Tax & Advisory

We can work together with you to alleviate the burdens of the commercial, operational and taxation landscape, whilst building efficiencies, and allowing you more freedom to focus on strategy and growth.

Audit & Assurance

Going beyond standard compliance reviews to look for areas for improvement in your business's financial reporting controls, processes and corporate governance practices.

Financial Services

Specialising in advice to trustees of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds, Family Trusts and Directors of Companies on a broad range of financial planning issues.

Consultancy

Complimenting our core service areas are our Real Time Reporting (Satellight) and Corporate Advisory divisions which aim to provide a well rounded and holistic commercial perspective to your operations.

We are passionate about the environment and the impact that our business has on it.

Because of this, we believe it is important to understand and measure our Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 carbon emissions, then take active steps to reduce our carbon emissions where possible.

We feel by doing our small piece for the environment; our people, clients and community will benefit as the economy continues to de-carbonise and transition to net-zero for the benefit of our future generations.

WALKER WAYLAND

LATEST NEWS

Changes To HECS Debt Indexation

In the May 2024 Federal Budget, the Government proposed a change to the way that indexation is calculated against HECS-HELP and other student loans.…

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Understanding Division 293 Tax

Division 293 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 was introduced in Australia on July 1, 2012. It was established to address the perceived…

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Walker Wayland NSW Introduces Client Verification Process

Client verification is a critical process in today’s digital and financial landscapes, serving as a fundamental safeguard for businesses and their clients. In essence,…

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Integrating ESG into Accounting: Australia’s Evolving Financial Reporting Landscape

In recent years, the global focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors has intensified, influencing how companies approach transparency and accountability. This shift…

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WWNSW “Mandatory Climate Reporting Bill Passes into Senate“

The mandatory climate reporting bill was passed by the Senate on 22 August 2024, with the Bill expected to be passed in the House of Representatives…

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Tax Return Lodgements

Avoided lodging your tax returns for years? Stop running and start doing something about it! For most, lodging their tax return is a fact…

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2024 Employee Share Scheme (ESS) & Start-Up Concession

2024 Employee Share Scheme (ESS) & Start-Up Concession The deadline for reporting annual Employee Share Scheme (ESS) activities is approaching. Employers providing ESS interests…

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2024 Single Touch Payroll (STP)

Employers need to make a Single Touch Payroll (STP) finalisation declaration by 14 July 2024 unless you are a closely held employer. This is…

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Navigating Not-For-Profit Self-Review Returns (NFP SRR)

Not-For-Profit organisations in Australia must adhere to tax laws to maintain their tax-exempt status. Starting from 2023-24 income year, Not-For-Profit organisations must lodge a…

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2024-25 Federal Budget

The 2024-25 Federal Budget, unveiled by Federal Treasurer Dr. Jim Chalmers on 14 May 2024, forecasts a surplus of $9.3 billion in 2023-24, to…

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2024 Fringe Benefits Tax: Part 3

The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year ends on 31 March. Last week, we outlined WFH arrangements and contractors/employees. Part 1: hotspots + FBT exemption…

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ATO Agent Nomination

The ATO has rolled out new procedures for linking tax agents as of 13 November 2023, which requires the taxpayer to initiate the linking…

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2024 Fringe Benefits Tax: Part 2

The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year ends on 31 March. Last week, we outlined the hotspots for employers and employees, as well as FBT…

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2024 Fringe Benefits Tax: Part 1

The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year ends on 31 March. In the upcoming weeks, we will be outlining the hot spots for employers and…

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Stage 3 Tax Cuts

The stage 3 tax cuts will be implemented throughout Australia beginning on 1 July 2024, here’s what you need to know and how it…

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Superannuation Contribution Cap Increase

For the 2024–25 financial year, the contribution cap for superannuation will be indexed based on the updated Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE), in…

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Significant Changes to NSW Land Tax & Landholder Duty Thresholds

Effective 1 Feb 2024, the following changes to NSW land tax and landholder duty thresholds now apply: Land Tax– The threshold for principal place…

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How Exercise Can Improve Mental Health

Regular exercise provides a multitude of mental health benefits. Beyond enhancing physical health and appearance, it significantly contributes to overall well-being. Exercise proves to…

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Bendel Case and Division 7A – Why This Matters To You

A recent decision in the Bendel Case (Bendel v Commissioner of Taxation [2023] AATA 3074) by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) challenges the long-held…

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Data Analytics and Accounting

Data is reshaping the landscape of accounting. Real-time Insights: real-time data, accountants can offer instant insights into a company’s financial health. This enables businesses…

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Payroll Tax Contractor provisions for Medical Centres and Practitioners

As a result of the decision in the Thomas and Naaz case, the arrangements between medical/allied health centres and practitioners need to be reviewed…

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STEPtember

STEPtember is a fundraising event that challenges people of all abilities and all fitness levels to aim for 10,000 steps each day for the…

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Current Job Market and What Should Employers Do

As the Australian economy struggles with other deteriorating trends, a robust labour market has remained one of the major areas of hope. It has…

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Financial Wellness

Financial wellness is the state of having healthy finances that enable you to handle financial challenges, manage debt, track your cash flow, and maintain…

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Xero Beautiful Business Fund

Xero have recently launched a small business funding initiative called the Xero Beautiful Business Fund. They are offering over AU$690,000 in funding to Xero…

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It’s time! Don’t forget to lodge your TPAR

Some businesses who make payments to contractors may need to lodge a Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) to the ATO. Importantly, for the year…

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Small Business Technology Investment Boost/Skills and Training Boost

During the 2022 financial year the government announced they would be helping support small businesses with a technology investment boost and a skills and…

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Mastering Personal Finance

Personal finance is an indispensable skill that empowers individuals to take control of their financial situation. From budgeting and saving to investing and planning…

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THE 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP IS MAKING HISTORY!

Australia and New Zealand are playing host to the 2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup being the 9th tournament in the competition’s 32 year…

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Changes to ACNC Reporting for Charities – Related Party Transactions

From 1 July 2023, charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) will be required to report their related party transactions annually…

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How well do you know Employee Share Schemes?

Employee Share Schemes Did you know that more businesses from different industries such as technology start-up companies can take advantages of recent changes to…

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Walker Wayland NSW announces the appointment of a new Partner – Edward Chow

Walker Wayland NSW is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Chow as a Partner from 1 July 2023. Edward’s core skills are in…

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Downsizing contributions into superannuation

From 1 January 2023 downsizer contributions are now available to individuals aged 55 years and over. This means eligible individuals can contribute up to…

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Key changes to 2023 individual tax returns

With end of financial year fast approaching there a few changes to be aware of when preparing your 2023 individual tax returns. Removal of…

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Change to Super Guarantee Rate from 1 July 2023

A key requirement of Australian employers includes having to pay superannuation contributions at a given percentage rate of an employee’s ordinary time earnings. This…

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Interest rate continues to lift for the 12th time over the past year

Interest rate has hiked for 12 times over the past year. The RBA has voted to raise interest rates at its June meeting, taking…

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Benefits of using the logbook method

If you use your car for a mix of work and personal purposes, or provide your employees with a passenger vehicle, you may be…

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How Coffee Can Impact Your Sleep & Productivity

Coffee is now the second most traded commodity on the planet after oil. Most people can’t imagine starting a day without coffee and it…

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Changes to paid parental leave from 1 July 2023

The Government has committed $346.1 million over 5 years to an ‘Enhanced Paid Parental Leave’ scheme that combines currently separate payments for principal carers…

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2023-24 Federal Budget

The Federal Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, handed down the government’s 2023-24 Federal Budget at 7:30 pm (AEST) on 9 May 2023. The Budget forecasts…

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Help! How much will my HELP debt increase this year?

While student loans – often referred to as Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts – previously Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) – are interest…

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Registering GST in New Zealand

If you are an Australian business considering expanding into New Zealand, it is important to understand the local tax system. One key element is…

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Autumn Anzac Biscuit – Apple Crumble

Anzac Day serves as a day of remembrance for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that have been killed in military operations. On…

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The Future of Auditing

In the digital age, technology is transforming the way companies conduct their business operations, and the audit profession is no exception. Auditing has traditionally…

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New fixed rate method is introduced

From the 2022/2023 financial year onwards, the short cut method is no longer available. A new fixed rate method is introduced. This new fixed…

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TAKE A BREAK AND RECHARGE THIS EASTER

The upcoming Easter weekend brings a valuable and much-needed opportunity for us all to take a real break and enjoy time with family and…

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Getting Ready for 2023 Fringe Benefits Tax Time

Getting Ready for 2023 Fringe Benefits Tax Time Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is a tax paid by employers on certain benefits provided to their…

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Superannuation fund earnings exceeding $3m threshold subject to Special Extra Tax

Overview The Government has announced that individuals with total superannuation balances (TSBs) exceeding $3m (both their pension and accumulation accounts combined) at the end…

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Queensland Labor Government Expresses Commitment to the Climate

Currently doing business or have a major contract with the Queensland Labor Government, if yes, then read on… As a firm, we look forward…

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Walker Wayland NSW announces the appointment of a new Partner – Kate Douglass

Walker Wayland NSW is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Douglass as a Partner from 1 January 2023. Kate is an experienced tax…

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ATO Changes to prevent unauthorised access to clients’ accounts

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are strengthening their security for online services. ATO are taking action due to the increasing efforts by criminals to impersonate…

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Electric vehicles now exempt from FBT

Legislation for the long awaited FBT exemption for electric vehicles has finally passed through both Houses of Parliament. This exemption will benefit both the…

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Spotlight: Smooth Operating Vets and VEtx

Walker Wayland Services has been working alongside Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker of Smooth Operating Vets and Trevor Marchant from Marchant Dallas Consulting as part…

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Director ID Deadline – 30 November

The deadline is fast approaching on 30 November 2022 for existing directors of Australian Companies to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN). This regime…

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Six Ways to Improve your Wellbeing at Work

The average person spends 13 hours a day sitting. All this inactivity has the potential to contribute to health problems. It can be hard…

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Labor Government 2022-23 Federal Budget

The Federal Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, handed down the Labor government’s first Federal Budget at 7:30 pm (AEDT) on 25 October 2022. Despite an…

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How high will interest rates go?

The RBA lifted the cash rate to 2.35% as of September 2022. The next RBA Board meeting and Official Cash rate announcement will be…

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Director ID Deadline is Looming – Apply before 30 November 2022

Have you applied for your Director Identification Number? As of 5 April 2022, all newly appointed directors are to apply for a Director Identification…

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R U OK?

Thursday 8 September 2022 Founded in 2009, R U OK? Day is a harm prevention charity that encourages us to take action and connect…

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Walker Wayland NSW helps Suncorp Bank Achieve Carbon Neutral Status – Australia’s First Carbon Neutral Bank for both its operations and transaction services

Walker Wayland NSW helps Suncorp Bank Achieve Carbon Neutral Status – Australia’s First Carbon Neutral Bank for both its operations and transaction services Congratulations…

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Taking the Cryptic out of Crypto this Tax time

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) wants taxpayers with crypto assets to make sure they know their obligations so they can lodge right the first…

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Small Business and Individuals ATO updates

ATO’s small business focus for 2022 income year The ATO announced that it will be focusing on the following matters for small business tax…

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ATO SMSF Updates

Super guarantee contribution due date for June 2022 quarter The due date for employers to make super guarantee contributions for their employees for the…

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Financial Reporting Presentation 2022

On 5 July 2022, Wali Aziz (Partner and Head of Audit & Climate Change) and Edward Chow (Principal of Audit & Assurance) presented the…

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How to minimise work related stress

Work-related stress is something we all encounter. Emails, messages, phones ringing off the hook, your co-worker dropping by for an impromptu meeting — it’s…

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Payroll Lodgement and Payment Due Dates

With our Australian end of financial year approaching on 30th June 2022, please find below the lodgement and payment due dates as follows: Fringe…

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Tips to ‘break up’ with your screens

The most effective breaks help us to switch off and give our brain and body a chance to reset. Ideally, we would use this…

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Tracking the shift toward environmentally friendly buildings

As a general movement continues to grow toward environmental consideration and concern around climate change. Property company JLL speaks about some of the changes…

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Super Changes from 1 July 2022

Employer Super Guarantee As we roll over to the 2023 financial year, the Super Guarantee rate has increased by 0.5%. Employers are required to…

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Director Identification Number Compliance Reminder For Businesses

As of 5 April 2022, new Directors will need to have applied for their Director Identification Number (DIN) prior to their appointment to the…

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New domain name changes could leave your business at risk – Act before 20 September 2022

New domain name changes could leave your business at risk – Act before 20 September 2022 What’s happened? From 24 March 2022, anyone with…

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Should you use property to fund your retirement?

