- May 2, 2016
- Posted by: Michael Ouzounis
- Categories: Business, GST, Income Tax, Investment Property, Investments, Superannuation, Tax Planning
The end of the 2015/16 financial year is near, so now’s the time to review what strategies you can use to minimise your tax:
1: Concessional Superannuation Cap
The concessional superannuation cap for 2016 is $30,000 per year for persons under 49 as at 30/6/15, and $35,000 for persons age 49 to 75. Do not go over this limit or you will pay more tax!
Note that employer super guarantee contributions are included in these caps. Where a contribution is made that exceeds these limits, the excess is taxed to the fund member’s account at their marginal tax rate.
In order to claim a tax deduction in the 2016 financial year, the super fund must receive the contribution by 30 June 2016.
2: Asset Depreciation
If your business is a Small Business Entity (turnover less than $2 million), then following tax concessions apply:
Depreciating assets (including motor vehicles) valued at less than $20,000 will be immediately deductible.
Assets valued at $20,000 or more (which cannot be immediately deducted) can continue to be placed in the small business general pool and depreciated at 15% in the first income year and 30% each income year thereafter.
The pool can also be immediately deducted if the balance is less than $20,000 over this period (including existing pools).
3: Tools of Trade / FBT Exempt Items
The purchase of Tools of Trade and other FBT exempt items for business owners and employees can be an effective way to buy equipment with a tax benefit. Items that can be packaged include Handheld/Portable Tools of Trade, Computer Software, Notebook Computers, Personal Electronic Organisers, Digital Cameras, Briefcases, Protective Clothing, and Mobile Phones.
If structured correctly, the Employer will be entitled to a full tax deduction for the reimbursement payment to the employee (for the equipment cost), and the employee’s salary package will only be reduced by the GST-exclusive cost of the items purchased.
You should buy these items before 30 June 2016.
4: Employee Superannuation Payments
To claim a tax deduction in the 2016 financial year, you need to ensure that your employee superannuation payments have CLEARED your business bank account by 30 June 2016.
For any last minute superannuation payments, we recommend that you arrange for a BANK CHEQUE made payable to your employee super fund prior to 30 June 2016.
5: Defer Income
Where practical, defer issuing further invoices and/or receiving cash/debtor payments until after 30 June 2016.
6: Bring Forward Expenses
Purchase consumable items BEFORE 30 June 2016. These include stationery, printing, office and computer supplies.
7: Repairs & Maintenance
Make payments for repairs and maintenance (business, rental property, employment) BEFORE 30 June 2016.
8: Motor Vehicle Log Book
Ensure that you have kept an accurate and complete Motor Vehicle Log Book for at least a 12-week period. The start date for the 12-week period must be on or before 30 June 2016. You should make a record of your odometer reading as at 30 June 2016, and keep all receipts/invoices for motor vehicle expenses.
9: Defer Investment Income & Capital Gains
If practical, arrange for the receipt of Investment Income (e.g. interest on Term Deposits) and the Contract Date for the sale of Capital Gains assets, to occur AFTER 30 June 2016.
The Contract Date is generally the key date for working out when a sale occurred, not the Settlement Date!
10: Investment Property Depreciation
If you own a rental property and haven’t already done so, arrange for the preparation of a Property Depreciation Report to allow you to claim the maximum amount of depreciation and building write-off deductions on your rental property.
11: Private Company (Division 7A) Loans
Business owners who have borrowed funds from their company must ensure that the appropriate principal and interest repayments are made by 30 June 2016.
12: Write-off Bad Debts
Review your Trade Debtors listing and write off all Bad Debts BEFORE 30 June 2016. Prepare a minute of a Directors’ meeting, listing each Bad Debt, as evidence that these amounts were actually written off prior to year-end.
13: Year End Stock Take / Work in Progress
If applicable, you need to prepare a detailed Stock Take and/or Work in Progress listing as at 30 June 2016. Review your listing and write-off any obsolete or worthless stock items.
14: Small Business Concessions – Prepayments
“Small Business Concession” taxpayers can make prepayments (up to 12 months) on expenses (e.g. Loan Interest, Rent, subscriptions) BEFORE 30 June 2016 and obtain a full tax deduction in the 2016 financial year.
15: Trustee Resolutions
Ensure that the Trustee Resolutions are prepared and signed BEFORE 30 June 2016 for all Discretionary (“Family”) Trusts. Please see us for more information about these resolutions.
Call (07) 5510 4724 or email mo@mytaxaccount.com.au now, to discuss your strategy today.