Get informed and discover what the taxman doesn't want you know http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/ Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:04:55 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Do you detest paying tax, but like receiving a tax refund cheque in the mail? Are you getting all you're entitled to? You could be letting the government keep hundreds, even thousands, of your hard-earned dollars each year - and you wouldn't even know about it! http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/book-launch--101-ways-to-save-money-on-your-tax Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Mr Taxman has arranged with executing and clearing company Halifax Investment Services Ltd the opportunity for you to trade in stocks, options, foreign exchange, Contracts for Difference, as well as Futures in Australian, American, European and Asian markets. Halifax have a 24 hour dealing and adminstrative support desk. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/want-to-trade-shares-options-futures-cfds-or-forex-yourself Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT What is the general translation rule for foreign currency trading? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/general-translation-rule-for-foreign-currency-trading Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT What sections of the ATO tax acts is foreign currency trading? That is cash base online trading with no physical goods exchange? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/foreign-currency-trading Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT I have recently given up working so Trading is my only form of income. Is it possible to offset trading losses over the past 8 years to any future profits before paying tax? Also would it be advisable to set up a Hybrid Trust to distribute funds to beneficiaries? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/offsetting-trading-losses Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT I am about to lodge my income tax return but heard that I may not be entitled to claim the imputation credits on my dividends as I bought and sold the shares during the 7 days around the ex-dividend date. Could you please clarify if that is the case? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/claiming-dividend-franking-credits-for-tax Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT I am retired and lost $10,000 in trading last year. Can I claim this as a tax deduction? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/claiming-share-losses Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT I am thinking about setting up a Self Managed Super Fund. If I do, can I use my super monies to trade? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/trading-via-self-managed-super-fund-smsf Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT I am now retired and have started trading FX from my home in Brisbane (Australia), I also own a small parcel of blue chip shares - would I be classified as a trader or an investor? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/retired-and-now-buying-shares--am-i-an-investor-or-trader Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT I work full time and supplement my income trading stock CFDs. So far in this financial year to date I have made around $20,000 how do I deal with this on my tax return? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/tax-consequences-of-trading-cfds Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT I am an Australian but trade US futures, do I need to pay tax in the States and Australia, or neither? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/trading-us-futures-in-australia Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The $1 million spent on this week's Tax Forum would have been better put to rewarding those who dob in a tax cheat according to Mr Taxman. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/tax-forum-money-should-have-gone-to-dobbers Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT With the impending 31 October deadline just weeks away, over five million individuals are yet to lodge their tax return according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) progress report. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/5-million-yet-to-lodge-2011-income-tax-return Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT According to the latest ATO Progress Report 10 there have been 4.37 million lucky taxpayers since 1 July 2011 who have received refunds totalling $10.24 billion. That is an average tax refund of $2,367!! For those that have been fortunate enough to receive it, Mr Taxman gives us ten smart places to use your refund. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/received-your-tax-refund-yet Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Adrian Raftery, author of 101 Ways to Save Money on Your Tax - Legally!, looks at how much petrol and electricity has risen in the past 13 years compared to what you can claim in your tax return for work-related car and home office usage. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/can-someone-tell-the-ato-what-the-price-of-petrol-and-electricity-is Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT My wife and I purchased our former PPOR (in VIC) three years ago for $326,000 plus stamp duty and fees. We borrowed $250,000 to do this and used savings for the balance. On the loan we now owe $204,000. We have paid $27,700 in extra repayments (not in offset). After renos and market growth the house is now worth ... http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/dont-trust-everything Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT What is the least amount of superannuation you can pay? Can you email payroll and decide to not pay super anymore? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/is-super-compulsory Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Following the carbon tax announcement today, here are the proposed tax cuts for individuals effective 1 July 2012 ... but are they really that sweet? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/proposed-new-individual-tax-rates Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The new financial year has arrived which comes with it the annual obligation to submit our income tax return by 31 October. For many of us, the process is as painful as having your teeth pulled but the rewards can be great. Adrian Raftery, author of 101 Ways to Save Money on Your Tax - Legally! shares with us eight common traps to avoid when doing your tax this year. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/8-common-tax-return-mistakes Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) today released their Compliance Program 2011-12, a publication which outlines key focus areas attracting ATO attention for the coming year. Here are a few of the more interesting statistics coming out of that report together with comments from Mr Taxman himself, Adrian Raftery, author of 101 Ways to Save Money on Your Tax - Legally! http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/ato-compliance-spotlight-areas-2011-12 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The only constant about tax is change. Here are some of the tax changes coming into play from 1 July http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/6-tax-changes-taking-effect-from-1-july Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT There are two ways to administer new regulations ... the short way ... and the long way. To me this seems like the long way to go around things. From 1 July 2011, employers will be responsible for providing Parental Leave Pay to ... http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/parental-leave-pay Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The end of financial year is an anxious time for Australia's small business owners bewildered by the complexity of tax reporting and stressed by the amount of paperwork involved, according to the latest American Express Tax Time Survey that I was involved in. