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Payday loan apps and websites; the pros and cons

Posted on February 13, 2019 by admin

Personal loans have become a fast-growing financing option for consumers, with payday apps and websites gaining popularity. For aid between paychecks, payday loans can be very helpful for the pay cycle lull. Taking out a loan is not something to enter into lightly though, there are many variables that should go into your decision-making process. Here are a few pros and cons you should consider before taking out a payday loan

Pros:
Payday loans are named as such because they are basically instant. Once applied, your loan is usually processed and paid out on the same day. This is very helpful if you are in need of money urgently between pay, like a fine or surprise bill for example. For this reason, the loan amounts can often be quite high. Like any other loan provider, the quicker you pay the amount back, the more likely you are to receive a higher loan the next time around. These services track your repayments and can increase funds based on your credit history. Application for payday loans is extremely easy as they are based online. The process is very quick and many payday loan services have app options so you can apply on the go.

Cons:
Any loan you take out will affect your credit rating so it is important to really think about why you need the loan before applying. Frivolous loans can greatly harm your credit score which could make life difficult down the track. With the loan process on these sites, if you are unable to make a full repayment by the agreed deadline, further fees may be charged to you but will not be revealed until you are required to pay. These payday loans often have a high-interest rate due to their instant nature and repayment period.

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Understanding Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) And What It Covers

Posted on April 14, 2024 by admin

For businesses in Australia, providing fringe benefits to employees can be a valuable way to attract and retain talent, as well as incentivise performance.

However, employers need to understand their obligations regarding Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers FBT, a tax on certain non-cash benefits provided to employees in connection with their employment.

Let’s explore the types of fringe benefits subject to FBT to help businesses navigate this complex area of taxation.

  1. Car Fringe Benefits

One common type of fringe benefit is the provision of a car for the private use of employees. This includes company cars, cars leased by the employer, or even reimbursing employees for the costs of using their own cars for work-related travel.

  1. Housing Fringe Benefits

Employers may provide housing or accommodation to employees as part of their employment package. This can include providing rent-free or discounted accommodation, paying for utilities or maintenance, or providing housing allowances.

  1. Expense Payment Fringe Benefits

Expense payment fringe benefits arise when an employer reimburses or pays for expenses incurred by an employee, such as entertainment expenses, travel expenses, or professional association fees.

  1. Loan Fringe Benefits

If an employer provides loans to employees at low or no interest rates, the difference between the interest rate charged and the official rate set by the ATO may be considered a fringe benefit and subject to FBT.

  1. Property Fringe Benefits

Providing employees with property, such as goods or assets, can also result in fringe benefits. This can include items such as computers, phones, or other equipment provided for personal use.

  1. Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA)

When employers provide allowances to employees who need to live away from their usual residence for work purposes, such as for temporary work assignments or relocations, these allowances may be subject to FBT.

  1. Entertainment Fringe Benefits

Entertainment fringe benefits arise when employers provide entertainment or recreation to employees or their associates. This can include meals, tickets to events, holidays, or other leisure activities.

  1. Residual Fringe Benefits

Residual fringe benefits encompass any employee benefits that do not fall into one of the categories outlined above. This can include many miscellaneous benefits, such as gym memberships, childcare assistance, or gift vouchers.

Compliance With FBT Obligations

Employers must understand their FBT obligations and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. This includes accurately identifying and valuing fringe benefits, keeping detailed records, lodging FBT returns on time, and paying any FBT liability by the due date.

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is an essential consideration for businesses that provide non-cash benefits to employees.

By understanding the types of fringe benefits subject to FBT, employers can ensure compliance with tax obligations and avoid potential penalties or liabilities.

Seeking professional advice from tax experts or consultants can also help businesses navigate the complexities of FBT and develop strategies to minimise tax exposure while maximising the value of employee benefits. Why not start a conversation with one of our trusted tax advisers today?

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