ATO action on overdue SMSF annual returns

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is cracking down on self-managed super funds (SMSFs) that have overdue SMSF annual returns, particularly those with two or more returns overdue. As part of its compliance action, the ATO is currently: – Cancelling approximately 9,000 ABNs of SMSFs that show no evidence of operating – Writing to SMSF trustees…

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Early payments

Taxpayers are being reminded they can prepay amounts towards their expected tax bill to help stay on top of their tax and avoid falling into debt. To make a prepayment to the Tax Office, you must get the correct payment reference number, decide how much to pay and choose a payment method. Using the correct…

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Time wasters to avoid

Understanding what behaviours and factors which cause employees to waste time is important. Only when you understand why time is not being used efficiently can you implement strategies to overcome this. Consider the following: Technology Technology helps us do things in a fraction of the time, it allows us to do things that are otherwise…

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SMSFs warned of risky retirement planning

The ATO is warning self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees about the risks of some emerging retirement planning arrangements. Retirees or SMSF trustees who are involved in any illegal arrangement, even by accident, may face severe penalties, risk losing their retirement savings, and potentially, their rights as a trustee to manage their own fund. The Tax…

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ATO’s data matching programs

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has sophisticated data matching programs in place to ensure individuals and businesses are complying with their obligations and to uphold the integrity of the tax system for the community at large. The Tax Office uses data matching to pre-fill tax returns, ensure people and businesses are lodging tax returns and…

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Getting customers to settle debts

Good credit management is an important business strategy to maintain cash flow and stable finances. A cornerstone of managing credit is not only making sure an invoice gets paid, but gets paid on time. Before a debt recovery process commences (which may delay payment further and damage a relationship with a customer), it is worthwhile…

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How to ensure your branding is consistent

Consistent branding is a big factor in your business’ marketing strategy – it can help build loyal customers, improve recognition and trustworthiness. Businesses that adopt consistent branding techniques gain a competitive advantage by differentiating their products and services from other competitors in the market. Staying consistent also helps to stay on track in delivering the…

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SMSF annual return for pension phase trustees

Self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees who are in pension phase must lodge their SMSF annual returns if they remain active, or choose to wind up the fund. The ATO is warning SMSF trustees about their regulatory obligations and is paying close attention to those SMSFs that are not meeting their lodgment obligations. Trustees must lodge…

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