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/latest-research--tax-time-takes-its-toll-on-small-business-owners Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT So just like Santa, the Taxman has made his list for 2011. This year the ATO will be paying close attention to claims from people employed in the following occupations ... http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/taxmans-hit-list-for-2011 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT If you would like one of Australia's leading tax experts and author of top-selling 101 Ways to Save Money on Your Tax - Legally!, then please be advised that my schedule of fees is as follows: http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/2011-12-fee-schedule Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo this week warned directors of private companies about claiming deductions for directors fees where amounts may remain unpaid by the end of the following income year. The warning also serves as a timely reminder for any company director loan account issues that are outstanding prior to 30 June. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/time-of-year-to-sort-out-the-company-loan-account-and-directors-fees Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT If you run a food service business such as a bakery, butcher, cafe, restaurant or catering and you take goods to feed your family for private use, the ATO requires you to deduct the private usage from your cost of goods sold. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/value-of-goods-taken-from-stock-for-private-use-for-2010-11 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Last week the Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo launched '100 People,' an innovative online presentation that represents all the individual taxpayers in Australia as though they were one hundred people. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/100-people--some-interesting-stats-from-the-ato Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The fringe benefits tax car parking threshold for the FBT year commencing 1 April 2011 is $7.71. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/fbt-car-parking-threshold-for-2011-2012-fbt-year Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Since The Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) was introduced for tertiary education in Australia, it has charged an "interest rate" on 1 June each year. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/two-important-dates-for-those-with-hecs-help-debts Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT OK I know that this is not tax advice today, but sometimes solving computer problems is worth more than an extra $1,000 in your tax refund cheque. Well maybe not that much but you know what I mean. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/plugged-in-not-charging-solution-for-windows-7-installations Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT A few months ago I took up an offer for an Accounting Doctoral Scholarship with the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). After 21 years in professional practice, as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Taxation Institute, coupled with a number of national awards, it was fair to say that I thought I knew it all in accounting ... but did I really? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/monday-prayer-sessions Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT There is one thing that I do know about the proposed Carbon Tax and that is it will be great for the accounting industry, particularly aspiring accountants looking for a job opportunity in the future http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/carbon-tax-and-what-to-means-to-me Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Had a very interesting question come up in last week's lecture on equity accounting about companies exerting strong significant influence but not having control of another company. Strong significant influence could occur when say Company A owns 49.9% but obviously don't have control of the voting power of Company B. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/problems-with-companies-exerting-strong-significant-influence Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Here are the acceptable amounts for the reasonable food component in the 2011-12 financial year in respect of Living Away From Home Allowances http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/reasonable-food-component-for-2011-12 Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT In his fourth attempt, Wayne Swan delivered another tame, yet solid, Federal Budget for the nation this week. The $22.6 billion deficit is scary and is actually $12.3 billion more than what was expected due to lower tax revenue. But the Treasurer is predicting a return to surplus in two years' time. Good news. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/federal-budget-2011--what-it-means-to-you Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The term 'super co-contribution' should really be labelled as 'free money'! But it is surprising how few people actually take advantage of this great benefit. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/super-co-contribution Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT If you travel to inspect or maintain your property or collect the rent, you may be able to claim the costs of travelling as a deduction. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/travel-to-see-your-investment-property Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Over the last five years, data matching has been a powerful tax compliance tool for the ATO. It has acted as a huge deterrent for taxpayers thinking about not disclosing all of their income. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/ato-data-matching Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Every year, based on an analysis of previous returns, the ATO issues a 'hit list' of occupations that will be targeted for close attention regarding work-related expenses. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/ato-hit-lists Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT A common, yet risky, investment strategy used by share investors has been to borrow money, usually via a margin loan, to buy shares. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/borrowing-to-buy-shares Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT If you are planning to make a fortune, perhaps you should consider your business structure before you give away half of it in taxes. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/choosing-the-right-business-structure Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Raising children is not a cheap exercise, with education up there as one of the biggest expenses for most households. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/education-tax-refund Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Accountants are frequently asked two questions by couples just about to get married: 'Are there are any tax implications once we tie the knot?' and 'Do we need to start doing joint tax returns?' http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/marriage Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Tax Office has some useful tips and information to help businesses start the new year on the right foot. There are some important things all small businesses need to remember, including good record keeping practices, meeting GST obligations, reporting, paying tax and superannuation. