Businesses need to access finance with ease in order to sustain and develop themselves. Is your current bank still cutting it? Here are some indicators and tips to effectively assess your business’ banking needs.
Assessing your needs: Evaluating and reevaluating your business’ financial needs is the first step towards choosing the right institution for your business. While drawbacks on customer service, high bank fees, or an increase in interest rates are clear red flags, you can also consider if your bank supports the direction of your business as it grows. That is, how will the bank affect your business if you choose to operate online? How will your bank manage a larger line of credit in the future? Does your business benefit more with a personal relationship with a small bank or the efficiencies provided by a larger bank? Consulting a financial advisor and developing a relationship early on can reduce headaches later on.
Choosing the right bank: After identifying your business’ needs and possible trajectory, identify the key features you are looking for in a bank and be sure to have questions ready before meeting with bankers to compare effectively. Again, consider if the bank is flexible enough to meet your needs, and reevaluate services you have been paying for previously but may no longer need. For example, would an online bank work for your business?
Managing a trust comes with its share of responsibilities, especially regarding tax compliance.
To assist trustees and administrators, the ATO has provided a checklist that can be used to streamline the tax process. This is a crucial tool for ensuring that the trust’s affairs are managed efficiently and effectively in accordance with tax regulations.
Let’s delve deeper into what the Resolutions Checklist entails:
Distribution Resolutions: One of the primary tasks is to determine how income will be distributed among beneficiaries for the financial year. This resolution must be documented and finalised before 30 June to optimise tax outcomes for the trust and its beneficiaries. Trustees must consider each beneficiary’s tax position and financial circumstances when making distribution decisions.
Trustee Resolutions: Trustee decisions throughout the year, such as acquisitions or disposals of trust assets, loan agreements, or changes to the trust deed, need to be documented and ratified through resolutions. These resolutions serve as formal acknowledgments of the decisions made by the trustees and provide a clear record of the trust’s activities.
Trust Income Allocation: Trust income comprises various components, including assessable income, exempt income, and deductions. Trustees must accurately determine and record each component to ensure compliance with tax laws. Proper recording and reporting of income and expenses are essential for tax purposes and may impact the tax liabilities of both the trust and its beneficiaries.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Considerations: Trustees must review any CGT events during the year and determine the distribution of capital gains or losses among beneficiaries. CGT decisions can significantly affect the tax outcomes for both the trust and its beneficiaries, making careful consideration and documentation are essential.
Streaming Resolutions: Some trust deeds allow for income streaming, which involves allocating specific types of income to beneficiaries based on their individual tax preferences or circumstances. Trustees need to make resolutions to implement income streaming effectively, considering the trust deed provisions and tax implications.
Minutes and Records: All trustee resolutions and decisions must be documented in writing, including minutes of meetings and any supporting documentation. Proper record-keeping is crucial for demonstrating compliance with tax regulations and providing an audit trail of the trust’s activities.
Trust Deed Review and Update: Regular review and, if necessary, updating of the trust deed are essential to ensure that it remains compliant with current laws and regulations. Trust deeds should accurately reflect the intentions of the trustees and beneficiaries and provide a solid legal foundation for the trust’s operations.
Trustees can streamline the tax compliance process and minimise the risk of errors or oversights.
However, seeking professional advice is essential if you’re unsure about any aspect of trust management or tax obligations. With proper planning, documentation, and compliance, trustees can ensure that their trusts operate smoothly and remain compliant with tax laws.
Why not start a conversation with us today to find out how we could assist you with your trust documentation?
