Re Woolworths Ltd and CEO of Customs – Customs: “Ripsticks” are dutiable caster boards (not exempt ‘skateboards’ or ‘snakeboards’) [84]

The AAT has affirmed the CEO of Customs’ decision refusing to apply a tariff concession order to goods (“Ripsticks”) imported by a taxpayer. On 26 June 2009, the taxpayer requested a Tariff Advice for goods described as “Ripstick” Caster Boards. On 15 July 2009, the CEO of Customs decided the Ripsticks did not satisfy the terms of Tariff Concession…

*Reform R&D tax systems to help young firms and boost innovation, says OECD [83]

According to the OECD, reforming tax incentives to encourage businesses to invest in research and development (R&D) would give countries a better return on their investment and support young innovative firms that play a crucial role in job creation. In its latest report, entitled Supporting Investment in Knowledge Capital, Growth and Innovation, the OECD said…

Financial services sector regulation: new Assistant Treasurer’s first speech [81]

The Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos on Sun 13.10.2013, spoke at the Association of Financial Advisers’ National Conference held in the Gold Coast. The speech was Mr Sinodinos’ first official address as Assistant Treasurer. Mr Sinodinos discussed regulation of the financial sector noting that the Coalition’s financial system inquiry “will chart a course for the financial…

WA stamp duty: cancelled transactions – Commissioner’s Practice released [76]

The WA Office of State Revenue (OSR) has issued Commissioner’s Practice DA 31.0 (Duties – cancelled transactions). It outlines the application requirements for assessment and reassessment of duty liability under ss 107 and 88A of the Duties Act 2008 (WA) where a dutiable transaction has been cancelled. The Commissioner’s Practice took effect on 22 October 2013. [LTN…

SA stamp duty: concession for purchases of off-the-plan apartments – Information Circular [75]

RevenueSA has issued Information Circular No 65 (Extension of the Boundaries of Stamp Duty Relief for Off-the-plan Apartments). According to the Circular, the SA Government has announced, effective from 28 October 2013, that the stamp duty concession for contracts entered into to purchase qualifying off-the-plan apartments under s 71DB of the Stamp Duties Act 1923 (SA) will be…