Some principals think that telling a client to “put more money into super” is tax planning. Yes — contributing to superannuation is a great tax strategy. But it’s just one tactic. Real tax planning is a ten-stage process that considers the client’s full situation and identifies multiple strategies to maximise tax savings and business outcomes. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Even…
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Even in firms that already offer tax planning, I see the same mistake over and over again. They only offer it to a few clients they think are the “ideal” candidates. The result? Clients miss out on strategies that could save them thousands. The practice misses out on revenue it should be earning. It’s like Woolworths deciding to…
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Not all tax planning is created equal. The General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) in Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 give the ATO sweeping powers to unwind transactions it sees as tax avoidance – and impose penalties of up to 50% of the tax payable. Key questions Part IVA asks: Was there a scheme? Was a tax benefit obtained (e.g.,…
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As accountants, we’re trusted to help clients reduce tax legally. But there’s a fine line – and some go way over it. The ATO estimates 1.6 million businesses are part of Australia’s illegal cash economy. And that’s just the beginning. Here are just a few of the 15 most common illegal tax strategies: Paying or receiving undeclared cash wages Not…
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Implementing industry: Building & construction Original service level: Annual compliance – $3,000/year Background Two years ago, a mid-sized accounting firm was providing basic compliance work for a building industry client. The business was turning over $12 million a year, but despite the size, profitability was low. Two working directors were taking home only $300,000 combined in…
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In Australia, we’re privileged to live in a safe, prosperous society — one supported by a tax system that works because most individuals and businesses pay their fair share, voluntarily and lawfully. At TaxFitness, we believe that minimising tax within the boundaries of the law is not only legal — it’s encouraged. Complying with the law to reduce…
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Are you helping your clients use them wisely? According to the Commonwealth Treasury’s Tax Expenditures Statement (2016), these are Australia’s most costly but legal tax breaks: Main residence CGT exemption: $61.5B Concessional tax on super earnings: $16.9B Concessional tax on super contributions: $16.9B CGT discount for individuals/trusts: $9.6B GST exemption – fresh food: $6.9B GST exemption…
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You can have the best tax planning report in the world, but if nothing is implemented, your client saves $0. Implementation is where tax planning becomes real It’s the final and most critical step in the process. Here’s why implementation matters: Turn strategy into action — move from theory to results Maximise tax savings —…
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We’ve just released a major suite of upgrades to help you deliver higher-value, tailored, and more strategic advice to your clients. 1. Custom report titles Rename reports to match your client’s exact needs: – Asset Protection Report – Top 20% Benchmarking Report – Family Group Tax Strategy – Wealth Report – Profit Optimisation Plan You choose the title to make every report…
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Tax planning isn’t just about running numbers or generating reports. The true value lies in the advisory meeting — the conversation that transforms strategy into action. This is where accountants elevate their role from compliance processors to trusted strategic advisors. Here’s how high-performing firms deliver maximum impact in client meetings: Present the tax planning report with clarity and purpose Walk…
Read More »"You’d be stupid not to try to cut your tax bill and those that don’t are stupid in business"
- Bono: U2