Should you use property to fund your retirement? While property may seem like a good way to build and hold wealth, is it a…

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Important Changes to Director IDs

What is changing? Changes are being made to the requirements of applying for a director ID with these coming into play from 5th of…

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ATO puts up to 50,000 taxpayers on alert for looming director penalty notices

The Australian Taxation Office has sent out a warning advising that it is issuing letters to taxpayers informing them of potential personal liability for…

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2022-23 Federal Budget

2022-23 Federal Budget The Federal Treasurer, Mr Josh Frydenberg, handed down the 2022–23 Federal Budget at 7:30pm (AEDT) on 29 March 2022. The Budget’s…

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Mental Health & Wellbeing Surcharge Tax for Victorian Employers

We are a few months into 2022 now, but incase you missed it some changes to payroll tax lodgements for Victoria rolled in with…

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Looking After Your Mental Health During Unstable Times

Feelings of anxiety, distress, and concern are commonplace for many people at this current point in time. Many have been experiencing heightened stress because…

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Digital Signing of Deeds Becomes Permanent

A recent amendment has been passed on Feb 10th 2022 to permit the electronic signing of documents including deeds, by companies. This means electronic…

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COVID Business Support Package

Acknowledging the difficulty that business operators have faced, the NSW Treasurer Matt Kean has announced a package of measures to support small businesses impacted…

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Environmentally focused Australian of the Year Nominees

The 2022 Australian of the Year was this week awarded to the ever-deserving Dylan Alcott. Dylan is a celebrated athlete who has won a…

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Important Changes for Visa Holders – what you need to know:

In response to ongoing workforce and industry shortages due to the recent omicron COVID-19 wave hitting Australia, the government has announced some big changes…

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WWNSW climate series: Understanding Climate Change Jargon

Walker Wayland NSW is committed to doing what we can to improve sustainability and promote environmentally friendly measures in order to reduce the impacts…

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An update on Australian immigration border changes – what you need to know from Visa Solutions

UPDATE: On Nov 30th the government announced a delay to these proposed changes in response to concerns around the Omicron variant of COVID-19. As…

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Your guide for a smooth return to the workplace

As stay-at-home restrictions ease, many organisations are finally beginning to welcome back their employees to the workplace. Shops and restaurants are finally opening up…

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Preparing for the director ID Regime

The Government has introduced a new director ID regime with the aim of preventing the use of false and fraudulent director identities and to…

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Managing Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict is not uncommon in the workplace, when people come together and work cooperatively it can result in collaboration, efficient productivity, and lead to…

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Super Choice Rules

Super Choice Rules Employers will need to undertake an extra step while onboarding new employees that don’t choose a superannuation fund from 1 November…

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Reconfirming JobSaver eligibility

If your business is currently receiving NSW JobSaver or Micro-business Grant schemes, you will now need to reconfirm your eligibility each fortnight to continue…

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Healthy habits for your emails

We all know that email is an integral way of communicating within the workforce but it’s no secret that many of us feel overwhelmed…

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3 simple ways to boost your mood during a busy work week

In the chaos of the daily grind, you may be wondering where to find time to even think about your own wellbeing. There are…

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Tackling Time Management

With the fast pace and ever connected nature of society today – it can feel like there is never enough time in the day.…

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R U OK DAY

In the lead up to the annual R U OK Day on Thursday 9th of September – we thought it was a good time…

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Avoiding Burnout and Managing Work Life Balance

The concept of Burn Out seems to be thrown around in recent years – with awareness around its seriousness growing. As you can imagine…

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Commercial Leasing

NSW Government will reintroduce the National Cabinet’s Mandatory Code of Conduct for Commercial Leasing in NSW until 13 January 2022 mandating rent relief for…

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How to stay connected in a digital world

The current COVID outbreak has seen many pack up their hot desks and say goodbye to their colleagues to resort back to the working…

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Walker Wayland NSW announces two new Principals of the firm

The Partners of Walker Wayland NSW are pleased to announce that Kate Douglass and Edward Chow have been appointed Principals of the firm effective…

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Covid-19 Business Support Package June 2021

On 29 June 2021, the NSW Government announced a major new grants package of between $5,000 and $10,000 to help eligible small businesses and…

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What lockdown support is available?

If you can’t work because you or someone in your household is impacted by COVID-19, there is support available, but it comes with fairly…

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Your Single Touch Payroll Reporting Obligation is Expanding

Single Touch Payroll (STP) is an Australian Government initiative designed to streamline employers’ reporting burdens to government agencies. STP become mandatory on 1 July…

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Are you eligible for the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate?

In a recent announcement by the NSW Government a new small business fees and charges rebates have been introduced to help small businesses recover…

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Federal Budget 2021-2022: Securing Australia’s Recovery

2021/22 Federal Budget Last night the Federal Treasurer, Mr Josh Frydenberg, handed down the 2021–22 Federal Budget. The deficit of $161 billion is $52.7…

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Xero acquires workforce management platform Planday

The cloud-based accounting software company Xero is a favourite among SMEs in Australia and New Zealand. Xero has a known strategy of acquiring complimentary…

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How we think about our Triple Bottom Line

Climate change is considered one of the world’s most important issues and the biggest reason for climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases.…

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Removal of Special Purpose from Financial Statements

In March 2020, the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) issued an amending standard that removes the ability of certain for-profit private entities to prepare…

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Cash is King!

Payment Times Reporting Scheme The phrase Cash is King was mentioned repeatedly in boardrooms across the country in 2020 as our Nation’s Government, Economy…

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Top Tax Changes for Individuals in 2021

We are already over halfway through the 2021 financial year with June 2021 only 5 months away! Time flies when you are stuck in…

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Increase in Super Guarantee from 1 July 2021

With the announcement of the 2021 Budget, changes have been made to the compulsory superannuation system implemented by the Australian government. Currently employers are…

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Loss carry back regime

Various tax and income support measures are in place to support individuals and business taxpayers to weather the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. One…

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COVID-19 updates – extensions to COVID relief schemes

In recognising the ongoing financial difficulty faced by businesses throughout Australia, the government are providing extensions to a number of key stimulus packages for…

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Pay and Leave changes due to COVID-19

Pay and leave rules have been updated by Fair Work Australia, due to the impact of the Coronavirus on employees. Paid The Fair Work…

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Clean Energy

In an unprecedented year that has featured bush fires, floods, a global pandemic, the election of the 46th US president, the team at Walker…

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TFN Security

Are you aware of the increasing security and privacy risks when sending and receiving sensitive information electronically, such as your Tax File Number (TFN)?…

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What does the ‘JobMaker’ Plan mean for you and your business?

As part of the 2020-2021 Budget, the government has announced new incentives to assist economic recovery and to bring Australians back to work. The…

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NSW Budget 2020/2021

The latest budget from the NSW Government has responded to one of the most challenging periods in our lifetimes, after facing severe drought, the…

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Walker Wayland NSW Achieves Certified Carbon Neutrality!!!

The partners at Walker Wayland NSW, are proud to announce that as of October 2020, the firm has achieved Carbon Neutral Status with the…

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Federal Budget 2020-2021

Individuals Business incentives and companies Other tax measures Superannuation Social security   The Federal Treasurer, Mr Josh Frydenberg, handed down the 2020/21 Federal Budget…

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JobKeeper 2.0

On 21 July 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the eligibility criteria as well as the reduced JobKeeper payments for…

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Announcement: JobKeeper Extended

Originally, JobKeeper & JobSeeker payments were going to end in September 2020 but due to new COVID-19 cases popping up, it looks like the…

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Beware COVID-19 Tax Scams

The ATO has provided tell-tale signs on how to identify and protect yourselves from tax scammers as fraudsters take advantage of the COVID-19 fears.…

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Walker Wayland NSW 2020 Financial Reporting Webinar

Our Head of Audit & Assurance, Wali Aziz, along with Senior Manager – Edward Chow and Carmen Ridley (AASB Board Member) delivered the Walker…

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ASIC announce extension for unlisted entity financial reports due to COVID-19

In further measures to ease pressure on businesses struggling due to COVID-19, ASIC have granted additional time for unlisted entity financial reporting and will…

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Update on our Walker Wayland NSW Annual Golf Day

We would like to inform you that our Walker Wayland NSW 2020 Annual Golf Day has been postponed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The…

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The impact of COVID-19 on Australian businesses and the effect on Financial Reports

The Coronavirus has now spread globally and is having a major impact on both the global economy and the Australian economy. Unfortunately, no one…

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New to working from home thanks to COVID-19? The ATO has announced an easier way to claim when tax time comes around

As the COVID19 pandemic continues to change the day to day running of our lives – many more Australians will find themselves working from…

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COVID-19 Rental Relief: Mandatory industry code for commercial and retail leases

Through the tumultuous challenges that COVID19 pandemic has brought along with it – one major burden facing businesses who have faced extreme economic downturn…

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Changes to visas to assist with COVID-19 Pandemic including new Subclass 408.

The Australian Government has announced the introduction of a new visa to assist in this difficult time where the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect…

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$10,000 grants for small businesses affected by COVID-19 who have ‘slipped through the cracks’

The NSW government announced a further economic measure to assist businesses through navigating the challenging COVID-19 period. This announcement was aimed at small businesses…

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Third Federal Government Stimulus package announced: Businesses to receive wage subsidies to keep their employees.

In the midst of the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic – the government has announced not one, two but three economic stimulus packages to attempt to…

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COVID-19 Update from Walker Wayland NSW

Amidst so much uncertainty please be aware that our firm continues to operate, and we have contingency actions that will allow us to continue…

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$2.3 billion NSW COVID-19 Stimulus Package: What is the NSW Government doing to help Aussie businesses?

The current Coronavirus pandemic is affecting all aspects of our lives, NSW is currently home to the greatest number of confirmed cases, sitting at…

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COVID-19: Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Package – UPDATED second stage $66 billion stimulus announced

Update: 22nd March 2020 A major second stage $66 billion economic stimulus package has been announced by Scott Morrison on Sunday 22nd March to…

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In case you missed it: Walker Wayland NSW has launched a new look website.

With the rapidly expanding nature of technology in 2020, the need for a functional, efficient and visually appealing website is essential. The Walker Wayland…

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The impact of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as the Coronavirus) on Australian businesses and the effect on financial reports.

The Coronavirus has now spread globally and is having a major impact on both the global economy and the Australian economy. Unfortunately, no one…

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Walker Wayland NSW to go Carbon Neutral

Walker Wayland NSW is currently in the process of becoming completely Carbon Neutral. This is exciting news with the goal of entirely neutralising the…

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Walker Wayland RSPCA Day

On Wednesday the 12th of February some of the team from Walker Wayland NSW made their way over to the RSPCA to volunteer at…

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Walker Wayland Australasia introduces an Employee Assistance Program

The recent bushfire crisis that has affected hundreds of thousands of Australians has highlighted the need for businesses to provide support and assistance for…

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Accounting Subscription Reductions for Bushfire affected clients

Over the last few months a huge proportion of Australia has been affected by some of the worst bushfires we have seen. With over…

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What is the role of a SMSF Fund auditor?

Before you submit your annual tax return – the last step in the process is the auditing phase. The job of an SMSF Auditor…

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Land Tax Legislation Changes 2019 – Impact On Discretionary Trusts

What Is The Surcharge? Foreign persons acquiring residential property in NSW on or after 21st June 2016 are liable to pay a 4% surcharge…

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Planning your work Christmas party? Tax implications to remember this festive season…

The festive season is fast approaching and for many businesses this means Christmas party planning and gift giving. There are important things to consider…

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Valuations: 5 Mistakes Your Business May Be Making

A valuation report has many moving parts, as such it is crucial to ensure that all the constituents of the report follow best practice.…

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Walker Wayland Joins Members at BKR International Annual Worldwide Meeting in Los Angeles

Partners from Walker Wayland NSW joined more than 225 participants at the BKR International Annual Worldwide Meeting in Los Angeles, California from the 25th-29th…

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RBA cuts Interest Rates again for the third time since June 2019

On Tuesday, 1 October 2019, it was announced by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) that the official interest rate will drop by a…

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Finding Your Passion

The journey of life is about finding your passion and purpose. How many times have you felt disconnected and distant from your life? One…

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Work Related claims that the ATO are cracking down on this tax time

With tax deadlines fast approaching, you may be starting to think about what expenses you can claim. One of the commonly targeted areas where…

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Changes to MyTax and what you need to know about MyGov

What is MyGov & what is MyTax? MyGov is the internet portal that allows Australians to easily access government services including the ATO, Medicare…

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What is the Justified Trust concept?

We have all heard the constant chatter about some of the world’s biggest multinational companies not paying enough tax to match their profits, Google,…

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Hattember 2019 is launched in style!

Thursday September 5th saw the opening of Hattember with the Hattember Gala held which included the announcement of winners in the 2019 The Hattember…

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Mental Health & Your Workplace

Workplace stress is defined by the World Health Organization as “the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are…

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Income Tax Offsets – What am I eligible for now?

Due to the 2019 Act receiving Royal Assent on 5 July 2019, there has been a positive modification to the Governments previously legislated Personal…

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The Gutsy Challenge

Continuing our proud partnership with the GI Cancer Institute, Walker Wayland is entering multiple teams into the Institution’s ‘Gutsy Challenge’ fundraising event. Since 1991…

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City To Surf 2019

Walker Wayland NSW has once again entered a team into Sydney’s City2Surf. On 11th August participants will be running, jogging or walking 14kms from…

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Investing in Australia’s Property Market

The Australian property market has always held great appeal to both domestic and foreign investors. With a relatively stable economy and continued demand for housing, the Australian market provides ideal conditions for a greater return on your investment.

As can be seen in the ‘2018 Russell Investments/Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Long Term Investing Report’s’ graph below; as of December 2017, Australian residential property gave an average gross (before tax) return rate of 8% over the last 10 years followed closely by the ‘Global Shares’ market at an average annual return on investment at 7.2%.

