Latest News

Using the Margin Scheme When Selling New Residential Property

When building new residential property with the intention of selling for a profit, the biggest consideration, apart from income tax, is GST.

Following on from last month, where we discussed the tax consequences of different types of developments, this month we take a more in-depth look at how you can use the ‘Margin Scheme’ to reduce your GST liabilities.....

Australian House Market Report - July 2015

Key take outs from the latest Australian House Market Report prepared by RP Data and National Australia Bank include:

• Nationally (capital city) house values increased by 7.9% for the 12 months to April 2015
• Sydney recorded strongest ...

Taxing Developments - API Article

In recent months I’ve had a number of conversations with clients who are building new residential properties, a couple intending to keep the property and rent it out and some intending to sell for a profit. When I informed these clients of the potential tax implications of selling, they were ...

Land Tax - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - API Article

When you buy your first (or even second) investment property, land tax is likely the last thing on your mind. Even less likely if you’re buying a new family home and have decided to keep the old one and rent it out. With land tax rates skyrocketing in some states over recent years, this can be a nasty surprise.

Land tax is imposed by all state and territory governments in Australia, except for the Northern Territory. It’s based on the cumulative value of all unimproved land that you own, other than .....

2015/16 Variation Checklist

Our 2015/16 Variation Checklist is now uploaded to our website. if you have not already done so, now is the time to request a 2015/16 PAYG Withholding Variation. A new variation must ......

The Tax Implications of Subdividing your Backyard - API Article

Subdividing your PPOR (principal place of residence) is a strategy we often get asked about. If you’re thinking about going down this path, there’s a lot to consider before making your decision.

There are many different strategies with different outcomes, depending on whether you’re planning to sell the part with the house, or the vacant land, or build and move in, build and rent out or .....

Holiday House Rules - API Article

You’ve purchased a holiday house and now you need to decide if you keep it for yourselves, or rent it out to help pay for it. There’s a lot to consider…

If you don’t like the idea of someone else using your holiday house and you won’t rent it out, there are still a few things to remember. All the holding costs for the property can be used to reduce .....

The Future for SMSF Borrowing - API Article

Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) have been able to borrow to fund investment property purchases using limited recourse borrowing arrangements since 2007 and this has been a great strategy for investors to increase their property portfolio.

The ability to save up to 34 per cent income tax while paying off loan principal and to have your super fund assets free from capital gains tax .....