Rental property investors have access to a range of tax strategies. One such strategy, which is often underutilised, is claiming depreciation as a tax deduction.

Property expenses, such as depreciation and capital works expenditure, can be deducted over a number years, adding to a significant return for property investors come tax time.
 

The Government will apply transitional arrangements to SMSFs affected by the retrospective aspects of the Federal Budget’s proposal to limit non-concessional contributions. In the 2016-17 Federal Budget, the introduction of a lifetime cap of $500,000 on non-concessional superannuation contributions, including contributions since 2007, was announced. 

Since change is an inevitable part of Australia’s superannuation system, taxpayers should always be aware of and on the lookout for super strategies that they can take advantage of.

Self-managed super funds (SMSF) have until 31 January 2017 to conform to the ATO’s new rules on related party loans.
 
 A guidance paper released by the Tax Office stated that related-party loans e.g. family trusts or private companies to SMSFs now must be at interest rates of 7.75 per cent for shares and 5.75 per cent for property.

Recent changes were made to the CGT treatment on the sale and purchase of businesses involving ‘look-through earnout’ rights.

On 25 February 2016, a new law was enacted to deal with the tax treatment of earnouts for vendors and purchasers.