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/tax-tips-for-small-business Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The fringe benefits tax (FBT) car calculator helps employers calculate the taxable value of a car fringe benefit using either the statutory formula method or the operating cost method. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/fringe-benefits-tax--car-calculator Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT This is an easy-to-use computer tool that will help you plan and manage your tax obligations and give you timely reminders. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/free-copy-of-the-tax-calendar Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Calculators to provide you with an estimate of your compulsory HELP repayment and the bonus you will get when you make your voluntary repayment towards your HELP debt. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/help-repayment-calculator Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT The aim of the employment termination payment calculator is to assist employers with calculations required to make employment termination payments. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/employment-termination-payment-calculator Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT You can use this calculator to work out your eligibility for the zone or overseas forces tax offset and calculate the tax offset that you can claim http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/zone-or-overseas-forces-tax-offset-calculator Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT If you are a trustee of a Self Managing Superannuation Fund (SMSF) you have a range of responsibilities that you must adhere to in the day-to-day operation of your fund. Here is a checklist outlined in the Government's Role and Responsibilities of Trustees paper which details what you must be aware of as a trustee of a SMSF. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/smsf-trustee-compliance-checks Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT This calculator will give you an estimate of the deduction you can claim for work related self-education expenses on your tax return. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/self-education-expenses-calculator Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The "Is your scholarship taxable? calculator" will help you work out whether or not your scholarship is taxable http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/is-your-scholarship-taxable-calculator Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Use this calculator to determine your tax offset on net medical expenses over the threshold amount http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/net-medical-expenses-calculator Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Use this to see if you can claim a tax deduction for home office expenses as part of your business or employment. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/home-office-expenses-calculator Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Advice about business records you need to keep, and how well you keep them. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/record-keeping-evaluation-tool Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT If you are an employer or another withholding payer, the TWC helps you work out the tax you need to withhold from payments you make to employees and other workers. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/tax-withheld-calculator Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT 6 tips to help manage your business, including clean up days, training and better utilising your staff's expertise http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/better-business-tips Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT To work out whether you are eligible for the low-income tax offset. It also calculates the amount of your offset if your taxable income is less than the low-income tax offset threshold http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/low-income-tax-offset-calculator Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT To work out if you are an Australian resident. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/determination-of-residency Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Claiming car expenses - what trips are work related? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/claiming-car-expenses Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Lists commonwealth tax and superannuation obligations when employing workers. It includes information on when a new worker starts, during employment, and when a worker leaves. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/employer-obligations-checklist Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Owning your own home is the Great Aussie dream but two-fifths of first home owners experience some sort mortgage stress. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/buying-a-house Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The employee superannuation guarantee (SG) calculator tool is designed to help you determine whether you are eligible for SG contributions, and whether your employer is paying the correct amount. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/employee-superannuation-guarantee-sg-calculator Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT ou can use this calculator to estimate your super co-contribution entitlement and eligibility. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/super-co-contribution-calculator Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Use this tool if you are late in paying your employees' superannuation contributions to a superannuation fund. It will enable you to calculate your SGC liability and prepare the SGC statement to be lodged with the ATO. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/superannuation-guarantee-charge-statement-and-calculator-tool Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Use this calculator to determine a possible work related clothing deduction entitlement. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/work-related-uniform-expenses-calculator Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Determine your eligibility and calculate the amount of senior Australians tax offset and pensioner tax offset you can claim http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/senior-australians-and-pensioner-tax-offset-calculator Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Business can benefit from employees working remotely or from home however to ensure such arrangements are effective some safe guards should be put in place first. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/6-tips-for-employees-working-offsite Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Your business' balance sheet and income statement are essential, but they are only the starting point for successful financial management. Using ratio analysis on your financial statements you can analyse the success, failure, and progress of your business. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/6-ratios-to-manage-your-business Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT It may be cheaper than a mortgage repayment but rent money is dead money http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/renting-a-property Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Here is a rental property worksheet to assist you with the expenses that you need to include in your tax return http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/rental-property-worksheet Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT A tool to help small businesses improve their business tax practices. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/is-your-business-tax-ready Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Money plays an important part in relationships. Here are a few tips when talking finance with your Valentine. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/valentines-day-special--golden-money-rules-for-couples Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 5-steps including saving, investing and planning to help you retire early http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/5-steps-to-an-early-retirement Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT A typical equipment lease can run anywhere from one to five years. Most equipment necessary in commercial businesses today, including technical equipment, can be leased. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/pros-and-cons-of-lease-finance Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT You can use this calculator to estimate the amount of offset that you can claim for a dependent parent, spouse's parent or invalid relative for 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 financial years. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/parent-spouses-parent-or-invalid-relative-tax-offset-calculator Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT The "reverse mortgage" product was devised by banks for those over 60 who could borrow up to 40% against their home but didn't have to make any repayments. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/reverse-mortgages Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT With over 20,000 different banking products these days it is quite difficult to know the good ones from the average. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/the-best-of Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Identification of a number of areas to help manage your business. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/managing-and-growing-a-business Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Money is an important topic for everyone. If you're young and just starting out in the world of work, then here are some of the basics. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/entering-the-workforce Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT We heard before Christmas that voluntary tax returns won't be far away as it is one of the key recommendations of the much anticipated Henry Tax Review. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/is-the-taxman-becoming-father-christmas-dont-bet-on-it Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Start of the school year means costly text books, stationery, uniforms, school fees and a whole lot more. Here are some ideas on how to make it easier for your family. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/back-to-school-savings-ideas Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT When new tax cuts come into force here are 6 tips for employees when they get their next pay packet. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/6-ways-to-use-your-tax-cut Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 2010 was tough financially but it is now behind us. Here are a few ideas for creating your own list of New Year's resolutions to help put your finances in better shape in 2011. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/new-year-financial-resolutions Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT This tool will help you work out if you are eligible to claim a deduction for work related self-education expenses on your tax return http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/self-education-eligibility-calculator Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Should we get all excited with the post-xmas sales or should we just stay well clear of them? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/xmas-sales Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Found it tough financially this Christmas? Here are a few tips to make next year easier for you. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/how-to-make-xmas-2011-easier-financially Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT We all enjoy the joy of giving at Christmas time but seem to pay for it in January once the credit card bill comes in. Here a few timely tips to save money this festive season. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/christmas-saving-ideas Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT From 1 January 2011, eligible working parents of children born or adopted after that date may get the government-funded Paid Parental Leave Pay to help them care for a new baby. The pay is for up to 18 weeks at the minimum wage (currently $570). http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/paid-parental-leave Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Many people decide to start their own business because they think it is a great alternative to having to work for someone else. Some even think it is the next step in the evolution for one to go from rags to riches. However, some people think that engaging in such is a piece of pie. There are many myths that exist, deceiving people into starting their business with unreasonable expectations. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/12-myths-about-starting-your-own-small-business Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Where self education expenses are not deductable http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/where-self-education-expenses-are-not-deductable Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT There is a whole raft of government benefits that families can, and should, access. Here is a list that you could be claiming. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/are-you-receiving-all-of-your-government-entitlements Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT The SFSS repayment calculator will help you determine the amount of your compulsory SFSS repayment for the 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 financial years. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/sfss-repayment-calculator Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT It's a simple equation. Improving staff productivity is likely to boost the profitability of your business. So, what straightforward steps can you take to get more out of your people? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/10-ways-to-make-your-employees-more-productive Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Use this tool to calculate SG contributions for your eligible employees for a current quarter, including the period within 28 days after the end of that quarter. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/superannuation-guarantee-sg-contribution-calculator Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Are they worth the paper they are printed on? Are they are waste of time? http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/pre-nup-agreements---til-divorce-do-us-part Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Do you want to enjoy a better lifestyle in retirement? Here are a few tips on making that dream possible. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/how-to-make-your-money-work-smarter Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Try the quiz and see how you compare to the results of a recent survey conducted by the Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA). http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/a-quiz-for-small-business-owners Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT 6 tips to help you avoid debt http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/golden-rules-to-avoid-debt Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT It is a rarely known fact but most banks and credit unions offer a "mortgage holiday" in most of their home loan products. Basically it where you can put your loan repayments on hold for a period of time, sometimes up to one year. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/how-to-apply-for-a-mortgage-holiday Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT In this world of technology, virtually everything is at your fingertips. Use it effectively and it's guaranteed that you will save time and money. Here are a few different ideas of how technology can help you. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/using-technology-to-save-you-money Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Use this calculator to help you calculate how much education tax refund you can claim. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/education-tax-refund-calculator Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT The GST has now been operating for a number of years yet despite a massive education campaign by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) there are still many errors and omissions that are being made by small businesses on their GST returns. Most of these errors relate to the over-claiming of GST credits. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/13-common-gst-mistakes Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Some businesses are better suited to home locations than others. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/operating-a-business-from-home Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Generally the first question most retirees ask when discussing their retirement is: "How long will my retirement savings last?" People naturally want to be confident that their income streams and investment portfolios will provide adequate income for their life expectancy. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/how-long-will-my-retirement-savings-last Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Self managed superannuation funds, or DIY funds as they are also known, have for some time now been the growth sector of the superannuation market. Nearly 290,000 funds, over 530,000 members and close to $140 billion in assets confirm the continuing popularity of self managed super. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/10-good-reasons-to-start-a-self-managed-super-fund Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Calculate different payment scenarios based on your circumstances and use these as a guide to propose a payment arrangement that enables you to address your tax obligations. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/payment-arrangement-calculator Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT A Self Managed Superannuation Fund is a vehicle designed to provide retirement benefits to Members of that Fund. It may also be an efficient tax structure that offers significant benefits to investors. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/intro-to-self-managed-super-funds Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Fuel tax credits provide businesses with a credit for fuel tax (excise duty) that is included in the price of fuel. Fuel tax credits commenced on 1 July 2006. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/how-to-cut-your-business-fuel-costs Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT This decision tool is designed to help payers determine whether an individual worker is engaged as an employee or independent contractor. It will give a decision based on answers to some simple questions. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/employee-contractor-decision-tool Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Business owners, builders and property buyers are the big winners from the NSW budget released earlier this month. There will also be a smile on a few pub owners' faces as lower gaming machine tax rates will apply to hotels from 1 July. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/businesses-and-property-buyers-are-nsw-budget-winners Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Only a handful of goodies were expected after the handouts we got in last year's stimulus packages. But what would an election year be without a few incentives? Here is what you can expect. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/federal-budget--what-it-means-to-you Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT You may not have much of it yet but money and its management will be an important part of your adult life. Money doesn't grow on trees and you need to be smart with it. Here are a few money basics to help you http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/money-tips-for-school-leavers Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Business owners always ask me for a tip or two around this time every year. Here are a few great strategies for your business to try to implement prior to 30 June 2010 to legitimately reduce tax. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/mr-taxmans-top-ten-business-tax-tips-for-2010 Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT It is that time of the year when we all need to do some tax planning. June 30 is rapidly approaching so here are some excellent tips for you to get your house in order and increase your tax refund. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/mr-taxmans-top-ten-individual-tax-tips-for-2010 Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Borrowing money from the bank used to be easy, but since the GFS it became hard. Here are a few tips to make it easy and painless for you. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/the-secret-to-getting-your-loan-approved Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT You kissed your husband goodbye and told him to have a good time and enjoy himself with the boys. But he had an accident and never made it home. Never. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/a-ticking-time-bomb Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The last few years have been horror ones financially for alot of people. But 2010 is starting to look pretty good. Here are a few ideas from Mr Taxman Adrian Raftery for creating your own list of New Year's resolutions to help put your finances in better shape in 2010. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/looking-for-some-new-years-resolutions Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Debate will no doubt rage for years to come whether the "Kev 07" stimulus package worked for Australia. I must admit that I queried the benefit of it when it was announced on 3 February. I struggle to find the benefit of giving someone $900 if they are at risk of losing their $50,000 job. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/has-the-stimulus-payment-worked Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT It may seem strange that an accountant would say that money is not important. But I was lucky in that I was never brought up to be materialistic. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/money-is-not-important-and-most-things-are-not-urgent Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Here are multi-billion companies, with all the latest technology, smartest people, etc in the world. Yet when it comes to approving a piddly little loan, of say $10,000, for a good customer (with a great credit history and track record) that they can't make a decision themselves UNLESS they have a letter from the customer's accountant saying what the purpose of the loan is. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/those-annoying-banks-and-their-meaningless-letters Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Times are tough so every dollar saved counts. Last week I provided the first ten of my top twenty tax tips for this financial year. This week I now provide you with my Top Ten Tax Tips for 2009. Remember that tax planning should be 365 days per year not just one month. These strategies are just as useful on 1 July. http://www.mrtaxman.com.au/blog/mr-taxmans-top-twenty-tax-tips-for-2009 Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT