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2024–25 Federal Budget Highlights

The Federal Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, handed down the 2024–25 Federal Budget at 7:30 pm (AEST) on 14 May 2024.

Described as a “responsible Budget that helps people under pressure today”, the Treasurer has forecast a second consecutive surplus of $9.3 billion. As reflected in the Budget, the government’s main priorities are helping with the cost of living, building more housing, investing in skills and education, strengthening Medicare and responsible economic management to help fight inflation.

The key tax measures announced in the Budget include extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off for eligible businesses by 12 months until 30 June 2025, introducing tax incentives for hydrogen production and critical minerals production, strengthening foreign resident CGT rules and penalising multinationals that seek to avoid paying Australian royalty withholding tax.

The Budget also includes various amendments to previously announced measures, as well as several income tax measures that have already been enacted before the Budget announcement, including:

  • The revised stage 3 personal income tax cuts (enacted by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Cost of Living Tax Cuts) Act 2024 (Act No 3 of 2024)).
  • Medicare levy and surcharge threshold changes (enacted by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Cost of Living—Medicare Levy) Act 2024 (Act No 4 of 2024)).
  • A specific exemption for Australian plantation forestry entities from the new earnings-based rules introduced as part of thin capitalisation reforms (enacted by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Multinationals Pay Their Fair Share—Integrity and Transparency) Act 2024 (Act No 23 of 2024)).

These enacted measures have not been discussed in detail in this report.

The government anticipates that the tax measures proposed will collectively improve the Budget position by $3.1 billion over a five-year period to 2027–28.

The full Budget papers and the Treasury ministers’ media releases  are available online.

The tax, superannuation and social security highlights are set out below.

Income Tax

  • The instant asset write-off threshold of $20,000 for small businesses applying the simplified depreciation rules will be extended for 12 months until 30 June 2025.
  • The foreign resident CGT regime will be strengthened for CGT events commencing on or after 1 July 2025.
  • A critical minerals production tax incentive will be available from 2027–28 to 2040–41 to support downstream refining and processing of critical minerals.
  • A hydrogen production tax incentive will be available to producers of renewable hydrogen from 2027–28 to 2040–41.
  • The minimum content length requirements and the above-the-line cap of 20% for total qualifying production expenditure for the producer tax offset will be removed.
  • A new penalty will be introduced from 1 July 2026 for taxpayers with more than $1 billion in annual global turnover found to have mischaracterised or undervalued royalty payments.
  • The Labor government’s 2022–23 Budget measure to deny deductions for payments relating to intangibles held in low- or no-tax jurisdictions is being discontinued.
  • The start date of a 2023–24 Budget measure to expand the scope of the Pt IVA general anti-avoidance rule will be deferred to income years commencing on or after assent of enabling legislation.
  • Income tax exemptions for World Rugby and related entities for income derived in relation to the Rugby World Cup 2027 (men’s) and Rugby World Cup 2029 (women’s).
  • The deductible gift recipients list is to be updated.

Social Security

  • Social security deeming rates will be frozen at their current levels for a further 12 months until 30 June 2025.
  • Carer payment recipients will have greater flexibility with their participation requirements.
  • Eligibility for the higher rate of Jobseeker payment will be extended to single recipients who can partially work zero to 14 hours per week.
  • The maximum rates of the Commonwealth Rent Assistance will increase by 10% from 20 September 2024.
  • Funding will be provided to implement a social security means test treatment for military invalidity payments affected by the Full Federal Court’s decision of FC of T v Douglas 2020 ATC ¶20-773; [2020] FCAFC 220.
  • Funding will be provided to enable Australia to enter into a bilateral social security agreement with Uruguay.
  • Foreign investors will be allowed to purchase established build-to-rent properties with a lower foreign investment fee.

Superannuation

  • Superannuation will be paid on government-funded paid parental leave (PPL) for parents of babies born or adopted on or after 1 July 2025.
  • The Fair Entitlements Guarantee Recovery Program will be recalibrated to pursue unpaid superannuation entitlements owed by employers in liquidation or bankruptcy from 1 July 2024.

