financial statements.

Tip #3 - At the End of a Two Week Notice

If you have an in-house bookkeeper that just gave his or her notification, you'll need to change over to outsourced bookkeeping as fast as could be expected under the circumstances so they can prepare with the active bookkeeper. That way, once the two weeks’ notice has passed, your new bookkeeping group will know where to get the pieces.

Tip #4 - When you’re paying Too Much

Once in a while it doesn't make a difference when you switch. If that you are paying a lot for an in-house solution or you're encountering a ton of errors, and as a result, getting a ton generally charges and punishments from sellers and the administration, the best time to change to outsourced bookkeeping is at this moment.

Guaranteeing the accomplishment of your business can be tricky, so an ideal approach to future evidence your accounts are to plan ahead.

But, what should you include when mapping the road ahead so your business doesn't waver when you hit an unforeseen pothole? To help you keep away from whatever number obstructions as could be expected under the circumstances, we have incorporated the accompanying convenient signposts to achievement.

Bank on your future           

Having the right account – regardless of the fact that you have been trading for quite a while – is basic for your business. Internet banking, in-credit premium, low electronic exchange charges and a neighborhood office for those organisations taking care of a considerable measure of money and checks are only a portion of the alternatives banks offer. Likewise ensure you have a decent working relationship with your business bank manager, as they can have imperative influence in your business. An Account with the capacity to show real -time transactions will be significant with regards to making well-informed decisions and identify and distinguish any budgetary shortcomings in your business. Accordingly, on the off chance that you are as of now exchanging, it's is important regularly review to what your bank offers and change to one that meets your business needs. In the event that you are new to business or switch, you should intend to get, at least 18 months’ free banking, however a few banks may present to 24 months. While these might lure, ensure you know how much the account will cost you once the starting time frame closes. A few banks even offer a lifetime of free banking, yet ensure you examine the terms and conditions as there is generally a breaking point on the quantity of exchanges or their worth.

Make sure you have enough money – but not too much

Your estimated funding requirements should be as accurate as possible over borrowing  may result in unnecessary ; on the other hand not obtaining enough could prompt more difficulties and higher charges if you need further financial aid from your bank.

If you need financial help to launch your business or kick –start  another task, you will need to give the bank or loan specialist a cash flow forecast While a Profit and Loss Account will demonstrate the genuine results on a collections premise, a capital will demonstrate the estimated results on a money premise, and will check such things as advance reimbursements, withdrawals Your capital estimate  should  have the capacity to show that with your very own subsidising and fund from the bank, your business will have the capacity to meet its reimbursements and inevitably produce a benefit. Furthermore, income estimates are helpful devices for any new company, as they show whether the business proposition is fiscally feasible furthermore go about as benchmarks to contrast the genuine results and, once your business has started trading .

Ignore advice at your own expenses

It is constantly prudent to look for expert advice. One of the advantages of an accountant is that they can control you through what entity you should settle on (sole exchange, restricted organisation or association and so on.), what costs you can assert and the paperwork you'll have to keep up. A particularly complicated area to master is motor expenses and how vehicle ownership should be structured. Similarly, as with most other expenses, an accountant can explore you through your numerous motoring alternatives accessible so you can choose which one is a good fit for you.

Stay one step ahead

In order to stay one step ahead of your local competition, make sure you do your homework by using a search engine such as Google or Bing. By examining your search results and visiting your competitors’ shops, you will be able to determine their prices are and when they’re running any special offers, and alter yours accordingly.

Act now and be ready for tomorrow

Try not to hold up until tomorrow to future verification your business; we are accessible right now to help you get ready for your expense and other money related necessities. Contact Absolute Accounting Solutions to be put in touch with your local Tax Assist Accountant, who will be only too pleased to discuss any of the pointers we have provided in this article and more.

Call us at 1300 488 330 to talk to our professionals and let us deal with the rest!!

Tactics for Tax planning for an individual.

The current financial year is nearly about to end, and with a political election to be held in a month’s time eventually the recently introduced government budget measures will, of course, have no opportunity to work until sometime in the next financial year, if at all.

But meanwhile, you may still find numerous methods you might be able to put in perform to make sure you spend not just one penny more tax than is essential for the 2015-16 year.

Tip! The finest taxation planning techniques are implemented in July, not June.  That's, as soon as possible in any financial year, not right close to the end of it. And it's also wise to understand that appropriate tax planning is more than just finding bigger and better deductions — the best tips are those that set your tax affairs in better order for not just the current financial year but also for future income years.

Not all of the subsequent suggestions will fit your situations, but as a list of possibilities they might enable you to get thinking along the appropriate track, and also have you asking us the appropriate questions.  Obviously, seek advice from this workplace if you want more information.

Investment property

Several expenses stemming from having a rental property or home are claimable, so it may be beneficial to provide ahead any costs prior to June 30 and claim them in the existing financial year. If you already know that the investment property needs some maintenance or needs attention regarding, say, pest control, see if you can incur these expenses prior to an end of a year.

Prepay investment loan interest

In a similar way, see if you are able to work out together with your finance provider to produce upfront interest repayments for several investments, for example, a margin mortgage on stock shares.

