Our Blog
Report or Verify an ATO Scam...
As most of you will be aware there are so many scams out there, and the scammers are becoming so proficient it is increasingly difficult to determine what is authentic and what is a scam. The ATO is a prime target for scammers and some of the most recent scams are very convincing. Scams are out there in all formats - a phone call, an email or even an SMS text message. To help our clients determine what is or what isn't a scam, please note the following:
The ATO will never:
- threaten you with immediate arrest
- ask you to pay money to receive a refund or payment from them
- 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.
You should never:
- click on any links or open attachments
- provide personal information such as your tax file number, bank details or credit card number, or
- respond to the sender.
If you think you are a victim of a scam, or to verify if the call you have received could be a scam, please contact the ATO on 1800 008 540 Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm. If you receive a scam email, please forward directly to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au without making any changes or amendments, and delete from both your inbox and sent folders. Remember DO NOT click on links or open any attachments as these may be designed to install malicious malware to your computer.
To view examples of recent scams, or to read further, see the following ATO info page: Verify or report a scam
What is in store for business in 2017 in Australia and beyond?
Our February 2017 Business and Tax Update looks at the top four items that may bring challenges to you and your business in the year ahead.
1. "Trumponomics" - the impact the new US President may have on our own business environment...
2. Innovation - the key word for a strong business future...
3. Superannuation changes and the importance of getting good advice...
4. As our world grows ever smaller we need to be aware of our tax obligations when we work overseas or deal internationally...
Our friends at the Institute of Chartered Accountants are making sure we are ready for the upcoming changes to Superannuation.
These changes are the most significant changes to superannuation in a decade.
In brief
- The government's super changes received Royal Assent on 29 November.
- This action provides the final green light to the introduction of the most significant changes to superannuation in a decade.
- These changes are far reaching and will have a broad impact on all superannuation account holders, especially those in or nearing pension phase.
Preparing for the new superannuation landscape - if you wish to discuss how these changes might affect you please contact our office for an appointment with Scott, our authorised Politis representative.
Our Office will close at 5.30 pm on Thursday 22 December 2016 and re-open 9.00 am Monday 9 January 2017.
We wish all our clients and friends a safe and wonderful Holiday Season and we look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year!
It's Christmas… 
that time of year when the festivities not only bring joy but excessive expenses, potential harassment claims, and other employer headaches. Read further for a few tips on how to protect your business at the traditional work Christmas party. Have you got a plan in place to ensure that all remains merry and bright?
Would you buy property with friends or relatives? Another potential minefield of issues, our December update provides a few things to work through before you take this step.
In this new quarterly update from our Financial Planning partners at Politis Investment Strategies the focus is on the slow global economic growth and the outlook for Australia's economy in the current economic environment.
As always Politis Portfolios and their performance are reviewed and new benchmarks and target returns are discussed. If you would like to discuss your current financial plan please contact our office to speak to an advisor.
Read more here...
Time for a change? Thinking of selling your business? Understand what you are selling and the tax implications. Our October 2016 newsletter covers the top issues for business owners and investors to give you food for thought...
Paid parental leave has become a contentious issue in todays' political climate. Where are we up to with changes to the legislation and where does Australia rank with other OECD countries in providing these benefits to the women who contribute to our workforce? Read an update here...
Business and Tax Update October 2016
Making Sense of the Super Reforms
If you are waiting for the superannuation reforms announced in the Budget to pass Parliament before working out what they mean to you, you might miss out on any opportunities available. Read further to assess what these changes mean to you. If you need further advice please give us a call to discuss your personal situation with our authorised financial planning representative.
Super Reforms Update - October 2016
Which budget announcements are likely to make it through in the wake of the election? This month's business and tax updates looks at a number of items of interest and discusses how likely they are to become reality.
Ever considered "Crowdfunding" to raise money for your project? Read if it is worth the effort in this months newsletter...
Investor Update – July 2016
The UK's referendum result to leave the European Union caused a surge in market volatility in June 2016. Closer to home, stocks listed on the ASX with substantial UK exposure sold off particularly heavily in the wake of the decision. Read about the impact and what it may mean to your investment portfolio in more detail in our July Investment Update. Also a reminder from 1 July 2016 our Muswellbrook office of Davies, Thompson & Wright is an authorised representative of Politis Investment Strategies, with appointments available now to discuss your investment strategies.
INVESTOR UPDATE - July 2016.pdf