Tax Administration

  • The ATO will be given statutory discretion not to use a taxpayer’s refund to offset old tax debts on hold.
  • Effective 1 June 2023, the indexation of the Higher Education Loan Program (and other student loans) debt will be limited to the lower of either the Consumer Price Index or the Wage Price Index.
  • The Department of Home Affairs and the ATO will conduct a pilot program for matching the income and employment data of migrant workers.
  • A new ATO compliance taskforce will be established to recover tax revenue lost to fraud while existing compliance programs will be extended.
  • The ATO will have additional time to notify a taxpayer if it intends to retain a business activity statement refund for further investigation.
  • The 2019–20 Budget measure “Black Economy — Strengthening the Australian Business Number system” will not proceed.

GST

  • Refunds of indirect tax (including GST, fuel and alcohol taxes) will be extended under the Indirect Tax Concession Scheme.

Excise and Customs Duty

  • Tariffs identified as a nuisance across a range of imported goods will be removed from 1 July 2024.
  • The start dates for certain components of a measure to streamline excise administration for fuel and alcohol announced in the Coalition government’s 2022–23 Budget will be deferred.

Get in touch to discuss how the Budget announcements impact you.

Crafting the Right Entity Structure for your Business or Investments

Entity Structuring & Asset Protection Specialists

When it comes to crafting the right entity structure for your business or investments, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. You need a tailored approach that considers your unique circumstances and short-term and long-term goals.

Far too often, accountants take a cookie-cutter approach to entity structuring, failing to understand your aspirations, priorities, and concerns. At Zweck, we take a different path. We are entity structuring specialists with a wealth of experience gained from our time at Big 4 and mid-tier accounting firms. We’ve encountered diverse client situations, including those you might not typically find at smaller accounting practices.

Here are some of the crucial questions you should ponder when contemplating your entity structure:

  1. What are the forecasted profits for the venture?
  2. Is the income business, investment or personal services income?
  3. Do you have a future growth or acquisition strategy?
  4. How long do you think you will keep the asset? What are your intentions?
  5. Do you have a narrow or wide family group?
  6. Have you got established wealth, or are you just starting?
  7. Is your personal expenditure for living, mortgage, kids, holidays, etc high or low?
  8. Do you have any foreign ties or considerations?
  9. If you have existing entities, do you have large retained profits in the trading entity that could be exposed?
  10. If you have loans between low-risk passive entities and high-risk trading entities, then have you secured the loans?
  11. If segregating plant and equipment via an asset company or trust, do you have the appropriate personal property security registration (PPSR) in place?
  12. Are you in a relationship or single? Are you concerned about future matrimonial claims?
  13. Have you considered an asset-accumulator and risk-taker approach between de facto couples?

At Zweck, we are specialists in what we do. Book in a complimentary meeting today to discuss your Group structure. 

Mastering Property Tax Complexity with a Specialist Accountant

Property Developer Tax Specialists

Tax and accounting for property transactions is a very complex area of tax law and often requires careful analysis and assessment from a specialist property tax accountant.

Property transactions can be classified into three key tax categories;

1. Mere realisation of capital asset – an asset is typically held long-term. You occupy the property or usually have a longer-term passive income.

Tax treatment: this will be on the capital account, subject to capital gains tax. If applicable, you can apply for the primary residence CGT exemption and claim the 50% CGT Discount if held for more than 12 months. GST will typically not apply.

2. Isolated transaction with a view to profit – a property transaction is entered into for a short-term gain with no real intention to live in the property and/or rent out long-term for passive income. 

Tax treatment: this will be on the revenue account, subject to normal income tax; you cannot claim the CGT main residence exemption or 50% CGT Discount. The transaction can sometimes be subject to GST.

3. You are carrying on a property development business – You have a history of developing and selling property and typically going about things in a sophisticated, carefully thought-through manner. 

Tax treatment: this will be on the revenue account, subject to normal income tax; you cannot claim the CGT main residence exemption or 50% CGT Discount. The transaction will often be subject to GST.

It is essential to understand that the assessment of the property transaction is based on the underlying facts and not a label you put on the transaction. Furthermore, if the intention of the property transaction changes, so can the tax treatment.

