Insights and articles.
Practical guidance on tax, accounting, and business strategy from the EEA Advisory team.
How Employee Share Schemes Are Taxed in Australia
Employee share schemes offer a unique opportunity by providing equity as part of remuneration. In Australia, the tax treatment focuses on the discount received on shares or options, which is included in assessable income. Tax may be imposed upfront when the interest is received or deferred until key restrictions lift, with additional gains subject to capital gains tax upon sale. Employers could also be liable for payroll tax on the value of these interests. Understanding these rules is essential for effective financial planning.
Does GST Apply When You Sell Commercial Property in Australia
Selling commercial property in Australia can trigger GST because these sales are usually taxable supplies. This blog explains how GST applies when selling offices, warehouses, retail shops, and other non-residential assets. It also explores key exceptions such as qualifying as a going concern and applying the margin scheme. Understanding these factors can save you thousands of dollars and prevent ATO penalties.
What the Base Rate Entity Test Means for Your Company Tax Rate
Australian companies face an annual decision over which tax rate applies with lasting financial impact. This post explains the base rate entity test and breaks down its two key requirements: aggregated turnover under fifty million dollars and passive income under eighty per cent. It explores how failing either test leads to a higher tax rate and offers clear insights into the calculations that matter. Gain a better understanding of these vital criteria and the implications for your business.
Contractor or Employee Under ATO Rules in 2026
Understanding the real substance behind an employee or contractor classification is vital in 2026. The ATO, Fair Work Ombudsman and courts focus on the practical details rather than just the written contract. Misclassification can lead to severe financial penalties and reputational damage. Getting it right secures compliance, protects businesses from hefty PAYG withholdings and super guarantee debts, and gives workers clarity about their entitlements.
What Queensland Land Tax Costs Property Investors in 2026
Queensland land tax in the 2026 27 financial year kicks in when an investor holds taxable land above certain thresholds. A property in an investor’s personal name must be valued at 600,000 dollars while holdings in a company or most trusts trigger tax at 350,000 dollars. Foreign owners also face an extra three per cent surcharge on top of ordinary rates. The guide explains the thresholds, the cash flow impact on portfolios and offers practical steps to manage these ongoing costs effectively.
How the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Works When You Pay Super Late
Paying employee super on time is essential for keeping business costs predictable and avoiding steep penalties. When a payment is late, the ATO imposes a charge that combines a shortfall, simple interest and an administration fee. This extra cost often exceeds the original contribution due to lost tax deductions. Employers can use an SGC statement to self-assess their liability and manage this process effectively in Australia.
When the FBT Exemption for Electric Cars Ends in Australia
Australia's electric car Fringe Benefits Tax exemption is set to change over the next few years, offering significant savings until 2027. The current law provides a full exemption on eligible battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles until 31 March 2027. After this date, the benefit will gradually taper to a 25 per cent discount after 1 April 2029. Understanding this timetable is essential for businesses, salary packaging providers, and drivers to make informed financial decisions.
What Are the Small Business CGT Concessions in Australia (2026)
Selling a business can trigger capital gains tax but small business CGT concessions offer ways to reduce, defer or even remove that tax. This guide explains the concessions in plain English as they stand in 2026, outlining eligibility and how each rule helps protect the retirement nest egg. It covers the four main options available to business owners throughout their business life cycle. National tax rules ensure the same benefits apply from every state and territory in Australia.
Voluntary redundancy payments: the tax free base, ETP caps and what lands in assessable income
This guide explains the complex details of voluntary redundancy offers in Australia using plain language. It clarifies how tax rules differentiate between tax free and assessable amounts while outlining what qualifies as a genuine redundancy. The article explores the importance of employer documentation and the nuances of ATO checks when large sums are involved. By understanding these distinctions, you can better prepare for your financial future and make informed decisions about your redundancy payout.
Personal services income rules for Queensland contractors: the four tests and why the results test matters most
PSI rules can be confusing for Queensland contractors, but understanding the results test is key. This article explains PSI in plain English and highlights why the results test matters more than other tests. It details how to secure genuine business deductions and avoid unwanted extra tax on your income. Contractors across various industries can benefit from the practical strategies provided in this guide.
What actually triggers an ATO small business audit, and the record keeping that survives one
Australian small business owners face the risk of unexpected ATO reviews when discrepancies in financial records are noted. The ATO collects billions of data points from banks, government agencies and digital platforms to identify anomalies in your accounts. This guide explains how unusual profit margins and elevated expense ratios may trigger a review or full audit. By maintaining complete and accurate records, your business will be well prepared to address any queries and maintain tax compliance.
Director penalty notices: how a Queensland company director becomes personally liable for PAYG, GST and super
This post explains the significance of a Director Penalty Notice in Queensland and how unpaid company obligations can attach to a director personally. It outlines scenarios like missing PAYG instalments, GST, and superannuation liabilities. When a notice is issued, the ATO starts a strict twenty one day countdown before enforcing collection powers against directors. Learn how understanding this tool and acting within the short window can help protect personal assets and credit standing.