For a Will to be valid there is a fundamental requirement that the Will maker is in the right state of mind. This is legally referred to as having ‘testamentary capacity’. Willmakers and their loved ones should understand the issues surrounding capacity to avoid disputes and ensure that assets will be distributed according to a person’s wishes. It is presumed... Read more
Home prices in Sydney have increased by 10.6 per cent over the last 12 months with a median dwelling price now more than $1.1 million (CoreLogic, March 2024). Whilst Shane Oliver argues that property in all cities is currently overvalued on the basis of the average 2.7% rental returns, he also acknowledges that house prices are unlikely to correct in... Read more
From 1 July 2024, all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers will receive a tax cut, as rates have reduced and thresholds changed. The 19 per cent tax rate will reduce to 16 per cent The 32.5 per cent tax rate will reduce to 30 per cent The threshold above which the 37 per cent tax rate applies rises from $120,000 to... Read more
From 1 July 2024, superannuation contribution caps will rise for the first time in three years following data from the ABS showing strong wages growth. Concessional Contributions · The annual concessional contribution cap is increasing from $27,500 to $30,000 from 1 July 2024. · The Superannuation Guarantee rate also increases from 11 per cent to 11.5 per cent from 1... Read more
An individual can claim an exemption from land tax on a property if it is their principal place of residence (the exemption does not apply to land owned by a company or held in a Special Trust). The general requirements for the exemption include: You can only claim one exemption per family. You can only claim one principal place of... Read more
Interest rates fell to record lows during the pandemic, which lead to a dramatic rise in fixed rate borrowing and refinancing. Many borrowers who locked in low rates for two to three years, are now coming off their fixed term onto the now much higher variable rate. This is the so called “mortgage cliff” that we are hearing about frequently... Read more
First home buyers in NSW may be eligible for a full or partial exemption of transfer duty, with some changes to the purchase price thresholds and residence requirements effective from 1 July 2023. Individuals over 18 who are purchasing a new or existing home or vacant land in NSW for the first time are eligible for the assistance scheme. The... Read more
Since 1 July 2022, electric vehicles have been exempt from fringe benefit tax (FBT). A fringe benefit is a payment to an employee not in the form of salary or wages, for example provision of a car that includes for personal use. The fringe benefit tax is paid on the value of this benefit. For a $55,000 car the FBT bill could... Read more
1. Super Guarantee Rate Increase From 1 July 2023 the new super guarantee (SG) rate is 11%, increased from 10.5% last financial year. Business owners will need to ensure that payroll and accounting systems are updated. The ATO’s SG calculator helps employers work out the correct amount of super payable to their staff. Employees can utilise the ATO’s super estimator... Read more
Airbnb reports that as inflation in an area rises, so too does the number of Airbnb hosts, as homeowners seek to cover rising mortgage repayments. Whilst additional income may be welcome, it is important for homeowners to be aware of the tax implications of renting out their primary residence. Income Tax and Deductions Income generated by rental of your home... Read more