The ATO estimates that incorrect reporting of rental property income and expenses is costing around $1 billion each year in forgone tax
revenue. A big part of the problem is how taxpayers are claiming interest on their investment property loans.
We’ve seen an uptick in ATO activity focussing on refinanced or redrawn loans. This activity is a result of a major
data matching program of residential property loan data from financial institutions from 2021-22 to 2025-26. This data is being matched
to what taxpayers have claimed on their tax returns. Those with anomalies can expect contact from the ATO to explain the discrepancy.
If you have an investment property loan and redraw on the loan for a different purpose to the original borrowing, the loan account becomes a
mixed purpose account. Interest accruing on mixed purpose accounts need to be apportioned between each of the different purposes the money
was used for.
On the other hand, if the redrawn funds are used to produce investment income, then the interest on this portion of the loan should be
deductible.
For example, if you have redrawn on the loan to pay for a private holiday, or pay down personal debt, then the interest relating to this
portion of the loan balance is not deductible. Not only will the interest expenses need to be apportioned into deductible and non-deductible
parts, but repayments will normally need to be apportioned too.
Withdrawals from an offset account are treated as savings rather than a new borrowing. If you have a loan account and an interest offset
account is attached to this account that reduces the interest payable on the loan, withdrawing funds from the offset account will typically
increase the amount of interest accruing on the loan, but won’t change the deductible percentage of the interest expenses.
That is, when you withdraw funds from the offset account this is really a withdrawal of savings and won’t impact on the extent to which
interest accruing on the loan account is deductible.
If you have a home loan that was used to acquire your private home and you have funds sitting in an offset account, withdrawing those funds
to pay the deposit on a rental property won’t enable you to claim any of the interest accruing on the home loan.
However, if you redraw funds from the home loan to acquire a rental property then interest accruing on this portion of the loan should
be deductible. The tax treatment always depends on how the arrangement is structured.
Think you might have a problem? Contact us and we can investigate the issue before the ATO contact you.
Treat finding an accountant like speed dating. Life is busy, you need your accounts looked after and you don’t have time to wade through all the possible suitors. You know what you’re looking for – someone who is on the same page as you, who’s going to hit the deck running and who’s going to make your life easier with them in it.
Following many requests from clients SMART Business Solutions has now started a dedicated bookkeeping division offering you the opportunity to spend more time on your business and less time with the nitty gritty of bookkeeping
SMART Business Solutions are proud to have been awarded several significant awards recently.
We are extremely proud to announce that Shannon Smit, has been appointed to the Board of Taxation’s Advisory Panel for 2016.
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Don’t be left up in the air by traditional IT solutions. Check out our top 10 advantages for small businesses switching to cloud computing.Cloud computing is fast becoming the norm because storing information and using software hosted on the Internet has many advantages.
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We are frequently asked questions about obligations for WorkCover and Payroll tax. In this article we explore the details, cutting through the legal jargon so you can gain a greater understanding of how it effects you and your business.
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New Year’s Eve is famous for the New Year’s Resolutions people make to better themselves in the coming year. What about your financial future? How can you ensure you stick to your resolution?
Small business owners have a lot to think about: sales, staffing, customer service, vision, growth, the list goes on. In fact, it is hard not to think about your business when you’re a small business owner. Perhaps the one responsibility you would rather not think about is bookkeeping/accounting?
Some business owners try to avoid the hassles of accounting by simply ignoring the problem. “I’m too busy,” they say, but no business can hide from accounting. If late lodgement penalties aren’t motivating enough, hopefully the knowledge that you have basically no visibility into the vital indicators of business health will be.
Sure, there are online tools out there to make the process less burdensome, but could your time be better spent? And while you might think that a part-time bookkeeper might solve your problem, it really depends on your needs, and there are downsides there too.
HERE ARE what we think are THE TOP 5 REASONS TO OUTSOURCE YOUR bookkeeping to SMART Bookkeeping Solutions in Mornington
We often hear from clients “I often forget to send invoice reminders or statements and invoices are falling through the cracks, can Xero help with this?” Easy, of course it can!
It's time to celebrate! SMART Business Solutions are pleased to share with our clients some exciting news. The Finalists in the Australian Accounting Awards have been announced with the team being successful finalists in the following categories
- Best Marketing (you know we always try to be different!) Shannon was also interviewed http://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/breaking-news/8605-accountants-must-touch-their-clients-12-times-a-year
- Accounting Student - Well done Hayden!
- Office Administrator - Awesome effort Nicole!
- Partner of the Year - Shannon Smit for both Transfer Pricing Solutions & SMART Business Solutions
Quality Matters – Independent review with outstanding results for SMART Business Solutions
Paying an accountant to handle all of your financial reporting can be expensive, but if you have several different sources and deductions or if you own a small business, it can be worth it.
Is your business thriving, but you struggle to maintain positive cash flow?
Don’t let it crumble from underneath you
It’s nearly BAS time again - tips to make BAS processing easier
BAS time seems to come around quicker and quicker! Here are some tips to try and make it a little easier!
With June 30 quickly approaching we are pleased to provide our year end checklists and questionnaires to help you get organised.
Tax planning is more than just a financial necessity—it's a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can significantly reduce your liabilities, enhance cash flow, and ensure full compliance with ever-evolving tax regulations.