10-Year Average of Return On Investment by Asset Class:

graph

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Annual Charity Golf Day 2019

A great day was had by all at the Annual Walker Wayland NSW Sydney Charity Golf Day on Thursday, 21 March at The Moore…

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All you need to know about Electronic Signatures…

We are all familiar with the purpose of a signature however with the constant development of technology observed over the past few years – things have dramatically advanced. 

We have experienced a shift away from hard copy and physical documents sent with ‘snail mail’, toward electronic documents shared via email, cloud-based software and online sharing services.
But the ease of electronic document usage presented us with a unique problem – how do we get the recipient to sign it? 

Don’t fear however, as you may or may not be aware, there is now the ability to use electronic and digital signatures to avoid any issues and keep the document in soft copy form.

In fact, the E-Signature sector is booming – now on track to be worth an excess of $5 billion by the decades end according to DocuSign CMO Dustin Grosse (1)

Despite its growing popularity and use – the concept can be confusing and complex to understand so here is what you need to know.

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1 June will see Upcoming Changes to ATO Online Terms & Conditions

 Updates to the ATO Online Terms & Conditions will see changes including: The ability to authorise your tax or BAS agent to designate their…

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New Visa Subclass Announced: Five-year sponsored parent visa subclass 870

The new sponsored Parent Visa Subclass 870 will allow Australian Citizens and some Permanent residents to be able to bring over a parent to live in Australia for up to 5 years and will be far more advantageous over previous subclasses offered.

What do the changes include?
It was announced that from 17 April 2019 applications to sponsor parents for either 3 years or 5 years under the new subclass 870 will be open. Visa applications will be open from 1 July 2019.

  • The Government has announced that 15,000 visas in this category will be granted in each program year.
  • There is no “balance of family” test for this visa as it provides for temporary entry of biological or step-parents.
  • The sponsors must be Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents who are usually resident in Australia for four years.

Analysis & Comment:
This new subclass of visa been highly anticipated and it likely to prove popular with many Australian permanent residents and citizens who wish to bring out a parent for an extended period of time. The huge advantage of this visa over the other parent visa sub-categories is that the “balance of family” test will not apply. That will open the market to many more people who are now able to sponsor their parent to Australia.

Financial capability for the sponsor will be a necessary requirement to demonstrate that the sponsor is able to support the parent or parents in Australia for an extended period of time. This is particularly the case as the visa holders will not be granted work rights and will have to maintain health insurance while they are in Australia.

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Government Assistance For Farms Doing It Tough

Australia is facing one of the worst drought crises on record to hit Aussie farmers over the past few decades. With 98 per cent of NSW, over half of Queensland, accompanied with sections of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia being drought stricken, the NSW Australian government has recognized the severity and on-going extent Australian Farmers are being affected by. To support farmers devastated by drought and its conditions, the NSW Government released an Emergency Drought Relief Package valued at $500 million on the 30 July 2018 to assist in deficiency management.

Since release, consistent extension and alterations throughout the first quarter of 2019 have been added to this package, now valued at over $1.1 billion with various beneficial Financial and Taxation assistance. If you have direct connection, or have affiliation with drought-affected taxpayers, it’s important in this current ambiguous climate to be aware of any financial assistance made available to taxpayers by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to aid in the process of drought recovery affecting on-going rural businesses.

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Federal Budget 2019-20

“Tonight, I announce that the Budget is back in the black, and Australia is back on track…paying its own way.”

“Australia is stronger than when we came to Government six years ago. Growth is higher. Unemployment is lower. There are fewer people on welfare. There are a record number of Australians with a job. School and hospital funding are at record levels.”

“So, tonight, I am pleased to announce a Budget surplus of $7.1 billion” (albeit a forecast surplus for 2019-20) …”a $55-billion turnaround on the deficit we inherited six years ago” … and “A total of $45 billion of surpluses over the next four years.”

So said Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, as he handed down his first Federal Budget on 2 April 2019, a Budget he said intended to focus on restoring the nation’s finances, create new jobs with a strong skills and infrastructure agenda, and guarantee schools, hospitals and aged care. And, as he frequently emphasised “all done without increasing taxes”.

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Financial Reporting Update 2018

Financial Reporting Update 2018  

Asset Recoverability: SMSF Auditor fails to qualify opinion leading to losses for the trustee

“SMSF Auditor Failure to Qualify Opinion, leading to losses for Trustee’’ On 23 May 2018, the NSW Court of Appeal handed down a decision…

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The new Lease Accounting Standard – Will your organisation be affected?

Most organisations in Australia undertake some form of leasing arrangement and many of these lease arrangements have been classified as operating leases with no…

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Time’s up! AASB 15, the new revenue standard is here. Are you ready?

Are your clients ready for the new revenue standard – AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers? TIME IS UP. Time has run out…

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Single Touch Payroll for Micro or Small Employers

Following our recent article on 29 January 2019 about Single Touch Payroll (STP), Commissioner Chris Jordan has published a statement in regards to transition to Single Touch Payroll for small employers.

Background
STP, also known as ‘pay day reporting’, transmits employee tax and super information to the Australia Taxation Office (ATO) directly or through third party software providers after each pay run. STP reporting commenced on 1 July 2018 for employers with 20 or more employees, and there are around 45,000 businesses currently doing STP reporting under this regime.

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Walker Wayland WA, WWNSW’s partner firm in Perth, sponsors The Tackling Suicide 2019 Charity AFL match

March 9th saw the excellent organisation Out of the Locker Room (OTLR) hold the Tackling Suicide  2019 Charity AFL match in Perth with Lifeline…

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How can technology integrations improve my bottom line?

With the emergence of new technology every year it’s important for businesses of every size to adopt it as an integral part of their strategy and budget. Integrations between business processes and technology is no longer a luxury but a requirement to stay ahead of the curve and beat competition to have the most lean and efficient processes to increase that bottom line revenue.

According to a research piece by Gartner, organisations are facing immense competition on a local and global scale. To remain competitive and improve their bottom line, businesses are urged to turn to process improvement through ‘Business Process Management’ Automation (BPM).

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The Cost of Space

Last Friday the 22nd of February, at 8:45pm, the Israeli spacecraft Beresheet launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. At a cost of US$100 million, Beresheet was the first privately financed mission to the moon.

On the 30th of March, 2021, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is set to be hurled into space, coming to rest 1,500,000 kilometres from Earth. This US$9.5 billion telescope will replace the Hubble Space telescope. That old timer was launched in 1990 and itself cost about US$4 billion.

Exploring space costs a lot of money; money that many people will say could be better spent. Would it be more beneficial to forget about space, and worry about what’s under our feet? There would certainly be a lot of great ways to spend $10 billion on our own rocky planet. There is a never-ending list of important public issues that require funding, such as healthcare, education, and taking better care of the environment (to name a few).

Smarter people than me are employed to make those choices, however, I would encourage anybody to consider the broader benefits to society that space exploration provides, before being so quick to dismiss the investment.

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Considering Your Financial Future…

We are already half way through the first quarter of 2019, and if you have not already, now is a great time to consider exploring planning oppurtunities for either your business or personal tax affairs. Assessing the shape of your business before year end can offer various benefits and improved financial outcomes year end. Strategic planning of key financial situations ensures there are no surprises come end of year. 

What do we mean by planning?

Essentially it is the process of proactively analysing the financial situation of the current year and developing the strategies ensure you are maximising the claims your business is entitled to.

It is recommended that this review activity is completed either in the middle or towards the end of the financial year, this allows you enough time to develop and implement new strategies. For example, an estimated tax obligation based on the current and projected business performance can then be forecasted and aligned with stakeholders. Knowing your future obligations is critical to managing cash flow planning for the year ahead.

It is important to note that this process is not limited to only complex structures and/or larger corporations. Taxpayers contemplating even the most ordinary transactions should thoroughly consider tax review and the consequences to ensure that they do not suffer adverse tax outcomes, below are a few key reasons as to why you should consider and implement planning tax activity for your business.

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Kate Douglass

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Kate Douglass

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Single Touch Payroll

Single Touch Payroll is a new process in the way employers will be reporting their employee’s tax and super information to the ATO. 

STP is offered by some accounting or payroll software. Each time the payroll is run and employees are paid, tax and super information will be sent either directly to the ATO or through a third party, depending on the software. The information that will be reported to the ATO includes employees’ salaries and wages, allowances, deductions, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and superannuation information. You can continue paying your employees weekly, fortnightly or monthly, you will not need to adjust your pay cycle. 

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Six Ways to Maintain Wellness in the Workplace

As we enter into another busy part of the corporate season, below are some tips to maintain a clear head and good mood in the office:

1. Get Healthy Sleep

Ensure a good night’s sleep. Sleep will help you lower your stress levels and improve cognition, concentration, and performance. This includes improving your problem-solving skills and enhancing your memory performance. Not surprisingly, all these qualities are affected negatively by sleep deprivation.

2. Move around
Oftentimes when we are under pressure (e.g. a looming deadline), and we end up bolted to our desks in an effort to get the “thing” done.
Regardless of how busy you are it’s important to move around, circulating oxygen around the body and keeping a clear head. Where you can, try to get out of the office for at least five minutes and breathe some fresh air, take a walk around the block. At the very least move the around office. Doing so could prevent you from developing brain fog, RSI, fatigue or eyestrain at work.

3. Green Tea
Coffee is a staple for many and may act as a short-term energy boost. Conversely, coffee can also often leave one anxious or jittery where there are sensitivities to caffeine, or it is consumed to excess. Where possible, opt for Green Tea instead. Green Tea contains L-Theanine which may help promote relaxation, reduce the bodies’ perception of stress, and slightly improve attention.

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Edward Chow

Edward Chow

Edward Chow

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What you didn’t know about The Budget…

With the announcement that the Federal Budget will be unveiled early, in April 2019 and deliver a federal surplus, can we assume that the economy is performing as well as the federal government would have us believe? 

Announced in the midst of a tough week politically, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is hoping that the announcement of the surplus budget will alleviate some of the pressure on the Liberal party. While a Federal surplus budget looks great at face value and appears to show the ‘big picture’ of the economy, the influence of individual states and their budgets cannot be ignored.

Since the Australian economy exists as a common market between all 8 territories and states, any federal announcement, that focuses solely on the federal economy has the potential to mislead us and be conveniently used to shift our attention in times of political stress. 

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Significant Reforms to the Sponsored Family Visa Program

What is the change? The Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016 has been passed by both houses of Parliament and is…

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EveryBody Wins Program

EveryBody Wins is a program that seeks to provide knowledge to Senior Students on Health and Nutrition, Emotional Mastery and Financial Skills to enable…

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Walker Wayland’s inaugural Mini Olympics!

Last Friday afternoon WWNSW staff swapped their desks to get out into the sun and compete in the inaugural Mini Olympics. The afternoon was…

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Time’s up! AASB 15, the new revenue standard is here. Are you ready?

Are your clients ready for the new revenue standard – AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers? TIME IS UP.

Time has run out to understand and assess the implications of the new accounting standard, AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The impact of the application of AASB 15 must not be underestimated. The International Accounting Standards Board have fundamentally changed how entities recognise revenue.

For periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018, the new revenue standard, AASB 15 will replace the various existing accounting standards and interpretations applicable to revenue recognition with a single standard based on a principles-based model.

The new standard provides a five step process to ensure an entity recognises revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services.

Whilst understanding the application of AASB 15 on your clients various income streams will be complex and is fundamental, it is important to note that the impact of applying AASB15 goes far beyond revenue recognition and there are a number of wider implications that must be considered.

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Thank you to our Secondee Francis Alita!

Francis Alita, a manager from Alas Oplas & Co (Philippines Office), joined a Business Services team at Walker Wayland NSW (Sydney Office) as a Secondee from mid-July through to mid-October 2018. Providing much needed help, Francis was involved in a variety of engagements and activities within the team.

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Do you need to amend your discretionary trust deed before 31 December 2018?

If you have a discretionary or hybrid trust that owns residential land in NSW you may need to have your deed amended before 31 December 2018.

Duty and land tax surcharges were imposed from 21 June 2016 where residential land in New South Wales is to be acquired or is owned by foreign persons. Where the land is to be acquired or is owned by a discretionary trust, the trustee of the trust is a foreign person if any foreign persons are beneficiaries (whether or not named in the trust deed) under the trust.

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Proposed Super Guarantee Amnesty

A one-off Amnesty opportunity was announced by the Minister for Revenue and Financial Service in May 2018. This 12-month Amnesty allows employers who voluntarily disclose previously undeclared SG shortfalls be able to claim a deduction for the catch-up payments made in the period.

This also allows employers not to be liable for the administration component and penalties that would otherwise apply to late SG payments.

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NSW Seminar – The TSS Visa, Income Tax & IR

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Walker Wayland NSW Promotes Two Partners

Walker Wayland NSW is pleased to announce the promotion of two partners – Wali Aziz and Cameron Stone, effective July 2018.

These promotions will add considerable expertise and excellence to our existing clients and will be instrumental in shaping the future of our firm.

