Are you fulfilling your tax and superannuation reporting obligations?

As part of an effort to ensure taxpayers are fulfilling both their tax and superannuation obligations, the ATO has approached insurers and asked that they provide policy details for lifestyle assets that sit above a particular threshold as part of their data-matching program.

The policy details are for a further five year period, from 2015-16 to 2019-20, from 30+ insurers in relation to taxpayers who own thoroughbred horses, fine art, marine vessels, high value motor vehicles and aircraft. The ATO expects that the information collected will relate to around 350,000 taxpayers who own assets that are valued at:

  • Marine vessels – $100,000 or more;
  • Motor vehicles – $65,000 or more;
  • Thoroughbred horses – $65,000 or more;
  • Fine art – $100,000 or more per item; and
  • Aircraft – $150,000 or more.

The information collected in relation to lifestyle assets will be used by the ATO in their compliance profiling activities, with this kind of data being collated to form a clearer picture as to the financial situation of taxpayers, as opposed to what is just on their tax returns. The ATO have stated however that the data will not be used to initiate automated compliance activity, and that this is done through specific processes and methodologies.

“If a taxpayer is reporting a taxable income of $70,000 to us but we know they own a $3 million yacht then this is likely to raise some red flags... Regardless of your level of wealth, we all need to pay the correct amount of tax, and this data will allow us to ensure those people who can afford these kinds of items are doing the right thing, along with everyone else." - Deborah Jenkins, Deputy ATO Commissioner

The information will be made available to the ATO compliance teams to assist in risk profiling of some taxpayers, as well as determining if anyone is understating their income or not declaring capital gains made on lifestyle assets. It will also be used to determine if any incorrect GST input tax credits have been reported, where assets have been purchased purely for personal use as opposed to businesses reasons and fines will apply, and some SMSFs asset purchasing will also be reviewed.

If you’d like to know more about the ATO and your lifestyle assets, speak to our experienced Sunshine Coast accountants at (07) 5471 7077 or complete our online accountant appointment request today.

Resources

Public Accountant (ATO sets sights on lifestyle assets): https://www.publicaccountant.com.au/news/ato-sets-sights-on-lifestyle-assets

Accountant & Bookkeeper Reviews

Bottom Line Control Reviews

1
5
/5
6
 Reviews

Bottom line Control, headed by Malcolm Chilman, have been by tax agent/accountant/book keeper for more than 10 years now, and I have nothing but praise for the efficient and cost effective way they go about their work. I have recently given them my SMSF as well and am impressed by the meticulous way he goes about the process of staying within the lines of the over-complex Superannuation law. Whether it is simple BAS bookkeeping or complex questions of tax law, Malcolm is always there to help. And if he does not know some intimate detail of our almost incomprehensible tax process, he knows where to find the answer. Every business has the occasional need for a quick answer, so one of the characteristics that I appreciate here, is Malcolm's ready availability, by phone and email.

PA Apartments - Business Accountant Client

Byron Scott

PA Apartments

Business Owner & Investor

40 Wholseley St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102

Phone: (07) 3891 1742 | Email: info@PAapartments.com.au

Thank you for your support, and assistance over the past several years. I personally feel that from our cooperative services that Ram Automotive has been able to grow toward the sustainable company of which is today. Bottom Line Control has given myself a great understanding of the companies finances, and also through ongoing fiscal performance meetings. Now knowing what Ram Automotive can expect for the future. I look forward to an ongoing relationship with Malcolm and Bottom Line control, to secure our future within our community.

PA Apartments - Business Accountant Client

Matthew Katterns

Ram Automotive

Proprietor of Ram Automotive Coolum Beach

We changed all of our financials over to Bottom Line a few years ago and have been quite impressed with the service and advice we have received. Nothing is too much to ask of them. Thank you to Malcolm and staff for being there for us.

PA Apartments - Business Accountant Client

Wayne & Penny Rex

Rex and Turtle

Business owners and Property Developers

We switched to Bottom Line Control after realizing that our previous accountant was giving us incorrect advice and charging a premium for it. We have now been using Bottom Line Control for several years and have found Malcolm to be thorough and reasonably priced. He always finds ways to save money on our taxes. Malcolm and his staff are highly responsive and very easy to work with. We highly recommend.

PA Apartments - Business Accountant Client

Alex & Rebecca Watson

Equathon Horse Riding

PO Box 301 Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

Phone: (07) 5474 2665

Thanks Malcolm for saving me the stress of sorting through all the issues of self-employment, and the many confusing deductions and tax items associated with that. Although I was extremely late in lodging my tax return, it was not a problem for you, and you managed to get me a healthy refund when I was sure I was going to have a bill! I will certainly be using your services in the future and have already been recommending you to others.

PA Apartments - Business Accountant Client

Kim Anderson

The Anderson Outloook

Freelance Journalis