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The ATO has released its practical administrative approach to businesses claiming the JobKeeper payment. Generally, it notes that it would only apply compliance resources to what would amount to a “scheme” in terms of the entity and its external operating environment. For example, if an entity’s business has not been significantly affected by external environmental factors beyond its control and/or the payments are in excess of those that would maintain pre-existing employment relationships.
SMSFs entering into arrangements which involve the purchase and development of real property for subsequent disposal or leasing should beware, the ATO is keeping a close eye on these types of agreements, irrespective of whether they are with related or unrelated parties.
As a part of the government’s coronavirus economic response package, a provision was inserted into the Corporations Act 2001 to provide temporary relief (safe harbour) for directors of financially distressed business from potential personal liability for insolvent trading. This was designed to counter the pressure on boards and directors to make quick decisions to enter into an insolvency process to mitigate the risks of insolvent trading during this economic downturn.
In line with various concessions provided to businesses to soften the blow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATO has now released the following details of concessions for self-managed super funds (SMSFs) as well as advice:
In this latest round of Coronavirus stimulus, the government has bought out the big guns in an effort to help people keep their jobs amidst the economic downturn. The “JobKeeper Payment” is a part of a $130bn wage subsidy scheme that is designed to provide a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per employee.
Following on from the Federal government’s $17.6bn stimulus package unveiled last week for the coronavirus (COVID-19), some State governments have announced various concessions to support businesses and keep the local economy moving during this difficult and uncertain time.
To further support businesses and workers ride out the COVID-19 pandemic and minimise the impact on the overall economy, the government has released a second round of stimulus in addition to the initial $17.6bn package. This $66.1bn package is not only aimed at businesses but also includes support for households (including casuals, sole-traders, retirees and those on income support).
The Government has announced a $17.6 billion investment package to support the economy as we brace for the impact of the coronavirus.
The yet to be legislated four part package focuses on business investment, sustaining employers and driving cash into the economy.
THE FEDERAL Government has made a very significant change to capital gains tax (CGT) affecting expats, but it’s likely there are many Australians living overseas who are still completely in the dark about it.
The ATO has released further guidance on investment strategy requirements for trustees of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). The guidance comes on the heels of ATO contacting 17,700 SMSFs in late 2019 where the SMSF annual return data indicated that they may be holding 90% or more of their retirement savings in one asset or a single asset class.
Many of you have heard of illegal phoenixing but are not sure of what exactly it encompasses. While there is no legislative definition of illegal phoenixing or phoenixing activity, at its core, it is the use of serial deliberate insolvency as a business model to avoid paying company debts. In a report in 2018, it is estimated that potential illegal phoenixing has an annual direct cost to businesses, employees and governments of between $2.85bn and $5.13bn.
The concept of super guarantee should be a very familiar to everyone, particularly anyone who is an employee, as it makes up the bulk of future retirement income. You may not know the particular name, but you would know about the requirement for employers to contribute 9.5% of your salary or wages into a nominated super account. You could also be salary sacrificing an amount of your salary and wages to put extra into your super.