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Month: February 2019

Instant asset write-off for small businesses to be extended

Posted on by Glance Consultants

instant asset write-off

As of 29 January 2019, the Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme will be extended to 30 June 2020 for assets purchased under $25,000.
The Instant Asset Write-Off affects small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million a year. It allows business owners to immediately deduct assets costing up to $25,000 which can then be claimed for tax return in that income year. The Prime Minister’s announcement on 29 January stated that “businesses who go out and invest today, whether it’s a vehicle, whether it’s a piece of plant or equipment, all of it, up to $25,000, immediate write down.” However, there are certain assets that are excluded from the scheme so it is best to check with your accountant or financial advisor.
It is important to remember that the Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme reduces the tax your business has to pay, it is not a rebate. Your cash flow will still have to be sufficient enough to support the purchases.
With the ATO reporting that the average claimed amounts were at $11,000 in 2016-2017, there are concerns that the scheme is underutilised. Fewer than 350,000 small businesses have taken advantage of the scheme in the 2016-2017 year.
There is no guarantee that the Federal government will extend this scheme beyond 30 June 2020.

Didn’t Pay Your Employees’ Super on Time?

Posted on by Glance Consultants

Employees SuperHow to reduce the hassle of missing your employee’s super payment.

The Super Guarantee Charge (SGC)

The SGC may apply to employers who do not pay the minimum super guarantee (SG) to their employee’s designated superannuation fund by the required date. The non-tax-deductible charge includes the SG shortfall amounts with interest and a $20 administration fee for each employee. You will need to lodge your SGC statement within a couple of months of the respective quarter. While employers are able to apply for an extension to lodge and pay the SGC, the nominal interest will still accumulate until the extension is lodged. From this point, the general interest charge will apply until the SGC is paid off.

What you can do to reduce your SGC

The nominal interest and SGC shortfall can be offset or carried forward by late contributions against the SGC in certain conditions. This excludes the administration fees, certain types of interest and other penalties. The late contribution is also not tax-deductible, nor is it able to be used as a prepayment for current or future contributions. However, you are able to carry it forward if the payment is for the same employee and is for a quarter within 12 months after the payment date. It is advised to consult with our office to work with your unique situation.

The bigger picture

Struggling to pay your employees’ super is a sign of financial insecurity for your business. While an employee’s PAYG Withholding tax and super may not be due for a while, not having the funds for them at each payday is a debt that will only accrue. You may have to consider your business’ strategy and operations or consult us if you feel it is only the symptom of a bigger issue.

Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords

Posted on by Glance Consultants

rights responsibilities landlordsProperty investment has a lot of elements throughout that contribute to a smoothly run transaction between landlord and resident. As a homeowner, you have rights and responsibilities to maintain when dealing with your property and the occupants. The relationship between proprietor and occupant is one of giving and take, it is important to familiarise yourself with what is expected from you as well as your rights as the owner.

Your Rights

Firstly, you have the right to choose and know your tenant. As long as your choices do not conflict with the Equal Opportunity Act, you have the right to choose a renter you see fit to live in and upkeep your property. As the homeowner, you also have the right to landlord insurance to guard you against potential financial loss. This cover usually relates to the property specifically but there are plans available to cover the belongings of both the renters and yourself. As long as you provide a fair warning, you have the right to increase rent at the end of a fixed term lease where the resident wishes to continue the agreement. In the unfortunate case of a tenant not paying rent for over 14 days, you have the right to evict them from the property.

Your Responsibilities

Being a landlord comes with many responsibilities that you need to consider. The security of the property is up to you, you will need to make sure alarms and locks on both doors and windows are secure before a new resident moves in, it is also your job to upkeep these security measures. It is also your responsibility to maintain and repair elements of the property. Treating the property as if you were living there is important, your tenants deserve a well-kept environment and reliable assistance on repairs. Finally, the law restricts how much access you have to your property if occupied. You must contact renters before coming over to give notice, do not just drop in unannounced.

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