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Westpac scraps all SMSF loans

Westpac confirmed today (16 July 2018) it is scrapping all SMSF loans, after announcing last week its subsidiary St George would exit the market.…

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Government amends the start date of proposed small business CGT concessions measure

The government will amend the start date of their proposed small business CGT concessions measure. In amendments to the bill on 21 June 2018, the government has decided to push the start date back to 8 February 2018, the date the draft legislation was released for consultation. This will provide a transition period between announcement and the date of effect, a change that is also expected to bring welcome relief to tax advisers and their clients.

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The new Lease Accounting Standard – Will your organisation be affected?

Most organisations in Australia undertake some form of leasing arrangement and many of these lease arrangements have been classified as operating leases with no impact to the balance sheet.

Over 85% of the leasing commitments do not appear on today’s balance sheets, making it difficult for investors and other users of financial statements to obtain an accurate picture of an entity’s future leasing commitments.

The new leases standard – AASB 16 is effective from the beginning of the 2019 calendar year. Property and equipment operating leases previously recognised off-balance sheet will be accounted for as a Right-of-Use (ROU) asset and lease liability. This will provide more transparency regarding a company’s leasing commitments and change key financial measurements such as gearing ratios, asset turnover and EBITDA. However, lessor accounting will remain unchanged from the current leases standard.

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Financial Reporting Update 2018

Financial Reporting Update 2018

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Asset Recoverability: SMSF Auditor fails to qualify opinion leading to losses for the trustee

“SMSF Auditor Failure to Qualify Opinion, leading to losses for Trustee’’

On 23 May 2018, the NSW Court of Appeal handed down a decision that the auditor of a self-managed super fund (SMSF caused the losses incurred by the trustee of the SMSF.

In the case Cam & Bear Pty Ltd v McGoldrick, the decision was held in the NSW Court of Appeal (NSWCA), that the Auditor of the SMSF had breached his duty of care to the trustees of the SMSF, in that negligence was displayed in the Auditors performance when issuing an unqualified audit opinion, albeit significant issues were present in the SMSF financial statements for the financial years 2003 to 2007.

This negligence ultimately resulted in the financial losses sustained by the plaintiff.

The decision by the NSW Court of Appeals resulted in a liability apportionment of 90/10 against the auditor. (See more details about the case here). The case findings provide a reminder to all audit practitioners about the requirements to comply with all relevant Australian Auditing Standards during the conduct of an audit, in particular; ASA 500 – Audit Evidence.

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City to Surf 2018 – Help WWNSW raise money for The Black Dog Institute

  It’s almost that time of the year again – time to dust off your running shoes because Sydney is hosting the annual City…

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NSW Budget 2018/19

The New South Wales Treasurer, Mr Dominic Perrottet, handed down the NSW Budget for 2018/19 on 19 June 2018. The only tax-related measure announced in the Budget was an increase in the tax-free threshold for payroll tax from its current level of $750,000 to $1 million.

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Financial Reporting Update 2018

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Asset Recoverability – “SMSF Auditor Failure to Qualify Opinion, leading to losses for Trustee’’

“SMSF Auditor Failure to Qualify Opinion, leading to losses for Trustee’’

On 23 May 2018, the NSW Court of Appeal handed down a decision that the auditor of a self-managed super fund (SMSF caused the losses incurred by the trustee of the SMSF.

In the case Cam & Bear Pty Ltd v McGoldrick, the decision was held in the NSW Court of Appeal (NSWCA), that the Auditor of the SMSF had breached his duty of care to the trustees of the SMSF, in that negligence was displayed in the Auditors performance when issuing an unqualified audit opinion, albeit significant issues were present in the SMSF financial statements for the financial years 2003 to 2007. This negligence ultimately resulted in the financial losses sustained by the plaintiff. 

The decision by the NSW Court of Appeals resulted in a liability apportionment of 90/10 against the auditor. (See more details about the case here)

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Taxation of Cryptocurrencies

The journey of Bitcoin has been tumultuous, from highs of almost $25,000 AUD and lows of only a few cents. It has been a rollercoaster ride.
 
This leads to the inevitable question, how do we tax bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies? Well, lets start from the beginning at one of the most central issues of the taxation of cryptocurrency as an investment.

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Want to learn more about Cryptocurrency?

  Join Walker Wayland Sydney for a special seminar focusing on Cryptocurrency: The Basics This presentation will provide a high level overview of the…

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Join us for our Financial Reporting Update – June 2018!

Join us on Tuesday, 5 June 2018 for our “Financial Reporting Update” hosted by our Walker Wayland NSW Audit & Assurance Division. Sonya Sinclair…

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Federal Budget 2018-19

“There is a lot to gain and much to lose, we can’t ease off”.

“…it’s not a spend…this is their money…this is Australians keeping more of what they have earned.”

So said Treasurer Scott Morrison as he handed down his third Federal budget on 8 May 2018. The government had five aims, he continued:

  1. Tax relief for individual Australians
  2. Keep backing business to invest and create more jobs
  3. Guarantee essential services
  4. Keep Australians safe with new investments to ‘secure our borders’
  5. Ensure the government continues to live within its means

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Trading Names are being removed from ABN Lookup

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (“ASIC”) has announced that, from November 2018, all trading names, including the trading name listed against an ABN will be removed from ABN Lookup. Registered business names will continue to be listed on ABN Lookup.
 
A grace period has been in effect to allow businesses time to transition over to the new business name register.

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Single Touch Payroll Checklist

Single Touch Payroll comes into play from 1st July 2018 – Follow our checklist to make sure your business is prepared! 

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Walker Wayland NSW takes on Touch Football

WWNSW has been participating in a great intiative called Lunchtime Legends at the Domain.

During the summer competition, our team of energetic staff heads down to the Domain each Thursday’s to play round robin touch football against other companies in the area.

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CGT transitional relief potentially costing SMSF’s

The temporary Transitional CGT relief available to trustees of self-managed super funds commenced on 1 July 2017.

Industry commentators have noted that many professionals failed to appropriately analyse asset positions before the lodgment of their client’s 2017 SMSF tax return, and as a result have potentially introduced previously tax-free capital gains into a taxable environment; or, potentially removed the ability to apply capital losses resulting in unnecessary capital loss wastage.

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Improving the integrity of the small business CGT concessions

Public consultation closed on 28 February 2018 on exposure draft legislation which is intended to implement the 2017 Budget announcement to improve the integrity of the small business capital gains tax (CGT) concessions.

The amendments include additional basic conditions that must be satisfied for a taxpayer to apply the small business CGT concessions to a capital gain arising in relation to a share in a company or an interest in a trust (the object entity).

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What you should know before listing your home on Airbnb

There is no doubt that the “Sharing economy” is a trending topic around the world. The term refers to an economic model in which individuals acquire, provide or share access to assets or services through a community based online platform. Uber, Airbnb and Airtasker are just a few examples of successful online platforms using this model.

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Labor confirms exemptions in its proposed reform of excess imputation credits

Following speculation that the federal opposition may have initially ‘overreached’ in its proposed reform of excess dividend imputation credits, Labor has today announced significant carve-outs for older Australians. In particular, a ‘Pensioner Guarantee’ scheme will operate to exempt pensioners from Labor’s proposals to end cash refunds for excess dividend imputation credits. The exemption will also apply to Self-Managed Superannuation funds (‘SMSFs’) with at least one pensioner or allowance recipient before 28 March 2018.

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Why you shouldn’t buy shares for your minor child

When a child is born, it can be very tempting to set them up on the road to financial wisdom and stability, after all we only desire the best for our offspring. Before doing so, it is worthwhile noting that there is a wealth of complications when issuing shares to a minor, whether in listed or unlisted companies.

While there are no legal reasons why shares cannot be registered in the name of a minor, there are more than enough tax reasons to make you think twice.

There are two categories of ownership to consider for an owner of a share: The legal owner, who is the registered owner and, in this scenario, has their name recorded in the share registry, and the beneficial owner, who benefits from holding the shares. Children cannot legally own the property; however, they are entitled to the benefits and thus they can be deemed the beneficial owner.

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ATO Audit of SMSF’s

This year the ATO intends to make the reviewing of compliance of SMSF auditors a focus. As part of the this intiative the ATO is preparing to audit around 300 SMSF audit firms over the course of the year.

To date they have already referred 30 firms to ASIC, predominantly due to concerns regarding sufficient evidence, and independence. Independence in particular has been noted as a key concern of the ATO. As a result they have requested that auditors identify threats to their independence and build in safeguards against those threats where necessary.

Some of the threats noted include the following:

  • Reciprocal Audit arrangements – Where a firm audits their own SMSF auditor’s fund. In both the ATO’s and ASIC’s view this may give rise to familiarity, self-interest and possible intimidation threats;
  • A family relationship between the SMSF auditor and their referral source;
  • Two partner accounting firms where one partner audits the financials prepared by the other Partner;
  • Single partner firms where the staff are preparing the accounts and the sole Auditor is signing off on the accounts directly

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Can I still claim tax depreciation on my investment property since the new legislation passed?

Capital Claims, the tax depreciation specialists, have recently published this article Can I still claim tax depreciation on my investment property since the new legislation passed?, specifically targeted to investors to assist them with understanding the changes to the investment property property depreciation rules, the new legislation for which was passed in November 2017.

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Downsizer Superannuation Contributions

From 1 July 2018 an individual aged 65 or older will be allowed to contribute up to $300,000 into superannuation from the proceeds of selling a home that has been owned for the past 10 or more years. The contribution is known as a downsizer superannuation contribution (DSC). A DSC can be made without reference to the age test, the work test and the 1.6m total superannuation balance limit.

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Purchasers of New Residential Properties to Remit GST at Point of Settlement

From 1 July 2018, purchasers of new residential premises and new subdivisions of residential land will be required to remit GST on the purchase price to the ATO directly on or prior to settlement.

This will replace the current GST on a quarterly or monthly basis in their Business Activity Statements, which can be months after the settlement date. This new arrangement is expected to assist in reducing the delays or failure in remitting the GST on sales for some property developers.

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Withholding GST from property transactions will affect the cash-flows of property developers

The Bill containing the legislation dealing with the withholding of GST by purchasers in property transactions was introduced on 7 February 2018. There is no change to the commencement date for the new regime, which remains 1 July 2018. The Bill contains a number of important changes from the Exposure Draft.

Cash flow impacts

The new legislation, will result in the supplier receiving the consideration for the property net of an amount representing the GST. Therefore, a supplier, such as a property developer, will not receive the full consideration as they do currently, because an amount representing an estimate of the GST will have been withheld by the purchaser to be paid directly to the ATO.

Under the current rules, the property developer would have had the use of this additional cash at least until some or all of it were paid to the ATO on the next BAS. This new legislation could have significant practical implications for the cash flow of property developers, as well as a knock-on effect for them in meeting bank covenants in respect of their cash reserves.

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$20,000 instant asset write-off to cease from 1 July 2018

As you may be aware, you have until 30 June 2018 to utilise the write-off threshold of $20,000.

If you buy an asset and it costs less than $20,000, you can claim an immediate deduction in your tax return for the business portion of each asset (new or second hand) costing less than $20,000.

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Adequate CGT record-keeping by SMSFs

As recently reported in SMSF Adviser, practitioners and trustees have been advised they will need to maintain CGT records well past the lodgement of their annual return, and may be required to keep records in addition to the CGT schedule.

Julie Steed, Australian Executor Trustees’ senior technical services manager, emphasised the importance of practitioners communicating to their clients that the record keeping obligations for the CGT relief stretches well beyond the date that the fund lodges its tax return for 2016-17, and potentially up to 10 or even 20 years into the future.

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Tim Tang

Tim Tang

Tim Tang

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Mandatory Data Breach Notification Scheme

 

Mandatory Data Breach Notification Scheme
The new Mandatory Data Breach Notification laws come into effect from 22 February 2018. Under the new law mandatory data breach assessment and notification obligations will apply to all businesses bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

The scheme will impose the following obligations on businesses:

  • to carry out a prompt and thorough assessment within a maximum period of 30 days if they suspect there has been an ‘eligible data breach’; and
  • make prescribed notifications to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and to affected individuals, as soon as it has reasonable grounds to believe there has been an ‘eligible data breach’.

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Australian state level tax legislation targeting foreign persons

Australian state level tax legislation targeting foreign persons

As addressed in our recent article, Australian governments, both at the Federal and state level have for several years been targeting foreign individuals and other foreign investors in a range of ways. Most recently, 2017 has seen legislation at both the Federal and state levels which will introduce new provisions apply to foreign and non-resident persons or will extend laws already in place. In May 2017, the Treasurer announced several measures targeted specifically at foreign residents in the 2017-18 Australian Federal Budget.

Some of these provisions are in federal legislation and so apply to all Australia. Others were introduced by state governments. These will apply only to a particular state and may apply differently to similar provisions in other states. Having addressed the measures applying at the Federal level in a previous articles, this article addresses recent changes at the State level.

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The effect of passive income on a company’s entitlement to a 27.5% tax rate

Legislative changes passed by the government in May 2017 reduced the corporate tax rate to 27.5% from 1 July 2016 for companies with aggregated turnover of less than $10 million (the threshold is set to increase to $25 million in the 2018 financial year and $50 million in the 2019 financial year).

