Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is a tax an employer pays on certain benefits they provide to their employees, including their employees’ family or other associates. The benefit may be in addition to, or part of, their salary or wages package. Fringe benefits tax is separate to income tax and is calculated on the taxable value of the fringe benefits provided.
Recently, the Australian Tax Office has released information for business owners which outlines some of the most common FBT mistakes made over recent financial years, as there are some misconceptions surrounding FBT exemptions of certain benefits provided to employees.
A condition of an FBT exemption is that the benefit provided is primarily used to enable the employee to do their job. In determining a benefit’s primary use, the Tax Office considers the employee’s ‘intended use’ at the time the benefit is provided.
There are also benefits that an employer can provide that are already deemed FBT exempt, such as work-related items like laptops, computer software and mobile phones.
Some of the circumstances the ATO has advised businesses to be wary of include:
Garaging a business vehicle at an employee’s residence; this may be deemed a car fringe benefit
Contributions an employee makes to reduce the taxable value of a fringe benefit are assessable income for income tax purposes and are also possibly taxable supplies for GST purposes
If employees have incurred any fuel and oil expenses they must provide the employer with a declaration to substantiate these expenses
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?