At Zweck, we specialise in property tax accounting. Our approach entails in-depth consultations with you to analyse your specific transaction, assess its feasibility, and offer expert guidance to ensure your complete understanding of your tax responsibilities.

If you need a specialist tax accountant to assist you with your property tax, contact us today.

Sick of your Accountant not returning your call?

Are you tired of playing phone tag with your accountant? Frustrated with the lack of communication and support when you need it most? We understand how essential a responsive accountant is to your financial success, and that’s why we’re here to change the game.

At Zweck, we’re committed to putting an end to your accountant-related woes. Say goodbye to unanswered calls and unreturned emails, and say hello to a new era of accounting support designed with you in mind.

Why choose Zweck?

  • Instant Accessibility: We pride ourselves on being accessible when you need us the most. Our team of dedicated professionals is just a call or click away, ready to address your concerns and answer your questions promptly.
  • Proactive Communication: We don’t just wait for you to call us; we’re proactive in reaching out when necessary. Whether it’s tax deadlines, financial planning opportunities, or important updates, we keep you informed and in control.
  • Personalised Support: Your financial situation is unique, and so is our approach. We tailor our services to meet your specific needs, ensuring you receive the attention and guidance you deserve.
  • Experienced Professionals: Our team comprises seasoned accounting experts who are knowledgeable and dedicated to your financial success. You can trust us to provide accurate and insightful advice.
  • Transparent Pricing: Say goodbye to hidden fees and unexpected costs. Our transparent pricing ensures you know exactly what to expect, so there are no surprises down the road.

Don’t let an unresponsive accountant prevent you from achieving your financial goals. Make the switch to Zweck today and experience the difference firsthand. We’re here to be your trusted financial partner, offering the support and communication you’ve longed for.

Contact us today to organise a complimentary meeting to see where we can assist.

Year-End Financial Review: Is Your Accountant On It

Does your accountant meet with you to review your EOFY Financial Statements & Income Tax Returns? If not, then why not?

The end of the financial year (EOFY) is a critical milestone for businesses and individuals. It’s when financial statements are finalized, income tax returns are prepared, and a clear picture of your financial health emerges. But here’s the crucial question: Does your accountant meet with you to go through your EOFY financial statements and income tax returns? If not, then why not?

In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance of an end-of-year review with your accountant and why it should be an essential part of your financial strategy.

  1. Gain Clarity and Insight – Meeting with your accountant at the end of the financial year provides an invaluable opportunity to gain clarity and insight into your financial standing. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about understanding what those numbers mean for your financial future. Your accountant can explain the details of your financial statements and help you interpret the data in a way that is meaningful to you.
  2. Identify Opportunities and Challenges – During the year-end review, your accountant can help you identify both opportunities and challenges in your financial situation. Are there areas where you can save on taxes? Are there structuring opportunities you should consider? Are there potential risks you need to address? These are the kinds of questions that can be explored during this crucial meeting.
  3. Strategic Planning for the Future – The end of the financial year is an ideal time to engage in strategic planning for the year ahead. Your accountant can work with you to set financial goals, create a budget, and outline a roadmap to achieve your objectives. This proactive approach can help you stay on track and make informed financial decisions throughout the year.
  4. Ensure Compliance and Accuracy – Meeting with your accountant at EOFY ensures that your income tax returns are prepared accurately and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. This reduces the risk of errors or omissions that could lead to costly penalties or audits down the line. It’s a proactive step toward financial peace of mind.
  5. Address Your Questions and Concerns – Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of meeting with your accountant at EOFY is the opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have. Whether it’s about your tax liabilities, business issues, or any financial uncertainty, your accountant is there to provide answers and guidance.

At Zweck, we believe in the power of communication, collaboration, and transparency. We understand that your financial well-being is not just about numbers on a page; it’s about your dreams, goals, and aspirations. That’s why we make it a priority to meet with our clients at EOFY and throughout the year to provide the support and guidance they need.

Ready to experience the difference a proactive and communicative accountant can make in your financial journey? Contact us today to schedule a complimentary meeting to discuss where we can help you. 

Let’s talk about how we can take your business to the next level.