However, following the decision in the Bywater case a recent draft ATO Interpretative Decision has been releaed that included the following comment by the Commissioner:

 “This ruling is not concerned with what amounts to carrying on business. However, generally, where a company is established or maintained to make profit or gain for its shareholders it is likely to carry on business. This is so even if the company only holds passive investments, and its activities consist of receiving rents or returns on its investments and distributing them to shareholders.”

Much discussion followed as to whether companies holding passive investments would be eligible for the lower 27.5% tax rate provided their aggregated turnover was less than the relevant threshold. However, the government was quick to state that this was not an intended outcome of the policy and, albeit some months later, the Parliament has now moved to determine through legislation the circumstances where passive income earning companies will be entitled to the lower tax rate. 

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JP Morgan Centennial Park Fun Run

JP Morgan Centennial Park Fun Run

Wednesday evening, 1st of November held the annual JP Morgan Centennial Park fun run. We had 7 keen WW team members participate who all enjoyed themselves immensely. The event accommodated over 8,000 runners and walkers and saw over 135 companies involved.
The event was a success with all staff achieving quality results. Once the team had crossed the finish line we enjoyed some well-earned beers and pizzas at the Hotel Centennial.
I urge anyone interested in team events to participate next year, it was a great experience for all involved.

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Checklist of important tax changes in 2017/18

With all the recent changes in tax, it can be hard to keep up! That being the case, CCH has helpfully compiled a checklist of the top tax changes for this financial year. Note that, in some cases, implementation of these changes may be dependent on the future passage of the necessary legislation.

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Chloe Lin

Chloe Lin

Chloe Lin

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Emily Wong

Emily Wong

Emily Wong

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Andersen

Sarah Andersen

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Patrick McGinty

Patrick McGinty

Patrick McGinty

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Excluding passive investment companies from the reduced corporate tax rate

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand has reported the following today:

After much uncertainty surrounding which companies can access the lower corporate tax rate, the government has released exposure draft legislation to clarify that passive investment companies cannot access the lower company tax rate for small business. The government has effectively introduced an 80:20 test.

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Recent Australian tax changes targeting foreign persons

Recent Australian tax changes targeting foreign persons

Australian governments, both at the Federal and state level continue to target foreign individuals and other foreign investors in a range of ways. This has been the case for several years and has included such measures as introducing a higher basic tax rate for non-resident individuals as well as removing the 50% discount that would otherwise apply to capital gains crystallised on assets owned for more than 12 months.

Most recently, 2017 has seen legislation at both the Federal and state levels which will introduce new provisions applying to foreign and non-resident persons or will extend laws already in place. In May 2017 the Treasurer announced several measures targeted specifically at foreign residents in the 2017-18 Australian Federal Budget.

The recent Federal budget changes will have the following impacts:

  • The loss of the main residence exemption for non-residents selling their homes
  • Limiting the benefits for non-resident investors of the newly introduced tax incentive for investments in afforable housing
  • Restricting foreign ownership in new housing developments; and
  • Introducing an annual charge on foreign owners of underutilised residential property

Following the Federal Budget, the list of key issues tht apply to property transaction for non-residents has grown to include:

  • The loss of the main residence exemption;
  • Capital gains tax (CGT) withholding tax;
  • A $5,000 Vacancy Tax;
  • The loss of the 50% CGT discount;
  • Stamp duty surchage with implications for trusts; and
  • Land tax surchage with implications for trusts.

Some of these provisions are in federal legislation and so apply to all Australia. Others were introduced by state or territory governments. These will apply only to a particular state or territory and may apply differently to similar provisions in other states.

This article addresses the measures applying at the federal level, and we will address recent changes at the state level in a separate article.

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Increase in the unincorporated small business tax discount

The Treasury Law Amendment (Enterprise Tax Plan) Bill 2016 was passed on 19 May 2017 and will be effective from 1 July 2016. The bill brings into play multiple benefits for small businesses including a progressive increase in the unincorporated small business tax discount, and an increase in the small business turnover threshold for the purposes of applying the discount.

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The proposed new similar business test

 

The government has recently introduced draft legislation (Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 1) Bill 2017) that proposes amendments to the existing law for determining whether a business can carry forward and use tax losses and bad debts it incurred prior to a change of control or ownership of that business.

The proposed legislation introduces a new test, the ‘similar business test’ to supplement the existing, and less flexible ‘same business test’. It is intended the similar business test will give companies (and certain trusts) greater scope to innovate and expand their business following a change of ownership without risking losing their tax losses.

The proposed new law will apply to businesses that have had, or are expecting to have, a change of ownership and will apply to losses or bad debts incurred from 1 July 2015.

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City To Surf 2017: Tales from the front line (and from the middle of the running pack)

This year’s City to Surf felt just that little bit more special than usual. Our team, 18-employees strong, were fit and raring to go. With an added spring in our collective step from knowing our goal of raising $3,000 for our selected charity, Lyceum Group Foundation, had already been surpassed. A wonderful achievement from the team and their supporters, made up of colleagues, clients, contacts, family and friends. A little extra glow was provided by our gold hats representing the Lyceum Group Foundation, a terrific organisation that provides much needed medical equipment to children in need. This year Walker Wayland NSW had chosen to run for them.

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ATO provides additional 7 years to repay unpaid present entitlement loans

The Australian Taxation Office (‘ATO’) has recently released Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2017/13 (‘PCG 2017/13’). This guideline will allow trusts an additional 7 years to repay certain unpaid present entitlement (‘UPE’) loans to corporate beneficiaries (i.e. private company beneficiaries of such trusts).

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Avoid losing valuable franking credits

dVT Group, our fellow members of Walker Wayland Australasia, have considered an opportunity for small businesses to address the potential loss of franking credits…

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Walker Wayland NSW running the City2Surf for the Lyceum Group Foundation

Sydney will host the annual City to Surf fun run on 13 August 2017 with the participants raising millions of dollars for a varieties of charities.

Walker Wayland NSW will again be entering a team and have 20 eager participants ready to raise money for our selected charity. This year we are participating – running and walking – in support of The Lyceum Group Foundation, a charity that provides medical equipment to children with disabilities. We are delighted to have the opportunity to support such a worthwhile charity to provide vital support to the children and their families, many of whom are doing it tough.

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Apportioning the income of professional sportspersons to their other entities

On 19 July 2017 the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) released Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2017/D11 (‘the Guideline’).

The Guideline addresses the matter of the extent to which lump sum payments for the provision of a professional sportsperson’s services and the use and exploitation of their ‘public fame’ or ‘image’ under licence can be apportioned. The Guideline sets out a ‘Safe Harbour’ for doing so.

This PCG can be relied upon in circumstances where:

  • a professional sportsperson grants an “associated resident entity” (such as a trust) a non-exclusive licence to use and exploit the sportsperson’s ‘public fame’ or ‘image’,
  • that resident entity (and not the sportsperson) is contractually entitled to receive the income from the use and exploitation of the professional sportsperson’s ‘public fame’ or ‘image’, and
  • the payment is not referable to the use or exploitation of rights which are recognised and specifically protected under Australian law, such as copyright, trademarks or registered design rights.

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GST on supplies of digital products and other services to consumers from 1 July 2017

With effect from 1 July 2017, GST applies to supplies of digital products and other services to Australian consumers by foreign entities. Such supplies will be subject to GST in a similar way to equivalent supplies made by Australian entities to domestic consumers. In particular:

  • supplies of things other than goods or real property made to a recipient who is an “Australian consumer” (see below) are taken to be connected with Australia. This will generally bring the following into the GST net:
    • supplies of digital products such as streaming or downloading of movies, music, apps, games and e-books
    • other services such as consultancy and professional services supplied from overseas to an Australian consumer.
  • where a supply of anything other than goods or real property supplied to an Australian consumer from offshore (an inbound intangible consumer supply) is made through an “electronic distribution platform”, the operator of the platform instead of the actual supplier is taxed. This represents a significant departure from the general rules that make the actual supplier liable, although there are some exceptions.

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Changes to Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and Trade Support Loan (TSL) repayment obligations

The Australian Government has recently introduced changes relating to Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and Trade Support Loan (TSL) repayment obligations.

If you live and work overseas and earn worldwide income that exceeds the minimum HELP and TSL repayment thresholds, you are required to make repayments against your loan. The two main changes the Australian Government has introduced require you to do the following:

update your contact details and submit an overseas travel notification if you have an intention to reside, or already reside, overseas for 183 days or more in any 12-month period; and
lodge your worldwide income or a non-lodgment advice.

These changes apply to new and existing HELP and TSL debts.

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ASIC increases fees from 1 July 2017

ASIC increases its fees each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous March quarter. As such, from 1 July 2017…

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Draft tax ruling on deductibility of employees’ travel expenses

Further to removing the deductibility of travel expenses in relation to rental properties in the 2017-18 Federal Budget, the Commissioner has issued Draft Tax Ruling TR 2017/D6 which addresses the deductibility of employee travel expenses.

Under the general tax principles, an employee’s travel expenses are deductible for income tax purposes if they are:

  • incurred for the purpose(s) of gaining or producing assessable income, and
  • not capital, private or domestic in nature.

A variety of travel claims have been examined in TR 2017/D6, outlining situations where employees are, or are not able to claim an income tax deduction for travel expenses.

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Cars and tax

From 1 July 2017 the following car threshold amounts apply. Income tax This is the upper limit on the motor vehice cost you use to work…

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Our top tax tips for businesses and individuals ahead of the FY17 year-end

Businesses

  1. Drop in company tax rate: The company tax rate is currently 27.5% for companies with aggregate turover of less than $10M. From 1 July 2017 the 27.5% rate will also apply to companies with aggregate turnover of between $10M and $25M. Therefore tax deductions may be available for such companies at the 30% rate to 30 June 2017 and 27.5% thereafter. Accordingly:
    • to the extent you can ensure suppliers invoice you prior to 1 July 2017, the deduction will reduce tax at the rate of 30% in FY2017, thereby providing an additional 2.5% reduction in tax;
    • review your trade debtors listing and write off all bad debts where appropriate before 30 June 2017;
    • review inventory and assets schedules for obsolete items and items that can be scrapped; and
    • fully franked dividends declared and paid before 1 July 2017 will carry franking credits at 30%. Thereafter they would be franked at 27.5%.
  2. $20K instant asset write-off: Businesses that are small business entities (generally those with aggregated turnover of less than $10m) can claim an immediate deduction for assets acquired prior to 1 July 2017 if the cost of the asset is less than $20,000.
  3. Prepay expenses: Small business entities can prepay up to 12 months’ worth of expenses and claim the full amount in the current year.
  4. Payment of superannuation contributions: To claim a tax deduction for employee superannuation contributions in the 2017 financial year, the business needs to ensure that the payments have cleared the business bank account by 30 June 2017.

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Changes to foreign resident capital gains withholding payments system

On 9 May 2017 as part of the 2017-2018 Federal Budget, the Government announced two changes to the system whereby a purchaser is required to withhold an amount (currently 10%) of the purchase price from the seller and pay the amount withheld to the ATO as part of the settlement process when selling or buying real property or interests in real property in Australia.

The changes announced are to the threshold and the withholding payment rate, and will apply to any contracts of sale entered into on or after 1 July 2017. However, the current threshold and withholding payment tax rate will apply for any contracts which are entered into prior to 1 July 2017, regardless of whether they settle after that date.

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NSW Overhauls Property Tax System

New South Wales has announced plans to slash state-based stamp duty for first time buyers and double state-based foreign investor surcharges.

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Federal Budget 2017/18: Skilling Australians Fund levy introduced

The Skilling Australians Fund levy was introduced as part of the 2017/2018 budget. This measure has the potential to impact many Australian businesses that employ foreign workers, We encourage you to contact your Walker Wayland NSW advisor if you wish to discuss this or any other aspects of the Budget further.

Businesses that employ foreign workers on certain skilled visas will be required to pay a levy that will provide revenue for a new Skilling Australians Fund from March 2018.

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Small business entity turnover increased to $10 million

The Government has announced that it will accept changes made by the Senate to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enterprise Tax Plan) Bill 2016, which implements the Government’s plan to increase the Small Business Entity (“SBE”) turnover from $2m to $10m. These changes will apply from 1 July 2016.

The changes are regarded as a significant benefit to small businesses as they will allow a wider range of businesses to access the benefits afforded to SBE’s. As a result, businesses will be able to grow to a greater extent without the loss of the concessions available to a SBE. These changes will immediately benefit taxpayers as they will apply for the 2017 financial year.

It is expected the Bill will be passed by the House of Representatives in the next parliamentary session.

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Federal Budget 2017-18: Property purchasers to pay GST to the ATO

Under a proposal contained within the recent 2017-18 Federal Budget, property purchasers rather than property developers must remit the GST directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as part of the settlement process. This plan to shift the responsibility of accounting for GST from property developers to purchasers will apply to newly-constructed residential properties and new subdivisions from 1 July 2018.

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Federal Budget 2017-18

“Practical governments deal with problems and solve them. This is not a budget for ideologues, this is a budget for a government that is doing its job,” the treasurer Scott Morrison said as he handed down his second Budget on Tuesday night, perhaps speaking as much to critics in his own party as to anyone else.

Under measures unveiled by the government on Tuesday night, the Government also imposed a new $6.2bn levy on the big banks, a move that received an early endorsement from the ALP, but that has already met with widespread criticism from the banking sector.

