This Month
Treasury boss rejects ‘politicisation’ attack by Coalition
In a fiery estimates hearing, Steven Kennedy rejected claims his department has been politicised by Jim Chalmers and filled with former Labor advisers.
Erin Williams works alone, but she’s being stung by payroll tax
The solo broker is among thousands soon to be slugged, as a tax on employment becomes a tax on some small businesses.
An audit found Colin didn’t owe a cent. Then he was charged $1m in tax
Businessman Colin Walker says he is among a rising number of companies being aggressively pursued for payroll tax by the NSW government, which may be setting an example for other states.
Labor says tech levy doesn’t target US firms as Trump trade tsar hits out
The US trade tsar says Donald Trump is ready to fight countries imposing taxes on US tech companies, as the Labor government pushes ahead with a digital tech levy.
Chalmers urged to take over tax on big tech amid Trump’s threats
Media companies say the matter of forcing tech platforms to either pay for news content or face new taxes is too important to leave to a junior minister.
Teal MP wants $20k tax-free threshold for small business
Sophie Scamps said she would also push for an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses, which expires on June 30.
January
War room, webinars: Corporate America tries to cope with Trump blitz
Businesses have been left trying to nail down what the tax, immigration, DEI and energy orders will mean for them.
Greens to push Labor on wealth, super and big business tax hike
The minor party could play a pivotal role after the next federal election and plans to go after “excessive profits”.
Transparency lacking in WA media and politics
Readers’ letters on conflicts of interest between Seven West Media and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, the Howard government bugging East Timor, the alienation of young men and ADHD treatments.
December 2024
Gold miner St Barbara hit with $210m PNG tax demand
The company’s ASX-listed shares fell 36 per cent after subsidiary Simberi Gold was handed a taxation bill that could endanger its viability.
Media groups to push Meta for payment after Labor announces TikTok tax
Apple and Microsoft could also be caught by the policy with their Apple News and LinkedIn products if they meet the $250 million Australian turnover threshold.
Tech giants to be punished if they don’t pay for news
The big stick approach set to be announced on Thursday would force recalcitrant platforms to the negotiating table or risk being hit with penalties.
Perpetual v ATO: $2.2b deal hangs in the balance
Though the tax office is risking $170 million-odd in the bag, it’s evidently seeking to set a precedent for future demergers.
November 2024
Mortgage brokers back NSW payroll tax inquiry
A NSW parliamentary committee will examine retrospective application of payroll tax laws widened by courts which has angered companies using contractors.
The fastest-growing firms have one thing in common: AI
BlueRock’s Peter Lalor says the firm is using generative AI across the firm, while McGrathNicol’s Jason Preston is using the machine learning to identify patterns that humans would overlook.
Tax Office tells CFOs to question their lawyers and accountants
Businesses should learn from the PwC tax scandal by testing the tax advice of accountants and lawyers to avoid being shamed in public, the ATO says.
An OECD global tax deal is close. Australia should jump on board
It wasn’t a good look for Australia to be on the world stage at last month’s IMF meetings as a noted holdout on a crucial international agreement.
The Australian companies paying the most – and least – tax
Miners paid more corporate tax than all other sectors of the economy combined in 2022-23, according to new data from the Australian Taxation Office.
Chris Ellison-style tax deals in the public interest: ATO
The Tax Office says secret legal settlements like its controversial deal with Mineral Resources founder Chris Ellison are subject to strict independent oversight.
October 2024
Trade wars, market jolts: What a Trump win means for Australia
The tax and economic policies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will have profound effects for Australian investors, exporters and US subsidiaries.