Determining your Foreign Tax Situation
Australian citizen or foreign resident? To determine your foreign tax situation, identify if you are an Australian resident or a foreign resident using the residency tests, as this affects your tax obligations and declaration requirements. Category Matters To determine your tax obligations, first establish whether you are an Australian resident or a foreign resident, as […]
Minimum Wage Increase in Australia
The national minimum wage increased to $19.84 per hour Australia’s minimum wage increased to $19.84 per hour as of July 1, 2020, benefiting over 2.2 million workers, with a staggered implementation across different industry groups due to the impact of COVID-19 1.75% increase The 1.75% wage increase translates to a weekly income of $753.80 for […]
Work From Home Office Deductions
WFH expenses increasing your household overhead costs? For home-office deductions in Australia, the ATO offers three methods—Shortcut, Fixed Rate, and Actual Cost—each catering to different levels of expense and record-keeping requirements. Additional Expenses The shift to working from home due to the pandemic has led to additional expenses, which can be claimed as deductions according […]
Amnesty for Underpaid Superannuation
Employers can avoid penalties for super underpayments The new Treasury Law Amendment on Unpaid Superannuation provides amnesty for employers who voluntarily disclose superannuation underpayments, avoiding penalties and offering employees compensation Taking the confusion Away The Treasury Law Amendment on Unpaid Superannuation, effective March 6, addresses confusion from a 2018 amnesty and allows employers to avoid […]
Australian Universities Struggle Brought by Pandemic
Amidst economic uncertainties, how do universities rethink their strategies? The pandemic has significantly impacted Australian universities. Travel restrictions and visa challenges impact the numbers of international student enrollments, posing threat to residency prospects in the near- and long-term. Universities must pivot their financial and operational strategies to adapt to these changes and ensure future viability. […]
User Privacy on Use of CovidSafe App
Why does the App draw privacy questions? The COVIDSafe app has raised privacy concerns due to its data handling practices and lack of transparency around its encryption standards. Moreover, there is criticism over the app’s lack of a public source code and absence of individual rights for privacy infringement. Track and prevent The COVIDSafe app […]
Applying for a Divorce in Australia
What do you and your lawyers need to know? In Australia, couples seeking a divorce must have lived separately for at least 12 months and may need to provide evidence if separated under the same roof. Arrangements for children and property settlements are also key considerations in the divorce process. Living Separately and Apart If […]
Property Settlement Valuation
How do you obtain accurate and fair property valuation? In property settlements, couples must appoint a licensed property appraiser to determine the fair market value of their home. They should agree on this appointment and provide comprehensive information to the appraiser. Take the first step Agree on and appoint an appraiser and provide them with […]
The Importance of Will in this Unstable Time
Uncertain times call for quick but confident decisions. While it poses unique challenges, updating your will during the COVID-19 pandemic has become increasingly important. If you’re signing a will during quarantine, follow state guidelines for witnessing or consult a lawyer for alternatives, though it’s best to adhere to proper witnessing procedures when possible. Race against time COVID-19 has […]
Beware of JobKeeper Scheme
Is your JobKeeper subsidy getting ripped off? With $130 billion JobKeeper subsidy on the table, employment law experts foresee employers may be tempted to exploit the scheme. Problems arising Wit $1,500-per-fortnight wage subsidy, there are looming concerns about employers ripping off their workers. Growing complaints Fair Work Commission has received reports of wage theft and […]