Edney Ryan Legal

A legally binding Will must be written on paper and signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses. These requirements are designed to prevent fraud, undue influence, substitution or mistake, given that the person who creates the document is not available to be questioned when the Will is being executed. However, there are some exceptions, and Courts can... Read more

Each year we compile current tax rates and key superannuation data in our handy quick reference guide. You can request a hard copy by phoning (02) 9908 9888, email marketing@edneyryan.com.au or view the booklet online here.

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This existing withholding tax assists the collection of foreign residents’ Australian tax liabilities. Where a foreign resident sells certain taxable Australian property, the purchaser is required to withhold an amount from the purchase price and pay that amount to the ATO (see our previous article on this topic). Australian residents selling real property will need to obtain a clearance certificate from... Read more

NSW Home Affordability Measures The NSW Government has announced a number of measures designed to improve housing affordability across NSW from 1 July 2017. Some of changes in the housing affordability package will affect foreign residents purchasing residential property in NSW. Stamp Duty Surcharge Increases: Foreign residents already pay a 4% surcharge on stamp duty. This will double to 8%.... Read more

We are regularly surprised at the number of adults we meet who do not yet have a Will. If you have family, or any amount of wealth, or both, you should have a Will. Here we address some of the very common reasons why making a Will is avoided. Do you dislike lawyers? Many people do. We’re used to it.... Read more

Employers are entitled to discipline employees for certain out-of-hours conduct. Social media has changed our communication norms. Whilst sometimes these communications resemble ‘word of mouth’ conversations, they are set out in written form, in many cases for the world (and employers) to see. Social media interactions made outside work on personal accounts can have a significant impact on the employment... Read more

NSW joins Queensland and Victoria in imposing specific taxes on foreign investment for residential property purchases. Additional land tax to be paid 0.75% from start of 2017 and additional 4% stamp duty from 21 June 2016. Foreign investors will no longer be entitled to the 12 month deferral for the payment of stamp duty for off-the-plan purchases of residential property.... Read more

Stamp duty has been a significant barrier to business owners wanting to restructure their business assets. There were many instances where the costs of transferring from one business entity into another (e.g. from a sole trader or partnership to a trust or company structure) were prohibitive because of the amount of stamp duty that was involved. From 1 July eligible... Read more

A builder must take out job-specific insurance for home building work valued over $20,000, under the Home Building Compensation Fund (previously known as Home Warranty Insurance). If you are a home owner, check that a valid insurance certificate has been obtained for the work you want done. Do this before work starts and before paying any money. Without it, you... Read more