Tax for Australians For Dummies

Learn to:

Lodge your tax return and maximise your refund Keep on top of changes to the rules Minimise your small business tax bill Make the most of tax–free investing and super

Tackle your taxes and get the most from your return

Want to know you′re getting the maximum tax refund? This friendly guide makes it easy to ensure you get every cent you deserve. Written in plain English and packed with expert advice, this updated edition of Tax for Australians For Dummies walks you step–by–step through the Australian tax system.

Understand the nitty–gritty grasp the ins and outs of the Australian tax system Invest wisely find out how tax affects your shares, property and other assets Be business tax savvy decipher complicated deductions and keep your records in order Look ahead discover tax rules associated with pensions and the tax benefits of running a self–managed super fund

Open the book and find:

What to do when the tax office comes knocking Taxing issues that affect students and children How to catch up on capital gains tax What you need to know if you′re starting a new business The lowdown on dealing with goods and services tax Common tax mistakes to avoid

Introduction  1

Part I: How You re Taxed in Australia  5

Chapter 1: Understanding the Australian Tax System 7

Chapter 2: Taxing Australians: The Formula You Need to Know 15

Chapter 3: Lodging Your Tax Return: This One Is for the Nation 31

Chapter 4: Receiving a Visit: When the Tax Office Comes Knocking 43

Part II: Income from Personal Exertion  49

Chapter 5: Taxing Employees: Working Class Folk 51

Chapter 6: Living in Your Castle: Main Residence 67

Chapter 7: Taxing Issues That Affect Students and Your Children 75

Part III: Tax–Effective Investments  85

Chapter 8: Interesting Stuff: Bank Deposits and Tax 87

Chapter 9: Owning Part of the Company: Investing in Shares 91

Chapter 10: Building Your Dreams: Investing in Bricks and Mortar 105

Chapter 11: Catching Up on Capital Gains Tax 121

Part IV: Running a Business  135

Chapter 12: Structuring Your Business for Maximum Gain 137

Chapter 13: Starting a Business: On Your Mark! Get Set! Go! 153

Chapter 14: Reducing Your Small Business Tax Bill 167

Chapter 15: Collecting Tax for the Government: Goods and Services Tax 181

Chapter 16: Living on the Fringe: Fringe Benefits Tax 189

Chapter 17: Getting Wealthy: CGT and Small Business 199

Part V: Thinking Long–Term  207

Chapter 18: Preparing for Retirement Using Superannuation 209

Chapter 19: Reaping What You Sow: Receiving a Pension and Government Concessions 229

Chapter 20: Death and Taxes: Wills and Asset Distribution 239

Part VI: The Part of Tens  247

Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Minimise Your Tax while Keeping the Tax Office Happy 249

Chapter 22: Ten Common Tax Mistakes You Need to Avoid 257

Appendix A: Taxing the Visitors: Non–Residents 265

Glossary  271

Index  275

Jimmy B. Prince is a fellow of CPA Australia, a tax specialist, and author of several investment books. He is a former lecturer in income tax law at La Trobe University and has worked for the Australian Taxation Office.