Our latest insights

With the introduction of STP Phase 2 fast approaching, it will come as no surprise that the ATO is continuing to draw out their data-matching capabilities.

As part of its justified trust program, the ATO seeks greater assurance that Top 100 and Top 1000 assurance taxpayers are reporting the right amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

On 3 November 2021, the High Court of Australia handed down a landmark decision, ruling that the “backpacker tax” imposed on a UK national who was deemed to be an Australian tax resident was in breach of the non-discrimination clauses in the Australia-UK Double Tax Agreement.

On 27th March 2021, the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia's Jobs and Economic Recovery) Act 2021 (the Amendment) which implemented new casual employment conversion arrangements received royal assent and came into effect.

Both the ATO and the State Revenue Offices have a number of focus areas putting employment taxes squarely on the agenda again.

In this podcast, we speak to Tom Isbell, partner and Remunerations Tax specialist at Grant Thornton, about skilled migration and global talent management.

As of 1 July 2021 it is now a criminal offence for Victorian employers to deliberately underpay employees or dishonestly withhold their entitlements.

Single Touch Payroll (STP) has been mandatory for all Australian employers since 1 July 2019. After two years of embedding, the ATO has confirmed that Phase 2 of STP reporting will commence on 1 January 2022.

The Government today announced significant changes to Australian Tax residency rules aimed at providing certainty and simplification for businesses and their employees as Australian borders begin to start re-opening to the world.

The ATO recently issued a set of three publications outlining the tax deductibility and fringe benefits tax (FBT) consequences of transport, accommodation and travel-related food and drink expenditure.

2019 has been an interesting and challenging year for businesses, both large and small. As well as grappling with a weakening economy and an unsettled global trading environment, one consistent theme that stands out in Australia is an increased focus on employment tax compliance, with a raft of law changes, audit activity and landmark cases.

All organisations are grappling with the myriad of employee agreements and obligations that result in a wide variety of payments to their people.