An important change to the CGT main residence exemption for foreign residents was recently passed. As this will significantly impact a number of our clients, we provide some detail below. Who is Impacted? This change will impact individuals who are foreign residents for tax purposes, and who will be selling their main residential property in Australia. Previously, these individuals were... Read more
Talk of Australia’s housing market recovery is back, with our biggest markets – Sydney and Melbourne – increasing property prices once again this month. For a concise overview of the Sydney Property Market’s latest performance, click here to watch a short video from CoreLogic. If you’re considering your options, now is a great time to get an estimate of your... Read more
If you are a high income earner, and, you have more than one employer, you may be able to opt out of superannuation guarantee payments from one employer. This will help you avoid unintentionally going over the concessional contributions cap. This is only applicable if you expect your employers’ mandated concessional super contributions to exceed your concessional contributions cap for... Read more
If you are a trustee of a discretionary trust, and you hold (or intend to hold) residential land in NSW in the trust, then it is important you are aware of foreign person surcharges which may inadvertently apply. Foreign Person Residential Property Surcharges in NSW In NSW, residential land held by foreign persons attracts an 8% surcharge purchaser duty and... Read more
There is no doubt, there are reasons to have some concern about the global economic outlook. Talk of looming financial disaster does appear to have gained momentum recently. These heightened fears are based upon the following observations: Global debt is at record levels relative to GDP, which leaves little room for additional fiscal measures if they are required down the... Read more
By Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist from Oliver’s Insights, AMP Capital, 7th November 2019 Key points: There is no denying concerns about global debt, seemingly never ending QE, more debt trading on negative interest rates, inequality and geopolitical threats. However, some of these concerns are exaggerated andthere are five reasons why I am not so fussed... Read more
By Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist from Oliver’s Insights, AMP Capital, 17th September 2019 Key points Oil prices have risen over the last few days reflecting drone attacks that impact 6% of world oil supply. The choke point for global growth from higher oil prices is normally a doubling in prices. We are a long way... Read more
The record low interest rates we currently have in Australia has put borrowers squarely in the box seat when it comes to choosing a home loan. There are some highly competitive loans available as lenders eagerly battle for new business. However, it is important buyers are aware of the hidden dangers that may come with some of the cheaper home... Read more
If you were seriously ill or injured and unable to communicate your wishes, who would make decisions about your care or treatment? Would they even know what you want? Advance Directives are a good way to help your loved ones and doctors make health care decisions based on your individual values and beliefs, when you are no longer able to.... Read more
Mandatory Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting for all Australian business owners commenced from July 1 of this year. While STP reporting for businesses with 20 or more employees has been in effect for over a year, from July 1st businesses that employ 19 or less employees also need to report via STP. While the way employees are paid won’t change,... Read more