Most Australians will face a 0.5% increase in the Medicare levy in 2018-19, money that will be used to fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme. While conceding that the increase was “an insurance levy on all Australians, pretty much” the Treasurer also said looking after Australians with disabilities was “all our responsibility … and therefore we all have to bear it”. Wealthier workers will bear the greatest burden from the increase in the Medicare Levy, which will see a worker on $100,000 paying $500 more each year.

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ATO issues super reform guideline on commutation

The Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) released Practical Compliance Guideline (PCG) 2017/5 on 27 April 2017. This is intended to resolve a practical difficulty facing SMSF members…

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Small business tax cuts pass Parliament but larger corporates miss out on relief

On Friday 31 March 2017 the Government struck a deal with the Senate crossbench to pass the reduction of the company tax rate to 25% over 10 years. In the event what was passed was a much watered-down version of what was previously intended to be the Government’s key economic policy initiative.

Under the deal reached, small and medium businesses will benefit as:

  • the company tax rate reduces to 25% over the 10 year period; and
  • the turnover threshold increases so that more company businesses can access the lower tax rate.

The standard company tax rate will remain at 30% for companies with an annual turnover in excess of the small/medium business turnover cap.

Dividend franking

There will be no changes to the application of the dividend imputation provisions as the standard corporate tax rate will remain at 30%. Large companies will continue to frank dividends at 30%, as will small and medium businesses, notwithstanding they pay company tax at the lower rate.

Unincorporated small/medium businesses

There will be an increase in the rate used to calculate the small business tax offset for unincorporated small/medium businesses. But the offset will remain capped at $1,000, so the offset will continue to be of limited practical effect; certainly not as advantageous as the small/medium business company tax cuts.

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Superannuation reforms: total superannuation balance

The Australian Taxation Office released a final version of Law Companion Guideline LCG 2016/12 on 20 March 2017. This addresses how an individual’s total superannuation balance will be calculated from 30 June 2017. The guideline was previously issued in draft as LCG 2016/D12.

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Changes to Transition to Retirement Pensions from 1 July 2017

The recent changes to superannuation will have a variety of impacts on members of superannuation funds depending on their individual circumstances. For fund members who are receiving Transition to Retirement Pensions (TTRs) in particular, the tax advantage on the earnings within a TTR pension will be removed from 1 July 2017.

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The Impact on you of the Upcoming Superannuation Changes

 The Impact on you of the Upcoming Superannuation Changes

The superannuation changes, which take effect on 1 July 2017 will affect both concessional and non-concessional superannuation contribution options and could have a substantial impact on workers, who may end up paying more tax, particularly the wealthy.

Therefore, you may need to take action prior to 1 July 2017 to ensure you take advantage of advantages that still exit to ensure you are better placed to face retirement.

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Superannuation reform: transitional CGT relief for superannuation funds

The ATO has now finalised its Law Companion Guideline LCG 2016/8 Superannuation reform: transfer balance cap and transition-to-retirement reforms: transitional CGT relief for superannuation funds addressing the contentious issue of the potential CGT implications of the new rules rule limiting superannuation balances to $1.6 million per member from 1 July 2017. Having published a draft guidline in November 2016 this is the consolidated guideline and is intended to provide clarity around the issue of CGT for transition to retirement income.

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Joint report on taxation and the international mobility of individuals

We are pleased to share with you a new global study conducted by Blick Rothenberg, Walker Wayland NSW’s associate member of BKR International in…

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Potential ATO crackdown on valuations of assets in superannuation funds

As previously mentioned in previous articles on our website, far-reaching changes have been made to the superannuation system with many changes taking effect from 1 July 2017. The most significant change is the introduction of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap which will restrict the balance of superannuation a member can commute from accumulation to pension phase. However, the imposition of this legislation brings with it some practical considerations for Trustees of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) in particular the revaluation of assets at 30 June 2017.

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New Australian law applying GST to imported digital products and services

New Austraian law applying GST to imported digital products and services

Australia has introduced a new law applying the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST) to international sales of digital products and services provided to Australian consumers. Under the new law, overseas suppliers will be required to pay GST on these sales from 1 July 2017.

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The Smith Family Toy & Book Appeal

This year we will be supporting The Smith Family’s Toy & Book appeal. This is an opportunity to help bring a smile to the face of a disadvantaged child this Christmas. This year The Smith Family will deliver 14,715 Toy and Book Packs to disadvantaged children around Australia. They need our help to collect over 45,000 new toys and 30,000 new books to make this happen.

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Operation of the foreign resident capital gains withholding system

As we previously advised, where a foreign resident disposes of certain taxable Australian property, the purchaser is required to withhold 10% of the purchase price (as defined) and pay that amount to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) under legislation enacted and applying to contracts entered into on or after 1 July 2016.

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Superannuation reform bills passed by both Houses of Parliament

As previously mentioned on our website, two superannuation bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament on 23 November 2016.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Superannuation) Bill 2016 and the Superannuation (Excess Transfer Balance Tax) Imposition Bill 2016 will now go to the Governor-General’s office to receive Royal Assent, thereby enacting superannuation reforms outlined in the 2016 Federal Budget and subsequent changes released in September 2016.

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Superannuation reform bills passed by both houses

Two superannuation bills, which include the proposed introduction of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap and changes to concessional contributions, have been passed by both houses.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Superannuation) Bill 2016 amends five separate acts including:

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Changes to NSW association laws from 1 September 2016

Amendments to enhance the way incorporated associations are administered and to clarify the way associations operate took effect on 1 September 2016.

Following three years of public consultation, the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 has been amended to include a new Associations Incorporation Regulation 2016 with effect from 1 September 2016. It is intended the changes to the Act and the new Regulation will assist associations comply with the legislative requirements and improve governance.

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The Fay Nash Walker Wayland Scholarship

Fay Nash joined the firm Walker Garriety on 28 November 1966 when she started working for Mr. John Walker the senior Insolvency Partner. Fay…

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Reduced rates of R&D tax offset

The Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill 2016 was passed by the Senate on 15 September 2016 without amendment and now awaits Royal Assent. Among other…

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Government announces changes to 2016-17 Budget superannuation proposals

The federal government has today (15 September 2016) made substantial changes to the superannuation package originally announced in the 2016-17 Federal Budget in May 2016.

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Walker Wayland 2016 City to Surf

What a fantastic day August the 14th was. 80,000 people gathered in Hyde Park and came together to participate in the annual 14km City to Surf race. The weather was perfect with Walker Wayland sporting 20 eager competitors. We had a great mixture of first timers, record breakers and experience takers.

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Walker Wayland NSW – 2016 City To Surf

The 14th of August hosts the annual City to Surf fun run in a bid to raise money for charities. Walker Wayland will again be entering a team for the event and have 19 eager participants ready to raise money for our selected charity ‘Beyond Blue’. This is a charity close to many of our hearts and we hope to raise $3,000 to be put towards depression awareness. We are nearly half way to our donation target and need your help to keep up the awareness.

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Junior Team Assistant

[ POSITION FILLED ]

Key responsibilities in this role will include:-

  • You will be assisting the administration team with a wide range of administrative support
  • Provide back-up support to 4 personal assistants
  • Answering & directing of incoming calls
  • Meeting & greeting external visitors and clients
  • Filing
  • Maintaining kitchen & supplies
  • Ordering office stationary
  • Book couriers
  • Boardroom bookings
  • Organise catering for internal and external meetings
  • General work flow requests from the Business Services, Audit and Financial Services Departments.

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NSW State Budget

On 21 June 2016 the State Government delivered the New South Wales (NSW) budget results for the 2015-16 year.

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ATO extends SuperStream deadline

With less than a week until the 30 June SuperStream compliance deadline, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it will extend the deadline to small businesses until 28 October 2016.

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NSW state budget – Changes to duties

Abolition of duty

From 1 July 2016 stamp duty has been abolished on the transfer of business assets in New South Wales.

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Year End Tax Planning Opportunities

The 2015/16 year is almost at an end, presenting a perfect time to consider any tax planning opportunities that may be relevant to your business, including the following.

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Abolition of NSW Stamp Duty on the transfer of business assets and marketable securities

From 1 July 2016, the following transactions will no longer be subject to stamp duty:
1. Transfer of marketable securities; and
2. Transfer of business assets.

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Federal Budget 2016-17

There has been a different flavour to the speculation around this year’s Budget. While election year budgets are often chock full of juicy promises, a certain new spice has been added to this one due to its very close proximity to a double dissolution poll being officially called.

An interesting balancing act was foreseen between the promises of the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Treasurer Scott Morrison that this Government will “live within its means”, and the need to provide their Party with a launch pad for a marathon election campaign.

Expectations were high – or low depending on your viewpoint – for a distinct lack of expensive promises from a Government keen to prove it can responsibly manage the economy, and for the terms “jobs and growth” to feature prominently.

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Walker Wayland is proud to announce new appointments.

Walker Wayland – Sydney is proud to announce a significant change to the structure of its business.

From February 2016, the business will introduce a role of Principal which will be incorporated within the management and leadership structure of the Walker Wayland – Sydney group.  The Principals will provide ongoing support to the Partner Group within the organisational structure to manage designated business units and lead specific business opportunities.

We are pleased to announce the first appointments to the role of Principals: Wali Aziz, Ian Hillsdon and Cameron Stone.

These individuals have provided significant support to Walker Wayland – Sydney over a number of years. Their appointment is in recognition of the services they have provided in the development of the business to-date and to the vision and skills which they offer for the future of the organisation.

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ATO attempt to close a contributions loophole

Integrity measures in the form of contribution caps are limits on how much a member can contribute to an SMSF. They are intended to limit the amount of tax benefits anyone can get out of using a SMSF.

Prior to 2007 the Reasonable Benefit Limits (“RBLs”) enabled a member to put as much into a SMSF as they wanted although not all of it would be tax-deductible. If the member took out more than was considered reasonable, they paid extra tax. From 2007, the tax system reverted to placing limits on the amount that could be contributed to a SMSF.

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Autopia

Autopia – Intelligent Car Ownership For over a decade Autopia has been saving individuals thousands, and organisations millions by helping them buy, run, and…

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Cameron Stone

Cameron Stone

Cameron Stone
Partner

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Wali Aziz

Wali Aziz

Wali Aziz
Partner

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Blick Rothenberg

Global Business Services If you are undertaking business in a number of countries, Blick Rothenberg’s Global Business Services offers a centralised approach to the…

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Established 1985

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNXESED7l0U Celebrating 30 years    Testimonials Ray Sharp Portfolio and Reel, Sydney Over the years we have used Walker Wayland we have always found…

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Walker Wayland Celebrating 30 Years

Vale Guy Grinham

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of our former colleague Guy Grinham. Guy was a valued team member of…

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2015 City 2 Surf

On August 9th staff from Walker Wayland NSW along with participants from Walker Wayland Australasia member firms participated in the annual City 2 Surf fun run with staff members successfully completing the course to raise much needed funds to fight GI cancers and to support the GI Cancer Institute.

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ATO Phone scams

Please refer to the following message from the ATO regarding phone scams in respect of unpaid tax debts. Please note the ATO would never threaten jail or arrest and does not email, call or SMS asking for credit card or bank details to issue a refund.

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New South Wales Small Business Grant

The Small Business Grant is designed to encourage small businesses in New South Wales that do not pay payroll tax to hire new employees and expand their business. To be eligible for the grant your business must have an active ABN and not have a payroll tax liability during the 12 month employment period of a new person as at 30 June of the financial year.

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2015 City to Surf

In August 2015, Walker Wayland is getting gutsy by taking part in the iconic City2Surf. Runners and walkers will take on 14kms to raise…

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Changes to Taxation rules for Business taxpayers

The Tax Laws Amendment (Small Business Measures No 1) Bill 2015 and the Tax Laws Amendment (Small Business Measures No 2) Bill 2015 have passed the Senate without amendment and are currently awaiting royal assent.

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Biggest Morning Tea

Walker Wayland NSW are again hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to help raise vital funds for cancer research and support services. Our staff participate…

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Federal Budget 2015-16

Having been roundly savaged for his first Budget in 2014, which contributed in no small part to a ‘rocky’ first 18 months for the Abbott government, there has been much speculation about how the Federal Treasurer, Mr Joe Hockey, would address this in his second Budget.

Whether it was what the 2014 Budget actually contained, or how it was ‘sold’ to the electorate was the bigger problem remains a point of much contention (and depends on which side of the House you ask) but there is little likelihood of this second Budget being undersold. As we already know, significant new measures contained in the Budget have already been much touted through a series of high profile press releases and press conferences – not to mention the official “leaks”, a mainstay of 21st Century politics as it exists within a 24-hour news cycle. The question therefore was “What else is in there?”

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SuperStream is coming..are you ready?

SuperStream for Employers   

SuperStream is a new process requiring employers to pay their employees’ superannuation contributions using the government’s new data standards.

From 1 July 2015, employers with 20 or more employees will be required to comply with the following:

  1. The payment must be made electronically to the nominated superfund; and
  2. Details of the payment transaction, such as the employee’s name, Tax File Number and superannuation fund member number are also sent to the superfund.

Employers with 19 or less employees have until 1 July 2016 to comply.

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Two new major tax integrity measures announced today

The Treasurer, Joe Hockey, announced yesterday (11 May 2015) two “new major tax integrity measures” to be included in tonight’s Federal Budget.