Most taxpayers can claim deductions for approximately Twelve months ahead. But be sure you review how you and your loan provider have allotted funds guaranteed upon your property properly, as a tax deduction is generally only permitted against the finance expenses sustained with regards to earning assessable earnings from investments.

Deductions might not be available on money you redraw from this loan put to other reasons.

Bring ahead costs

Try to bring forward any other deductions (just like the charges mentioned previously) into the 2015-16 year.

Once you know that next financial 12 months you will end up generating significantly less (for example going on maternity leave, going part-time etc), deductible costs that may be brought ahead into the existing financial year will give you much more financial advantage.

An exception for some fortunate individuals will arise if you expect you'll earn more next financial year. In that situation, it might be to your benefit to obstruct any tax-deductible repayments until the subsequent financial year, when the financial advantage of deductions can be higher. Your individual circumstances will determine whether these measures are acceptable and we can help with this.

Make use of the CGT guidelines to your benefit

For those who have created clear and crystallised any capital profit from your investment funds this financial year (which is included with your assessable earnings), consider selling any investments that are presently sitting on a loss of revenue prior to year-end. Doing this means the capital gains you created in your productive investments could be offset against the capital losses from the less successful ones, lowering your overall taxable earnings.

An identical strategy may be implemented for those who have to carry forward capital losses and desire to understand some gains at year end.

Remember that for CGT reasons a funds gain typically happens on the date you sign a contract, not when you settle on a property purchased. When you're making huge funds gain toward the end of an income year, such as selling a good investment property, realising which financial year the gain is going to be attributed to is a great tax planning advantage.

Certainly, with all the previously mentioned, tread very carefully and don’t let mere tax generate your investment judgments – check with this office staff to determine whether your approach will suit your circumstances.

Final reminders

No-one understands your matters much better than yourself, so you'll identify if any of these tax tips relates to your circumstances.

Every individual is required to lodge their return before October 31, but tax agents are generally given more time to lodge, which can be a handy extension to a payment deadline. Of course, if you’re sure you are going to get a refund it’s no use delaying, so in these cases, it is worth getting all of your information to this office as soon as you can after July 1.

To discuss it further, give us a call at 1300 488 330 and talk to our experts at Absolute Accounting Solutions!!

Non-payers can cause significant cash flow issues for any small business. Having said that, non-payer is also an inevitable liability for most small organizations. Several small business operators really feel baffled and bewildered when dealing with problems of non-payment or particularly if a non-payer is a recurring offender or if the sum of money owed is considerable.

How do you cope with non-payers in your organization?

Absolute Accounting Solutions recommendations:

1. Partial payment up front for products or services. A customer can’t take their groceries home without paying. When you supply products or services with an invoice period, you essentially become a creditor. You’re doing your client a favour by giving them something before they remunerate you. A minimum deposit is fair and it also minimizes risk of non-payment.

2. Avoid doing business with large companies who don’t care about you or respect you in interactions and negotiations. Basically, you can't effortlessly bargain with a business on completely different foot-hold. Size sometimes equals leverage, and it’s in your best interests to conduct business with like-sized companies — except if the big company offers something that you can’t get anywhere else.

3. Do not do too much business with a single company. Always have a back-up or Plan B in case projects ever go wrong. Of course, when you are first starting out, it can be difficult to avoid exclusive dealings. But it’s worth having something — or someone — else up your sleeve at all times.

4. Understanding contracts. A quote or service agreement document are both examples of contracts. Unless you’re a business of considerable size having a complex contract drawn up by a solicitor usually represents an unnecessary expense. An engagement letter, on the other hand, is always a good idea. An engagement letter outlines what is expected of each party over the course of a project.

5. Don't send generic, template statements. They can be frustrating, and are very easily disregarded by intentional non-payers. We have found that an invoicing time period of 14 days is ideal. We also recommend that you wait around right up until 45 days following the due date before chasing after payment. Follow up the letter or e-mail with a phone call once the client has had enough time to receive the message. Ask the client when they think that they will be able to pay the invoice. Record the day/date. If the client does not pay within the promised time-frame, remind them that they communicated this date as the cut-off. Ask them to confirm another date of payment. Repeat as necessary.

6. Be honest with a client about the impact of non-payment. As a small business, reliable payment for products or services delivered is very important for retaining cash flow. Point out to your client that their business is valuable to you but that you might not be able to work with them again or any more if you do not receive payment.

7. Factor non-payment into your rate — hopefully, this will come to no more than 2% of your total gross sales. Over the course of a financial year, most small businesses have to write off some projects as debts. You’re planning needs to take this into account.

Normally if a client has paid a few times, you will not have trouble with them paying in the future. However, this is not always the case. Be consistent with chasing your debtors, no matter who they are. Yes, it takes time — but this is another reason to factor non-payment into your rates.

At some point, we all hope that our businesses will expand to include a client base that allows us the position of picking and choosing only supportive, attentive clients.

Developing the skills of assertiveness, negotiation, and tenacity are important when dealing with non-payment in your small business. But learning when to let go is just as crucial.

Contact us if you want to discuss this further or for any others Accounting Solutions!! Talk to our Experts!!