Super guarantee – Same, same but different

Super guarantee – Same, same but different

This paper has been built on a previous paper on the superannuation guarantee (SG) regime, titled Super Guarantee – no longer the toothless tiger. That paper was designed to take a holistic examination of the SG regime. In this paper, we have built on that approach and added a number of developments, including:

Mackie– Contributions count when cleared funds are received, not when you press send – no special circumstances

Mackie– Contributions count when cleared funds are received, not when you press send – no special circumstances

In the decision of Mackie v Commissioner of Taxation (Taxation) [2024] AATA 619 (3 April 2024), the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) affirmed the decision of the Commissioner to decline to exercise the discretion in section 291-465(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) (ITAA 97) to disregard or allocate to another year the taxpayer’s concessional superannuation contributions.

ACCC Enforcement and Compliance Priorities for 2024-25: What this means for franchises

ACCC Enforcement and Compliance Priorities for 2024-25: What this means for franchises

The ACCC has announced its enforcement and compliance priorities for 2024-2025. This article explores what this may mean for franchises.

Part 1: tax consolidation for SMEs series: pros and cons of forming a consolidated group?

Part 1: tax consolidation for SMEs series: pros and cons of forming a consolidated group?

This is the first article in a series that aims to demystify the application of the tax consolidation rules in Part 3-90 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 for private groups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Bill introduced to implement new Commercial and Industrial Property Tax that progressively replaces Land transfer (stamp) duty from 1 July 2024

Bill introduced to implement new Commercial and Industrial Property Tax that progressively replaces Land transfer (stamp) duty from 1 July 2024

The Victorian State Government has introduced a highly anticipated bill to implement the new Commercial and Industrial Property Tax with only three months to go until the 1 July 2024 start date. Those looking to acquire commercial or industrial properties or plan restructures within existing corporate/family groups should consider the interaction of the new regime with existing taxes.

Sladen Snippet - Kirk - superannuation removed no longer protected from creditors

Sladen Snippet - Kirk - superannuation removed no longer protected from creditors

In the decision of Kirk as trustee of the Property of Smith (a Bankrupt) v Smith [2024] FCA 240 (15 March 2024) the Federal Court held, among other things, that a transfer of superannuation from the husband to his wife’s superannuation was no longer protected as an interest of the bankrupt in a regulated super fund under section 116(2)(d)(iii)(A) of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) (Bankruptcy Act).

Sladen Snippet - Tratter - non-binding nomination considered but not followed

Sladen Snippet - Tratter - non-binding nomination considered but not followed

In the decision of Tratter v Aware Super [2024] FCAFC 36 the Full Federal Court dismissed the appeal by the deceased super fund member’s mother against the super fund trustee’s apportionment of 30% to the mother and 70% to the deceased’s de facto spouse.

Minerva – Part IVA - Full Federal Court gives the taxpayer back its “Liberty”

Minerva – Part IVA - Full Federal Court gives the taxpayer back its “Liberty”

In 2022, the decision of the Federal Court in Minerva Financial Group Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2022] FCA 1092 raised the question that tax benefits emanating from trustee decisions could be subject Part IVA. At that time, we said we think ‘no’ (see here).  

ACCC Report on Unfair Contract Terms, Case Update and Franchising Review Report Summary Findings and Recommendation

ACCC Report on Unfair Contract Terms, Case Update and Franchising Review Report Summary Findings and Recommendation

This update replicates a legal update provided to the Franchise Council of Australia’s February breakfast at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

Significant changes to Victorian land tax assessments to result in higher land tax bills

Significant changes to Victorian land tax assessments to result in higher land tax bills

Land tax assessments are now being issued in Victoria, with landowners finding their land tax bills to be substantially higher than expected, due to significant changes from 1 January 2024.  Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers will also be receiving land tax assessments for the first time altogether.

Victoria’s new commercial and industrial property tax – a tale of two regimes

Victoria’s new commercial and industrial property tax – a tale of two regimes

As we’ve noted previously, commercial and industrial properties sold or transferred on or from 1July 2024, will enter the new commercial and industrial property regime. Broadly, the regime will operate such that future transfers will not trigger land transfer (stamp) duty but rather the property will be subject to a (further) set of land tax, known as commercial and industrial property tax (CIPT).

Quy v FCT: less than 2 months in Australia … I still call Australia home

Quy v FCT: less than 2 months in Australia … I still call Australia home

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) has held in Quy v FCT [2024] AATA 245 that a taxpayer, who was physically in Australia for less than 2 months each year, was a resident of Australian tax purposes.

Stern – Transfer Balance Account calculated to include Defined Benefit Pension – in accordance with the operative provisions, not the guide

Stern – Transfer Balance Account calculated to include Defined Benefit Pension – in accordance with the operative provisions, not the guide

In the decision of Stern v Commissioner of Taxation [2024] FCAFC 21 the Full Federal Court found against the taxpayer, who raised an argument that Division 294 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 97) should not be interpreted such that both his pension was to be commuted under a commutation authority issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) due to his pensions exceeding his transfer balance cap, and that he also must pay excess transfer balance tax for exceeding his transfer balance cap.