I am picking up a few issues stopping people getting the ESP payment. If the taxpayer receives dividends, rebates, etc. which are greater than the tax payable & medicare then there is no payment.

Case 1:
A client entitled to claim the Entrepreneur Tax Offset was better off by $650 by not claiming the Offset & instead getting the $900 ESP.

Case 2:
A client who takes a dividend each year rather than a wage for his labour is worse off than if he had paid himself a wage.

In both cases the… Continue

I found this web page while searching for tax rates & thought it may be useful. Australiabiz.com.au

As of 1 July 2009 there will changes to what the employer has to report regarding Superannuation. Salary Sacrifice will now be a reportable matter. Full information on the changes are available from the ATO at Reportable employer super contributions. If you deal with employees & superannuation, you really need to read this.

In the press recently I noted a number of tax agents had complained about the ATO paying the Economic Stimulus Payment (ESP) into their trust accounts rather than direct to client. While this will create some expense to the Tax Agent what cost does it create in making public your problem? These agents should look at this as a marketing opportunity. They should turn it to their advantage.

Cheques can be sent out with newsletters or brochures. A note to the client advising them of the ATO error,… Continue

This time of year I do not normally pick up many new clients, as most people are completing tax returns & it makes things complicated. This year so many people have come to me that it is hard to complete the existing work I have scheduled. This highlights a number of issues. Firstly why are people changing accountants. From my observations it seems to be two things. Poor work done & a lack of communication. This is bad service & bad business. I work very hard to meet all clients need… Continue