Our latest insights

Discover the latest insight on FBT for employee car parking outside the CBD areas. Learn about the recent Federal Court decision, its implications for employers and how Grant Thornton’s experienced Employment Solutions team can help you navigate changes.

Stay informed about key updates impacting payroll and employment taxes, including the end of the FBT exemption for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, new pay-day superannuation rules, and FBT year-end compliance tips. Learn how to navigate these changes effectively.

Stay updated on the FBT exemption phase-out for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) effective from 1 April 2025. Learn about the Independent Senator’s Bill, ATO guidance, and examples of financially binding commitments affecting FBT treatment.

From 1 July 2024, revised tax rates will affect NFP salary packaging. Despite reduced rates impacting tax savings, employees should still see savings, varying by income and salary packaging arrangements.

The ATO has recently finalised its guidelines on how electricity costs for charging electric vehicles at home may be calculated for FBT and income tax purposes.

The employment taxes landscape in Australia is constantly evolving. There has been increased focus from the Australian Taxation Office and State Revenue Offices, leading to a rise in employment tax compliance audits.

Organisations that used to have the option of self-assessing their income tax exemption status will soon be required to submit an annual self-review report to the Australian Taxation Office.

The recent Court decision in the Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd v FC of T 2023 (the Bechtel case) ruling that fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) employees’ travel is deductible, has created a shift in the treatment of travel expenses for workers in mining, gas, transport and other industries. This ruling contrasts with the John Holland Group Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2015] FCAFC82 (the John Holland case), causing notable effects.

During the FY23 financial year, our Employment solutions team highlighted key updates, issues and ATO review activity that finance and payroll leaders need to be across in a series of webinars, seminars and insights. Here we’ve summarised some of those key items which remain relevant as we approach FY24 including fringe benefits, single touch payroll, superannuation guarantee, employee vs contractor and employee share schemes.

We have heard from numerous clients that their employees are concerned about the new reporting required under Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 (STP2). In particular, the concern relates to how salary packaging arrangements might impact various means tested government levies and allowances – such as Family Assistance and Child Support Payments.

The ATO has recently released guidance to assist in determining the application of the FBT exemption for EVs. There is some helpful clarification provided, but a few other areas remain ambiguous. Here are some of the highlights.

Legislation for the long awaited FBT exemption for electric vehicles has finally passed through the Senate. A few amendments moved by the Greens were agreed to by the Government in order to get the legislation through. Here is a summary of the new rules.