Thinking Of Buying A Car Or Equipment?

Although only draft at the time of writing this newsletter, these proposed tax changes could have an impact on decisions you made prior to the 1st January 2014. The repeal of the Mineral Resource Rent Tax (Mining Tax) is unlikely to affect small business entities or individuals but some of the other tax measures may have a wider impact.

Immediate Deductions Reduced for Small Businesses

Up until 31st December 2013, small business entities (generally with a turnover of less than $2M) were entitled to claim an immediate deduction for depreciating assets costing less than $6,500 (e.g. a $3,000 laptop can be claimed in full by a small business entity). As of 1st January 2014, this deduction dropped to only $1,000.

The $5,000 Immediate Deduction for Motor Vehicles Scrapped

If you are toying with purchasing a motor vehicle for your business, be aware that the immediate deduction of $5,000 for small businesses was scrapped as of the 1st January 2014. If a new car is on the agenda, make sure you talk to us about the best way to finance the vehicle for tax purposes.

Loss Carry Back Measures Repealed

Recently introduced, the loss carry-back measures enabled a company to offset tax paid in previous years against current year losses. This repeal means companies would only be able to use this measure for the 2013 income tax year as they are set to be repealed from the start of the 2014 year.

Superannuation Guarantee Charge Rates Delayed

The percentage of Superannuation Guarantee (SG) was set to increase gradually from 1st July 2013 until it reached 12% by July 2019. The SG rate is now set to remain at 9.25% for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 financial years and increase to 9.5% from 1st July 2016. The rate won’t reach 12% until 1st July 2021.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:This newsletter is issued as a guide to clients and for their private information. This newsletter does not constitute advice. Clients should not act solely on the basis of the material contained in this newsletter. Items herein are general comments only and do not convey advice per se. Also changes in legislation may occur quickly. We therefore recommend that our formal advice be sought before acting in any of these areas.