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Taxpayers receive hoax emails purporting to be from the ATO

Some taxpayers have recently received fraudulent or hoax emails purporting to be from the Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”).

The various variations of these phishing emails often share a number of the following characteristics;
• The email requests personal information by:

  • requesting that the taxpayer completes a form requiring personal information; or
  • requesting that the taxpayer verifies their identify by emailing photographs or copies of their personal identification documents.

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Discussion Paper on Tax Regime Overhaul Released

Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey has published Re:think, a discussion paper that marks the launch of the long-awaited Tax White Paper process.

The discussion paper begins a formal government process for considering future directions for Australia’s tax system. The paper provides information about the challenges the system faces, identifies potential opportunities for reform and points to some of the “trade-offs” that would need to be considered. The Government is seeking feedback on whether the current tax system can be refined or whether it requires more fundamental change, and where fairness can be improved. The discussion paper asks how important it is to reform taxes to boost economic growth, and to what extent reducing complexity should be a priority.

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NZ Launches Tax Modernization Program

New Zealand’s Revenue Minister, Todd McClay released two documents on 31 March 2015 setting out the nation’s plans to modernize and simplify the tax system. The first document, Making Tax Simpler – a Government green paper on tax administration, aims to inform New Zealand taxpayers of the proposed initiatives and seeks feedback on the options. The second document, Better Digital Services, outlines proposals to expand the tax authority’s use of online systems that would enable faster, more accurate, more convenient interactions with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

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International Women’s Day Breakfast

On March 8 is International Women’s Day and to celebrate, Walker Wayland NSW took a small group of clients to attend the Business Chicks Sydney International Women’s Day Breakfast. We have a large group of strong women in our client base and events such as these are a great way to bring them together to interact in a room full of like minded women.

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Simplified Transfer Pricing Record Keeping

The ATO has introduced an online Simplified Transfer Pricing Record Keeping options guide which provides relief from preparing full transfer pricing documentation for perceived low risk taxpayers. This was introduced in recognition of the fact that compliance with the requirements of Subdivision 284-E imposed administrative burden that would be disproportionate to the taxpayers non compliance risk. Where a taxpayer is eligible and opts to rely on a simplified option, it will not need to prepare documentation in accordance with Subdivision 284-E. In general the Simplified Transfer Pricing Record Keeping options are available for taxpayers that meet one of the following criteria:

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Tax Accounting / Audit Cadet – Ideal for 2015 HSC Graduate

[ POSITION FILLED ]

Interested in accounting but not sure where to start? An Accounting Cadetship is the ideal way to launch your professional career. Gain hands-on experience at one of Sydney’s fastest growing accounting firms.

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Tax Accounting / Audit Cadet – Ideal for 2014 HSC Graduate

[ POSITION FILLED ]

Interested in accounting but not sure where to start? An Accounting Cadetship is the ideal way to launch your professional career. Gain hands-on experience at one of Sydney’s fastest growing accounting firms.

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Federal Budget 2014-15 Newsletter

If you are having trouble viewing this newsletter, or it isn’t formatted correctly, please view online MAY 2014   The Federal Treasurer, Mr Joe…

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ATO initiative: “Project DO IT”

The ATO initiative known as “Project DO IT: disclose offshore income today” is an amnesty which allows eligible taxpayers to come forward and voluntarily disclose unreported foreign income and assets. 

The Commissioner of Taxation has urged taxpayers with offshore assets to declare their interests ahead of a global crackdown on people using international tax havens.

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Six months from a shell to ASX listing

When Singapore-based venture capital firm 8Capita spotted an opportunity in cloud-based software services, it called on Walker Wayland NSW to assist with its plans.

The 8Capita team explained that they wanted to set up an Australian company that would buy an Australian software developer. The new company would then add a compatible product from a Canadian developer that an 8Capita subsidiary already owned. The company would then list on the Australian stock exchange. The project was to be completed in just six months.

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Walker Wayland NSW Appoints Chairman

The partners of Walker Wayland NSW wish to announce that Stephen Roger has changed his role from managing partner to consultant effective July 1, 2014.

In conjunction with this change, the partners welcome the appointment of Scott Arnold as the firm’s inaugural chairman effective July 1, 2014.

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Proposed removal of GST-free concession on the supply of a going concern

Although the Federal Government recently announced that it will be removing the current GST free concession on the supply of going concerns and replacing it with a ‘reverse charge’ mechanism, no date has been set for the commencement of the change. However, draft legislation is due to be released by mid 2014, with a bill expected before Parliament by the end of the year.

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Federal Budget 2014-15

The Federal Treasurer, Mr Joe Hockey handed down the 2014-15 Federal Budget, his keenly awaited first budget, on 13 May 2013 at 7.30pm (AEST). Anticipation was high that significant changes would be announced following the recent release of the National Commission of Audit report and the Government did indeed release its formal response to the Commission’s report.

However, in the event, the Budget was relatively “light on” from a taxation point of view. Although, it did include the expected 2% budget deficit levy and the re-indexation of fuel excise, tax measures were relatively few. Progress on announced but un-enacted measures was however noted.

The much debated 2% budget deficit levy (tax) was a key announcement and the levy will apply from 1 July 2014. However it will apply only on taxable income above $180,000 per annum and it will last for only 3 years i.e. for the 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 years.

The budget did contain a significant range of welfare benefit changes including the freezing of certain eligibility thresholds. It is projected savings from the welfare measures will run into billions of dollars and form a substantial part of the Government’s debt/deficit reduction drive.

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Mergers and Acquistions

The Walker Wayland  Due Diligence Methodology is based on the review of six core operational business units. The basis of our methodology is that…

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Government makes decision on outstanding superannuation measures

Government makes decision on outstanding superannuation measures

The Abbott government has stated that it is keen to keep regulation of superannuation to a minimum, and has agreed to proceed with only four of the 16 taxation and superannuation proposals made by the previous government.

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Company Loss Carry-back

Existing law

In the 2012–13 federal budget, the previous government announced its intention to provide tax relief for companies by allowing them to carry-back tax losses to receive a refund against previously paid tax. The measure received royal assent on 28 June 2013 and applies from the 2012–13 year.

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Charities Act 2013 to commence on 1 January 2014 after all

Further to the Government’s announcement two weeks ago in its Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 that it would delay the commencement of the Charities Act 2013 (Cth) to 1 September 2014, matters have once again changed and the1 January 2014 start date remains.

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Government announces major FoFA reforms

The Assistant Treasurer today (20 Dec 2013) announced reforms to the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) legislation.

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Proposed removal of the small business instant asset write-off of $6,500 with effect from 1 January 2014

At the conclusion of the parliamentary sittings for the week ending 13 December 2013, the Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2013 had not been passed by the Senate.

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Changes to how super excess concessional contributions are taxed

Excess superannuation concessional contributions made from 1 July 2013 are included in an individual’s assessable income and taxed at their marginal tax rate. As part of the assessment process taxpayers will receive a non-refundable tax offset of 15% of their excess concessional contributions along with an additional excess concessional contribution (“ECC”) charge.

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Walker Wayland breaks into top tier

Walker Wayland NSW is celebrating news that the Walker Wayland Australasia accounting network continues to expand, breaking into the Top 25 firms in Australia ranked by influential business magazine BRW.

Walker Wayland NSW is one of the founding members of the organisation, dating back to 1991.

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Walker Wayland Sydney Office – Gutsy Challenge

The Gutsy Challenge

In November, the Walker Wayland Sydney Office are getting gutsy for GI cancer and taking a Gutsy Challenge.  We are raising much needed funds to improve the lives of people suffering with gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer.

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Timetable for small business asset write-off changes announced

If you are contemplating low cost equipment or vehicle purchases, you may wish to bring forward your purchase.

During the recent Federal Election campaign, the Coalition announced that if elected it would make the small business asset write-off rules less generous as follows:

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ATO activity: further crack-down on the use of trusts in the 2013/14 financial year announced

With very little fanfare the 2013/14 federal budget allocated an additional $67.9 million to the ATO over the next four years to target the misuse of trusts. 

These funds are intended to enable to ATO to further increase its audit capacity in this area, something of a windfall for an ATO under increasing pressure to maximise tax receipts given the size of the federal deficit in recent years, After considerable ATO activity in this area in the past few years, and while the ATO acknowledges that trusts are still often legitimately used for managing business and family affairs, the ATO also claims that its “recent compliance operations have uncovered evidence of increased manipulation of trusts as vehicles that can be at the centre of tax avoidance or evasion arrangements”.

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Federal Opposition announces a series of measures for the small business sector

With the Federal Election just weeks away, the Federal Opposition announced a series of measures for the small business sector on 20 August 2013, including:

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Superannuation funds: Retain pension exemption after death

Recent legislation amendments introduced by the government are intended to provide deceased estates with ‘tax certainty” in the situation where a person has died while in receipt of a superannuation income stream.

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Government defers $2,000 cap on self-education tax deductions for one year

The Commonwealth Government has decided to defer the introduction of the $2,000 cap on self-education tax deductions for a year (as announced on page34 of its Economic Statement).

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Walker Wayland NSW Cocktail Party April 2013

On Friday, 12th April 2013, the partners and team at Walker Wayland NSW hosted an evening of canapés and cocktails in the Quayside Room at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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ETS bring forward to be partly funded by abolition of FBT statutory formula method for company cars

The Prime Minister and the Treasurer have today formally announced that the Government will bring forward the start date of emissions trading to 1 July 2014. From that date, a floating price on carbon will apply. Under the previous arrangements, the carbon price was to be $25.40 per tonne from 1 July 2015. Under a floating price, the figure is expected to be around $6 a tonne. Government assistance to emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries will continue unchanged.

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Top earners to have reduced concessions

Backdated to July 1, 2012, the legislation reducing superannuation contributions tax concessions to top earners has only recently passed Parliament.

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ATO targets returning expatriates

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is currently targeting expatriates returning to Australia, sometimes after an extended time living and working overseas.

The ATO approach may be to suggest an expatriate was an Australian tax resident during the period they were overseas and therefore the expatriate’s income earned from overseas employment should be reported as taxable in their Australian income tax returns.

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Walker Wayland Expands in Victoria

Walker Wayland community focus attracts Melbourne firm

Australia’s fastest-growing accounting network has further expanded in Melbourne with Advantage Advisors joining the group.

Advantage Advisors had been a member of rival network Bentleys.

Partner Martin Phelan said the firm decided to move to Walker Wayland to take advantage of the network’s powerful co-operative structure.

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NSW Stamp Duty Abolition deferred yet again

NSW has announced it will temporarily defer the abolition of stamp duties that were due to be abolished from 1 July 2013.

Premier Barry O’Farrell announced on 23 April 2013 that NSW will implement the Gonski national education reforms and the taxes will be retained to help with the $1.7 billion in additional funding required.

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Super Guarantee Charge from 1 July 2013

If you are having trouble viewing this newsletter, or it isn’t formatted correctly, please view online   Employers be aware that effective 1 July…

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Changes to Superannuation Guarantee from 1 July 2013

Employers be Aware

The superannuation guarantee (SG) rate will gradually increase from 9% to 12% between 1 July 2013 and 1 July 2019 (refer to table below).

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Federal Budget 2013-14 Newsletter

If you are having trouble viewing this newsletter, or it isn’t formatted correctly, please view online MAY 2013   The Federal Treasurer, Mr Wayne…

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Federal Budget 2013-14

The Federal Treasurer, Mr Wayne Swan, handed down his sixth budget at 7:30 pm (AEST) on 14 May 2013. The 2013/14 Federal Budget could be described as a moderate one in the context of the current budget deficit of $18b. It sets a pathway to return the budget to balance in 2015/16 and to surplus by 2016/17 but with continuing investment in the economy.

In terms of revenue measures, the budget largely aims to protect the corporate tax base from international profit-shifting and erosion, close loopholes and better target concessions, as well as targeting the medical tax offset and the Baby Bonus for individual taxpayers. Here are the tax and superannuation highlights.

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Walker Wayland continues organic growth in NSW

The Walker Wayland Australasia accounting community is continuing organic expansion as its member in the NSW regional city of Orange merges with a firm in Bathurst.

Yates Baker McLean has completed a merger with Bathurst firm Lesley Bull & Associates.

The move follows a merger in Western Australia when Walker Wayland Western Australia announced a heads of agreement Attalus. The merger will be completed in six months.

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Walker Wayland teams with Law Central for online documents

Law Central, a leading provider of online legal documents

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012 – Leading accounting network Walker Wayland Australasia Limited has introduced a new legal services product to help members streamline their service to clients.

Walker Wayland Australasia Chairman Grant Allsopp announced today that the network has signed an agreement with Law Central, a leading provider of online legal documents.

“Accountants need access to legal documents on a daily basis,” Allsopp said. “Without this new service we have to refer our clients to a lawyer for some day-to-day documentation.

“Law Central offers us online legal documents covering a range of services, including loan agreements, equity transactions, some business sale agreements and a number of ATO-related tax issues,” he said.

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Client Information Newsletter – Tax & Super – Dec 2012

Key Tax and Superannuation Changes in 2013

Several changes to tax and superannuation legislation have been put forward over the year, with many coming into effect at different dates over the 2013 calendar year. We run through the key changes to keep an eye on.

