Daily Archives: October 26, 2017

Hawkins v FCT – Taxpayer won a judicial review of the AAT’s refusal to require the Commissioner to produce further documents about the compensation on termination of a car leasing fleet contract

The Federal Court has allowed a taxpayer’s application for judicial review in relation to an AAT decision to refuse his application, pursuant to s37(2) of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (AAT Act), that required the Commissioner to lodge certain documents. The substantive matter related to default assessments issued to the taxpayer for the 2001…

Productivity Commission’s 5 year review – revenue measures include land tax to replace stamp duty; States raise taxes for their own spending; collect HECS from estates; reform alcohol taxes (nothing to ‘write home about’)

The Productivity Commission released its report Shifting the Dial: 5 year productivity review, on Tue 24.10.2017. It looks at the factors and influences that may affect Australia’s economic performance over the medium term, in order to offer advice on where the country’s priorities should lie if it is to enhance national welfare. This process will be repeated every…

ATO’s focus on the cash economy and hidden economy – in the name of ‘protecting hones businesses’

Under the guise of “protecting honest businesses” the ATO has again set out what it is doing catch those operating dishonestly in cash and in the hidden economy (getting an ‘unfair’ advantage over the ‘honest’ business owner). The ATO says it will focus on businesses that, among other things: operate and advertise as “cash only”; ATO…

Superannuation Accountability Measures 1 & 2 Bills and Strengthening Trustee Arrangements Bill – Senate committee reports recommend they be passed – including the 1/3rd independent directors and chairman requirement

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Improving Accountability and Member Outcomes in Superannuation Measures No 2) Bill 2017 has passed the House of Reps without amendment. It proposes the following amendments to the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (SGAA): salary sacrifice integrity – employers will be prevented from using an employee’s salary sacrifice contributions to reduce the…