News

Key takeaways The ATO has introduced a new shortcut method for claiming work-related tax deductions until 30 June 2022 Under this method, you can claim 80 cents per hour for your additional running expenses that you have incurred You’re not required to keep receipts...

The numbers say that the average Australian woman retires with barely half (53 per cent)1 the super of the average man. As statistics go, it’s a shocking one. That gap starts to open early in working life, with women aged 25 to 34 having an average super balance of...

Trying to time investment markets is difficult if not impossible at the best of times, let alone now. The war in Ukraine, rising inflation and interest rates and an upcoming federal election have all added to market uncertainty and volatility. At times like these...

Key takeaways There are a whole range of strategies that make it worthwhile putting a little extra effort (and money) into your super Personal super contributions—those made from money you’ve already paid tax on such as savings or your take-home pay—are tax deductible...

With the end of financial year approaching, it’s a good time to review your personal balance sheet. If it’s not as healthy as you would like, perhaps it’s time to do a little budget repair of your own. Just as governments need to set policy objectives and budget for...

This time of year, people’s thoughts start turning to their tax return, but it can also be a good time to set things up so you don’t pay more tax than required next financial year. Simply talking to your employer about setting up an arrangement to “sacrifice” some of...

Key takeaways: If you contribute some of your after-tax income or savings into super, you may be eligible to claim a tax deduction Making a ‘salary sacrifice’ contribution could see you pay less tax than if you received the money as take-home pay If your spouse is not...

For many people, the phrase “investing in the share market” is framed by either gains and losses. For the “gains” group, the thought of increasing their wealth and having the potential to generate returns is what propels them to invest. For the “losses” group, the...

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has today announced four key focus areas for Tax Time 2022. The ATO will be focusing on: record-keeping work-related expenses rental property income and deductions, and capital gains from crypto assets, property, and shares. These...

Changes to super guarantee from 1 July 2022 will benefit casual and part time employees It has been a long time coming, but the $450 monthly minimum wage for Super Guarantee contributions has finally been abolished, starting 1 July 2022. This means employers will be...

The Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to increase its official interest rate for the first time in more than a decade had been widely expected. The only so-called unknown was exactly when the RBA would move its cash rate higher. The cash rate is the set interest...

Lower tax on your investments can help you reach your financial goals sooner. But don't choose an investment based on tax benefits alone. How investment income is taxed You need to include investment income in your tax return. This includes what you earn in: interest...