ATO

The Australian Taxation Office has extended its data collection to more rigorously check taxpayers’ numbers in their FY23 tax returns and cut down on tax cheats. Property investors and those making work-related claims are high on the target list.

The ATO’s review of income tax returns show nine in 10 rental property owners are getting their return wrong. Property expense claims, as well as SMSF returns and crypto transactions, are all on the radar this year.

The ATO is planning a midyear release of updated guidance on the tax deductibility of financial advice, according to panellists at a recent industry event, with indications that a new interpretation could see upfront advice fees deemed deductible.

Australia’s dividend imputation system is designed to stop the double taxation of company profits. While investing in companies that pay fully franked dividends can be tax effective, tax should never be the primary determinant of a decision to buy shares.

Peter Burgess told the SMSF Association’s National Conference the industry group has pushed for some of the developments, while it continues to oppose others, such as a high-balance cap. The government now plans instead to double the tax rate for funds with very high balances.

The success and popularity of SMSFs has also given several hundred thousand people direct access to their retirement savings. More concerning, the ATO believes, is that fraudsters are starting to take notice.

Superannuation tax breaks will cost the government nearly $53 billion this year, nearly matching the cost of the entire age pension program, according to a new analysis that says major reform is needed. Meanwhile, the government has signalled a tightening of super legislation.

The likely ‘double-bump’ transfer balance cap increase to $1.9 million will exacerbate what is already an “overly complex” indexation rule that advisers have to navigate and explain to clients, the SMSF Association’s Fabian Bussoletti says.

The ATO recently announced a rule review that could see the cost of advice fees become tax deductible, a change many in the industry say would expand access to quality financial advice by making it more affordable.

Borrowing to invest in property within an SMSF vehicle has merit, which is why so many people have done it. But there are risks in placing such a lumpy asset in a restrictive environment that all investors should be aware of.