May-June –2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Beware ATO scams
• Are you ready for tax time?
• Are you registered with MyGov ?
• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Beware ATO scams

Now the tax season is approaching there has been a sharp increase in ATO related tax scams. Finally ATO has published their web information on how to report/detect a scam. See here: https://www.ato.gov.au/general/online-services/identity-security/verify-or-report-a-scam/

Briefly – if you suspect an email you receive is a tax or ATO related scam and are unsure, forward the complete email without changes to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au  then delete the email.

Its really important that everyone understands the ATO will never

• threaten you with immediate arrest
• ask you to pay money to receive a refund or payment from us
• ask you to pay a debt via iTunes vouchers, or pre-paid credit card or store gift cards
• ask you to provide personal information, such as your tax file number (TFN) or credit card number, via email or SMS
• ask you to pay money into a personal bank account
• direct you to download files from the internet, or open attachments in unsolicited emails.

If you receive a phone call and are unsure if it is a genuine ATO call, contact 1800 008 540 to verify if it is a genuine call.

Are you ready for tax time?

Now is a good time to start collecting and recording your work related expense claims.

If you intend to claim vehicle mileage for work – do you have a log book?

Are you keeping a record made of telephone and internet usage for work?

ATO has issued guidelines on the deductability of work related expenses in that an ‘estimate’ of use is longer acceptable – ATO requires diarised evidence or for example a phone bill that lists all the numbers called in relation to work or some other reasonable evidence of a claim. If you are unsure – call me now to discuss.

Are you registered with MyGov ?

If you are registered with MyGov and have linked to ATO you may not be aware that any correspondence from ATO will go directly to your MyGov inbox.

This means,  important communications by-passes this office. Usually, any correspondence received is processed, recorded and actioned on your behalf if necessary. This does not occur when your ATO communication goes directly to your inbox.

If you have linked your ATO to MyGov it would be a good idea to get into the habit of checking the inbox regularly so you do not miss important mail from ATO. The alternative is to unlink your MyGov account with ATO and all correspondence will again pass thru this office.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good – bennetts business is growing – thank you to everyone for your continued support and referrals!

The Bad– From 1 September 2017 bennetts tax & bas service will be registered for GST

The Ugly – Its not so bad for businesses or persons already registered for GST themselves as GST paid will be claimed back on your next BAS lodgement.

For individuals not registered for GST – our fees will continue to remain as competitive as possible. At bennetts tax & bas service we believe services should be affordable and competitive. This is something we take much pride in.

Have your returns prepared BEFORE 1 September, -GST will not apply to you.

I personally look forward to your continued support and patronage and will continue to offer affordable rates and value across all of our services. That’s my promise to you.

Best!

Diane