In Other News
Business Tax Update │September 2017
A look at the Tax News that may affect businesses this Financial Year.
Topic List:
Tax Incentives for Early Stage Investors
From 1 July 2016, investors who purchase new shares in a qualifying early stage innovation company (ESIC) may be eligible for tax incentives.
The tax incentives provide eligible investors who purchase new shares in an ESIC with a:
- Non-refundable carry forward tax offset equal to 20% of the amount paid for their qualifying investments. This is capped at a maximum tax offset amount of $200,000 for the investor and their affiliates combined in each income year
- Modified capital gains tax (CGT) treatment, under which capital gains on qualifying shares that are continuously held for at least 12 months and less than 10 years may be disregarded. Capital losses on shares held less than ten years must be disregarded.
More information on qualifying for the tax incentive, the sophisticated investor test and calculating the early stage investor tax offset can be found on the ATO website.
Changes for employers of working holiday makers
On 1 January 2017, the tax rate for working holiday makers on 417 or 462 visas changed. If you employ working holiday makers on 417 or 462 visas, you will need to register with the ATO.
Employers who do not register with the ATO will have to withhold tax at the foreign resident tax rate of 32.5% from the first dollar earned. Penalties may apply for failing to register.
ATO Systems
1. Certainty for stakeholders who rely on ATO systems
On 12 July 2017, the ATO issued a media release stating that they remain committed to ensuring the ongoing stability, availability and resilience of their IT systems for Tax Time 2017 and into the future. The issues they have encountered with ATO systems over the past few weeks highlight the sheer size, scale, and complexity of the ATO’s IT environment. The ATO stated that they will continue to examine the triggers and cause of these issues and this analysis is informing the ongoing remediation work they are undertaking.
2. Affected by recent company payroll issues?
If you have used the services of payroll company Plutus Payroll Australia Pty Ltd and associated entities, the ATO has applied a range of support measures to help you meet your tax and super obligations.
The ATO has developed some scenarios that they are aware of for Plutus payroll and associated companies. Whether your situation falls within a particular scenario will depend on your circumstances. For more information, go to the ATO website.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us below or call us on 1300 627 829
Source: TaxWise 2017