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Client Information Newsletter – Tax & Super – Nov 2012

Death Benefits: Tax Exemption win for Super Funds

In a win for SMSF members taking a pension from their fund, the government’s Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook review announced that the tax exemption on investment earnings that support a pension can continue to apply even after the death of a member.

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Client Information Newsletter – Tax & Super – Oct 2012

Small Business CGT concessions explained

Small business plays a central role in Australia’s economic fortunes — so much so that the government has seen fit to give smaller enterprises a break on a range of tax considerations, including specific concessions for capital gains tax. Make sure you qualify — and if you do, make sure you don’t miss out.

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Client Information Newsletter – Tax & Super – Sept 2012

Tax and your Business’s Website Cost

Having an online presence can be essential for many businesses, especially as nowadays most consumers hit the keyboard first when looking for services or supplies. But the proper tax treatment of the expenditure in setting up and then running a website require careful consideration.
With the SMSF annual tax return deadline looming (it’s October 31), we run over all the information and requirements generally expected from trustees. As well, there are some new obligations SMSF trustees will need to cover.

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Client Information Newsletter – Tax & Super – Aug 2012

Tax Returns and the Taxman

More than 70% of individual taxpayers, and 95% of businesses, call on a tax professional to prepare their tax returns, making Australians among the world’s highest users of tax agent services. But to get the most out of a tax professional – to help them help you – some basic records and documents are essential. We run through the information required that may help your tax agent put you in a better tax position, and also look at the areas we know the Tax Office will be paying close attention to this tax time.

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Client Information Newsletter – Tax & Super – July 2012

Medical Expenses: What you can claim?

With bricks and mortar continuing to be the investment of choice for a great many Australians, we run through the claims you can and can’t make for rental property this tax time. But if you are investing via an SMSF, borrowing for an investment must follow certain strict rules. We explain the regulations, which have recently been updated and clarified.

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Accounting network leaps into top 30 in Australia

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 – The Walker Wayland network is Australia’s fastest-growing accounting organisation according to the latest rankings of accounting firms by national business magazine BRW.

The network’s Australian members recorded 73.7 percent revenue growth in the past year to post total revenues of $36.1 million.

The growth spurt helped the network jump five places since last year to 27th in BRW’s annual Top 100 rankings.

Walker Wayland Australasia chair Grant Allsopp said the group is continuing to grow with acquisitions since the survey closed and more planned over the next few months.

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Payroll Management

As payroll management becomes increasingly complex, requiring even greater expertise, timeliness and attention to detail, we can assist you in calculating, processing and managing…

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Working Overseas – Not just for Multinationals

The buzzing, fast-paced lifestyle of Hong Kong is one many Australians have experienced as tourists.

But having the chance to live and work in that environment has been the domain of ex-pats and employees of multinational organisations. Choosing to work for a local firm with all the benefits of easy access to senior management and working directly with clients at an early stage has meant sacrificing the overseas option.

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Australian Federal Government Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook update

The Australian Federal government released its mid-year economic fiscal outlook (MYEFO) on 22 October 2012, somewhat earlier that would be expected.

The MYEFO contained a number of key tax-related announcements, including the following:

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Walker Wayland expands

International accounting group expands in Australia

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 – International accountancy network Walker Wayland Australasia has announced further expansion as two independent firms joined the community in September.

The network has grown by more than 50 percent in the past year and now includes 13 mid-tier accounting firms across Australia and New Zealand.

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Kothes joins Walker Wayland as a New Member Firm

Accounting firm sees better service by networking

Kothes Chartered Accountants has moved to bolster services and resources for its clients throughout south-east New South Wales with a tie-in to an international business network.

The network, Walker Wayland Australasia, is a fast-growing community of mid-tier accounting firms across all mainland states of Australia and New Zealand.

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Power Tynan joins Walker Wayland as a new Member Firm

Walker Wayland Australasia provides international boost for Toowoomba businesses

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012 – Many businesses in the Toowoomba region of south-east Queensland are gaining an international boost in their financial support following a move by local accounting firm Power Tynan.

Business owners and managers in the region can now draw on the extensive resources and experience of the expanding Walker Wayland Australasia accounting and business services network following the announcement that Power Tynan is now a part of the group.

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Client Information Newsletter – Tax & Super – June 2012

New contractor tax reporting requirements

A Change to the reporting requirements for businesses in the building and construction sector is about to become a reality from June 1, 2012. The new ‘Taxable Payments Report’ will require operators to report on certain payments made to contractors. The Tax Office says data from the Taxable Payments Report will improve compliance and detect contractors who have either not lodged returns or not included all of their income.

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Accountancy network gears for growth

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

Accountancy group Walker Wayland Australasia has completed a restructure to prepare for an aggressive growth phase in the region.

According to Walker Wayland Australasia chairman Grant Allsopp, “Our focus is to become the pre-eminent mid-tier accountancy network in the region.”

He said the network now includes 11 mid-tier accounting firms across Australia and New Zealand. Three have joined since the restructure.

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Proposed LAFHA Changes – Update

The Federal Government is set to introduce the draft legislation in respect of the Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) changes in the upcoming sitting of the Parliament. Advice from Treasury indicates they propose to issue a LAFHA Exposure Draft in May 2012.

The proposed Tax Laws Amendment (2012 Measures No 3) Bill 2012, which includes the provisions first proposed by the Consultative Paper released in November 2011 will be introduced into the Parliament after the 2012 Federal Budget, which is to be handed down on 8 May 2012.

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Federal Budget 2012-13 Newsletter

If you are having trouble viewing this newsletter, or it isn’t formatted correctly, please view online MAY 2012   On 8 May 2012, the…

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Federal Budget 2012-13

On 8 May 2012 the Treasurer, Mr Wayne Swan handed down his fifth Federal Budget. A fiscally tight Budget designed aiming to give rise to that oft-mentioned surplus for 2012-13 it contained anticipated tax changes, but also had a raft of other tax measures including changes to previously announced measures and significant changes to the tax loss measures. Previously announced measures the government decided not to proceed with included the standard tax deduction and the interest discount.

Treasurer Wayne Swan said the budget would deliver a small ($1.5bn) surplus in the year to 30 June 2013, thanks largely to cuts in spending on defence and foreign aid and abandoning planned tax cuts for companies and savers.

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The PPSR is here – Are you ready?

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) commenced on Monday, 30 January 2012.

If you provide credit terms to your customers or you have other commercial arrangements under which your goods or equipment are in the possession of a third party or related entity (for example consignments, leases) then you will probably need to register your rights on the PPSR, or risk losing any interest in your goods and equipment.

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Proposed changes to tax treatment of LAFHA

The Federal Government has recently outlined changes to the taxing arrangements of Living Away From Home Allowances(LAFHA) from 1 July 2012. Under the current…

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Overview of Carbon Price Package

The Federal Government announced details of its Carbon Price package at noon on Sunday 10 July 2011. The proposals are intended to reduce carbon pollution and secure a clean energy future with a Renewable Energy Target of 20% by 2020.

In summary the Governments proposals are as follows:

  • A carbon price of $23 for each tonne of pollution beginning 1 July 2012
  • Prices are expected to rise by 2.5 % a year in real terms during three-year fixed period until 1 July 2015 then it is proposed Australia will transition to an emission trading scheme
  • The price of each tonne will be fixed, like a carbon tax

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Walker Wayland participates in the City to Surf, support our chosen Charity SANE Australia

In 2010 Walker Wayland NSW participated in its first Sun Herald City to Surf with a small team of willing participants. We have registered…

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Walker Wayland Health

Take advantage of over 30 years of experience in  providing specialised financial, accounting and valuation services to pharmacists and other health sector  professionals. Offering…

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Xero

Xero: Beautiful Accounting Software Xero is beautiful accounting software that runs in the cloud, allowing businesses to always have instant access to real time…

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Pangolin Associates

Pangolin Associates works with businesses across Australia to increase efficiencies and reduce carbon and other environmental impacts on the globe. Our strategic alliance Our…

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Federal Budget 2011-12

On 10 May 2011, the Treasurer Mr Swan handed down his fourth budget, the 2011-12 Federal Budget that is focused on getting back to surplus by 2012-13 and getting more people into jobs while addressing a number of tax system shortcomings and revenue leakages from the government’s coffers.

There were therefore a raft of tax changes announced covering specific areas such as superannuation, income tax, CGT, GST, FBT and charities.

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Federal Budget 2011-12 Newsletter

If you are having trouble viewing this newsletter, or it isn’t formatted correctly, please view online MAY 2011   Read more   On 10…

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Walker Wayland NSW appoints new partners

Walker Wayland NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of the following new partners effective 1 January 2011: Michael S Walker David M Ross

Best tax-efficient countries revealed in indices

By Matthew Vincent Published: Financial Times, December 3 2010 16:59 Wealthy investors seeking to minimise tax should relocate their businesses to Saudi Arabia, Russia…

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Ideas for Success – November 2010

Please find below your copy of the November 2010 issue of “Ideas for Success” – a new initiative we have released featuring thought-provoking articles…

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ATO action on Agribusiness Managed Investment Schemes

The ATO has identified taxpayers who may have invested in one of the Agribusiness managed investment schemes (MIS) that have recently collapsed or experienced…

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Changes to non-commercial loss rules

If you have a net loss from a business activity you carry on as an individual, either as a sole trader or in partnership,…

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BKR International

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Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) Services

As a Trustee of a SMSF you are faced with a myriad of compliance requirements to ensure your Fund is complaint with both tax…

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Medium to Large Companies

Our team specialising in advising Medium to Large Companies has extensive knowledge and experience to meet the needs of your organisation. What we do…

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Establishing a Business in Australia

Foreign businesses establishing branches or subsidiaries in Australia face a complex array of legal, business and taxation issues. However, through careful planning and appropriate…

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SME Owner

The issues facing entrepreneurial clients (small and medium enterprises or SMEs) can be as complicated as those of a large corporation. Given the existence…

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Walker Wayland Australasia Limited

Partnering clients with local expertise and global knowledge, Walker Wayland Australasia Limited is a network of independent but like-minded chartered accounting firms located throughout…

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BKR International

BKR International is a leading global association of independent accounting and business advisory firms representing the expertise of more than 160 member firms with…

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Everybody Counts

Everybody Counts is a community based initiative of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Its aims are to encourage Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand…

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Mindshop

Mindshop is a leading global provider of business management tools and specific management training support for business leaders and advisors. Our strategic alliance Our…

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Profiles: Walker Wayland Services Pty Limited

A common thread within our team is an eagerness to help clients manage their personal or business goals – relationships evolve through shared experiences…

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Profiles: Walker Wayland NSW

A common thread within our team is an eagerness to help clients manage their personal or business goals – relationships evolve through shared experiences…

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Profiles

A common thread within our team is an eagerness to help clients manage their personal or business goals – relationships evolve through shared experiences…

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CSR: Corporate & Social Responsibility

Increasingly, environmental and socially sustainable practices are becoming an every day aspect of doing business. Our corporate and social responsibility objectives are to reduce…

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Private Client

The issues facing private clients can be as complicated as those of a large corporation. Given the existence of many rules in relation to…

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Financial Planning

Our focus is on providing practical and tailored financial planning advice to clients at all stages of their life. We align our advice with…

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Expatriate Services

As globalisation in the world market accelerates, an increasing number of companies are realising the need for, and the benefits of, having an internationally…

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Walker Wayland Climate Change

We understand that climate change poses challenges and opportunities for individuals, governments, organisations and businesses alike. In particular, identification, measurement and reporting of risks…

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Business Services

From business evaluations to business start-up procedures and planning and identification of appropriate government assistance, our business services deliver sound advice and information for…

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Privacy Policy

Privacy Statement We have a commitment to respecting your privacy and complying with the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 (Cth) (“The Act”) and…

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Terms of Engagement

Set out below are our standard scope and terms for all engagements for which we have been appointed as accountants and/or taxation advisors. Our…

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Contact

Walker Wayland NSW Level 11, Suite 11.01,60 Castlereagh Street,SYDNEY NSW 2000 T: +61 2 9951 5400F: +61 2 9951 5454E: email {emailcloak=off}{loadposition enquiryform}

Career Opportunities

When recruiting or promoting key management and accounting personnel, we look for responsibility, commonsense, determination as well as academic excellence. What we offer We…

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Audit

Our audit and assurance advice helps clients understand the impact of business and operational risks on financial reporting and how to implement a disciplined…

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Accounting

Understanding that every business is different, we provide accounting support for a range of business structures, sizes and reporting requirements. How we work In…

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Richard Woods

Richard Woods

Richard Woods

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Michael Walker

Michael Walker

Michael Walker
Partner

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David Ross

David Ross

David Ross
Partner

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Peter Longhurst

Peter Longhurst

Peter Longhurst

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Scott Arnold

Scott Arnold

Scott Arnold
Partner

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Stephen Roger

Stephen Roger

Stephen Roger

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About Us

We aim to make our firm a leading accountancy and business advisory firm in Australasia with services relevant to our clients, whether they are…

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SATELLIGHT

Introducing Satellight

Satellight provides tailored business solutions and strategic advice to help you grow your business. We implement advanced technologies and tailored process solutions which ultimately increase your bottom line. Think process automation, real-time performance dashboards and strategic business plans.

Our Culture

We are Walker Wayland

OUR PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES