EOFY Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, taxpayers can use the short cut method if working from home in the 2021 financial year. Please note the $0.80 per hour covers all home office expenses.

Taxpayers will need to retain receipts for expenses, in addition to the records showing all work-related use. This method will have individuals calculate the size of their home in addition to the size of the work-related space. Remembering to also include the total of household running expenses (electricity & gas). 

To apply this method, taxpayers will need to calculate the business percentage by dividing the area of work-related space by the total house area, then multiply this rate against the total costs.  This is the amount that may be claimed.  Click here to view the ATO’s working from home calculator. Or contact a Modoras Professional on 1300 888 803 to discuss the most appropriate method for your circumstances.

If you and all of your dependents were not covered by an appropriate level of private patient hospital cover, and your income for MLS thresholds is either met or above, you may still be required to pay the surcharge. The rate depends on your income for the surcharge threshold. This applies unless you (and your dependents if you have them) are exempt from paying the Medicare levy. Click here to find out more about the Medicare Levy Surcharge exemption.

If you hold hospital cover but temporarily suspend payments for that cover, then you may have to pay the surcharge for the days that the private health cover was not in force. This will be determined from the information the health provider and the taxpayer provide to the ATO.

No, if you have lost your job, then you are entitled to claim the tax free threshold to reduce the amount of tax that is withheld from your pay from the new job.

Remember to tell the new employer that you want to claim the tax-free threshold by answering 'Yes' at question 8 'Do you want to claim the tax-free threshold from this payer?’

You can see how much tax the employer will withhold from your payment by using the tax withheld calculator. Click here to view it.

You may need to lodge an Australian tax return if you earn any assessable income from an Australian source. Your Australian tax obligations generally remain unchanged as a taxpayers salary, wages, investment income, etc will still be assessed.

All foreign-sourced income will also be assessable unless you are a temporary Australian resident.
Tax matters can be complicated. It’s best to seek advice from a Modoras Professional on 1300 888 803.

Whether you are a resident for tax purposes in Australia is dependent on your individual circumstances. If an individual is here temporarily for some weeks or months because of COVID-19, then the individual will not be considered an Australian resident for tax purposes if the following is in force:

• usually live overseas permanently
• intends to return there as soon as able to.

It is important to consider that circumstances may complicate the matter if the individual:

• ends up staying in Australia for a lengthy period
• do not plan to return to your country of residency when able to do so.

Those who usually work overseas and earn foreign-source employment income may need to declare it in Australia. For those who have been on leave since arriving in Australia and are receiving foreign income from paid leave (such as annual or holiday leave) may be considered foreign-sourced income.

Check with a Modoras Professional on 1300 888 803 to find out what is most appropriate for your circumstances.

Income is deemed assessable based on whether it is from an Australian or a foreign source. It also depends on whether a double tax agreement applies with the country paying the income. The place where the employment is exercised is very significant when deciding the source of income.

However, COVID-19 has created a special set of circumstances that must be taken into consideration when deeming assessable income a non-resident who usually works overseas.  In a situation, where the work is performed in Australia for another country and the arrangement is short term (three months or less), the employment income will not be considered to be coming from an Australian source.

Employment income derived by a person who is a resident of another country (after applying the double tax arrangements (DTA) tie-breaker rules) and is performing duties in Australia for a short period, will not be taxed in Australia. DTA’s must be confirmed before assuming this is the case as the wording, conditions and time periods vary from agreement to agreement.

Generally, employment income will not be taxed in Australia if:

• you are a resident of a country with which Australia has a DTA (the DTA country)
• you are not present in Australia for more than 183 days in aggregate in either an income year or a 12-month period (depending on the applicable DTA)
• your salary and wages are paid to you by, or on behalf of, an employer that is not a resident of Australia
• your salary and wages are not deductible against the profits of an Australian permanent establishment of your employer.

Check with a Modoras Professional to find out more.

If you usually live and work in Australia but you are temporarily overseas as a result of COVID-19, there is no change to your Australian tax obligations.

Yes. If interest continues to accumulate on your loan, it remains deductible. Even if the bank defers the repayments.

Perhaps consider:

1. Government Co-contributions
   

   Superannuation co-contributions help eligible individuals boost their retirement savings. For those who are low or middle-income earners and make personal (after-tax) contributions to superannuation, the Government may also make a contribution up to a maximum of $500 per financial year.

   The amount the Government will contribute will depend on your income and how much after-tax contributions have been made to the fund during the financial year. You don’t need to apply for the super co-contribution, when you lodge your tax return, the Government will work out if you’re eligible.

   If your total income is equal to or lower than the threshold of $39,837 and you make an after-tax contribution of $1,000 to your superannuation account, the maximum Government contribution will apply. If your total income is between the lower threshold and the higher threshold of $54,837, your maximum entitlement will reduce progressively as your income rises. (2022 lower = $41,112 higher $56,112)

   There are other eligibility criteria to be aware of. Click here to find out more or talk to a Modoras Professional and obtain advice specific to your circumstances.
   
   
2. Boosting a spouse's super and reduce tax.

   In your spouse earns low or no income, you may be able to make a superannuation contribution and obtain a tax off-set. The spouse’s assessable income needs to be equal or less than $37,000 for the financial year for the full tax off-set to apply. Contribution limits are aligned to the spouse’s contribution caps and are on a scaled basis, phasing out when their income reaches $40,000.

   There are other eligibility criteria to be aware of. Click here to find out more or talk to a Modoras Professional and obtain advice specific to your circumstances.

Before adding to super, keep in mind that the money will be inaccessible until certain conditions are met. There are caps on how much can be contributed to super each year.
It’s important to take the caps into account as penalties may apply if exceeded.
Make sure any contributions are received before June 30 to claim a deduction or offset for that financial year. With electronic transfers (including BPAY) the contribution takes effect the day the super fund receives the money, not the day of transfer. So don’t leave it to the last minute, talk to a Modoras Professional today about maximizing your superannuation contribution caps, because with planning… retirement is just the beginning.