November 2024

Amalgamation Could Be The Solution

As businesses expand, a common decision is whether to create new companies to accommodate new ventures, risks, products and/or acquisitions. A well-designed group structure enables a ‘parent’ company to create distinct entities that operate independently.

Trusts - The Big Picture

For some, the increase in the trust tax rate from 33% to 39% has prompted them to ask the question – should we wind up our trust?

FBT and Home to Work Travel

A common complaint made by employers is that the amount of time it takes to meet their FBT obligations is disproportionate to the amount of tax it actually generates. This frustration is arguably borne out in the number of mistakes that are often made when calculating the amount of FBT payable.

Protect Your Reputation

Over the last 18 months there have been a number of businesses fall over – which in and of itself has not been surprising given the recent economic climate. However, one element that serves as a warning for us all is the flow on effect of those failures. Not just in a tangible sense, where suppliers or ‘subbies’ are left out of pocket and can’t survive, but where acquaintance businesses can be tarred with the same brush.

The LTC Option

If a company sells a capital asset (e.g. commercial land) and derives a non-taxable capital gain, it’s reasonable to expect the shareholders to want access to the cash. However, the problem often arises that in order for a capital gain to be distributed tax-free, the company needs to be wound up. This is a result of the fact that if a capital gain is distributed in the absence of a wind-up, the distribution comprises a taxable dividend.

The Depreciable Asset

The depreciation rate for non-residential buildings has been reduced to 0%, effective from the 2024 / 25 income year. However, commercial fit-out remains depreciable. This makes the distinction between the two important because it is the difference between not being able to deduct any depreciation at all versus being able to claim a good proportion of a building’s cost as ‘fit-out’.