Posted on July 8, 2021 by admin
There has been a shakeup within the superannuation industry after the latest government reform passed through the Senate. You may have heard of Your Future, Your Super, which was introduced during the Federal Budget announcements of 2020-21, and wh
Your Future, Your Super was introduced during the Federal Budget 2020-21 announcements as a reform measure to address growing concerns about the performance of the superannuation industry.
Under the reform, superannuation funds will now face an annual performance test, public ranking by the Tax Office and the loss of an easy source of new members.
One of the most notable changes that have been introduced (as of 1 November 2021) is that Australians will no longer be required to fill out paperwork to avoid getting a new super fund when they switch jobs.
This measure has been designed to reduce the prevalence of unintended multiple superannuation accounts. The onus will be on the employer to check with the ATO if their employee has an existing super account, known as a ‘stapled super fund’, to pay the employee’s super guarantee into.
Super funds will also be subjected to a new annual performance test run by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), and underperforming products (those who show returns below 50 points ) will be labelled as underperformers. If your super is sitting in a dud fund and your nest egg is in an underperforming product, the trustees will be required to notify you within 28 days. Funds that fail the test twice in a row could be blocked from taking on new members.
Worried about how your superannuation fund may be performing, and not sure who to ask? Come have a chat with us.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
