When this article goes to print it will be 30 June - that
special day in the calendar when everyone's thoughts turn to tax - at least for
a moment!
Last week, we held our annual Tax and Property Seminar, where
one of the questions we were asked on the night was regarding the small
business incentives announced in the Federal Budget. There seems to be
some confusion regarding the $20,000 immediate deduction for new capital items
such as plant and equipment.
First and foremost, you must meet the definition of a small
business, that is, your turnover ("top line", sales/income) must be
less than $2million. If your income is greater than this amount, then you
are ineligible for the small business incentives.
Secondly, you need to understand that the immediate deduction
does not mean you will "get back" the amount you spend on the item.
So you don't get a $20,000 tax refund if you spend $20,000 on an item.
It just means you can deduct the full $20,000 against your assessable
income in this financial year, instead of claiming it over several years.
So if you operate your business in a company and therefore pay tax at a
rate of 30%, and you spend $20,000 you will save $6,000 in tax in the same year
in which you buy the item. Of course, if you don't have $20,000 in
assessable income (profit) against which to claim the deduction then you won't
save any tax!
Another common misunderstanding is that you will get "tax
back", when you haven't pre-paid any tax!
Therefore, there are times when these incentives and
opportunities are just not practical or effective for you and your business.
Don't be seduced into spending your hard-earned cash. It pays to seek
professional advice before you act. At Sothertons Gladstone we are here
to help you. Call us on 49721300.
No comments:
Post a Comment