AUSTRAC has released its Information Circular No 86 on the ATO’s Project DO IT offshore voluntary disclosure initiative. The Circular says the initiative allows taxpayers to voluntarily disclose previously unreported foreign income and assets before 19 December 2014. It said the ATO is urging taxpayers with offshore assets to declare their interests ahead of a global crackdown…
The ATO has released further details of its external compliance assurance process (ECAP) for taxpayers in the large market, including guideline materials for assurance practitioners when conducting agreed-upon procedures engagements under the ATO’s ECAP pilot program. The ATO said the intent of the pilot program is to test the effectiveness and viability of taxpayers using existing…
From the ATO website: Instant asset write-off and simplified depreciation – Administrative treatment – The ATO has noted the Government’s intention to repeal the provision allowing small businesses an accelerated initial deduction for motor vehicles. The ATO says taxpayers, including those who use early balancing substituted accounting periods, who lodge a tax return for the…
The ATO has signalled that it will pay close attention to work-related expenses claimed as deductions by individuals when they lodge their 2013-14 tax returns. The ATO says incorrect expense claims are becoming easier for it to detect. This year, the ATO says it will not be limiting its attention to particular occupations. Rather, it…
The Commissioner on Thur 12.6.2014, addressed the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA) Practice Forum. Mr Jordan said the ATO has received feedback from tax and audit professionals who were recently recruited from outside the ATO. The staff provided feedback on how the ATO could improve the way it manages audits. Their suggestions included better project…
The Commissioner on Tue 3.6.2014, spoke at the Corporate Tax Association annual convention. Mr Jordan said the ATO has been consulting on External Compliance Assurance (sometimes referred to as external compliance assurance process or ECAP). ECAP aims to leverage already rigorous external audit and assurance processes for public companies and give some taxpayers with turnovers of…
The ATO on Thur 26.6.2014, issued Draft Practice Statement Law Administration PS LA 3624 (Administration of the penalty imposed under s 284-75(3) of Sch 1 to the TAA). A taxpayer is liable to an administrative penalty under s 284-75(3) where: they fail to lodge a return, notice or other document by the due date for lodgment; and the…
AUSTRAC on Tue 3.6.2014, released analysis of funds flows between Australia and 13 tax secrecy jurisdictions. According to AUSTRAC, one of the effectiveness measures for Project Wickenby is decreased funds flows to, and increased funds flows from, the 13 tax secrecy jurisdictions of interest to the task force. Key findings reported by AUSTRAC are as…
The ATO Wed 25.6.2014, issued Product Ruling PR 2014/12 (AIL Almond Grower Project – Swan Hill 2007 Growers (to 15 June 2007) – financial years ending 30 June 2013 and 30 June 2014). It applies to growers that enter into the scheme between 18 October 2006 and 15 June 2007. Among other things, the Ruling states that provided the activities are carried out as described…
The ATO, on Wed 4.6.2014, issued the following Product Rulings: PR 2014/9: Tax consequences of investing in the UBS Structured Option and Loan Facility. It applies to entities that enter into the scheme from Wed 4.6.2014 until 30 June 2017. Among other things, the Ruling states that where the investor has an principal loan and does not…