![Trusts are an increasingly popular - and legal - way to minimise tax.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/n/6/w/j/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.gxf3k7.png/1500696730676.jpg)
Tax
![Trusts are an increasingly popular - and legal - way to minimise tax.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/n/6/w/j/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.gxf3k7.png/1500696730676.jpg)
Investors falling foul of rules on tax-deductible interest
![If you're claiming interest on an investment loan for a tax deduction, you need to keep it 100 per cent separate from ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/f/4/3/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gxf3qe.png/1500651734196.jpg)
It is still common for people to find themselves in financial strife because they do not understand the tax implications of their actions.
Tax time: top work-related expenses ATO's eyeing
![Australians claim about $23 billion in tax deductions for work-related expenses each year.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/0/h/l/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gx0gny.png/1498769775719.jpg)
Higher-than-expected tax deductions relating to cars, travel, clothing, internet and mobile phones, and self-education expenses are among the top claims the tax man will be keeping a close eye on this tax time.
Transition to retirement still worthwhile – but not for the tax perks
![Your 50s can be a time to try new things in work and leisure.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/0/a/5/q/image.related.landscape.120x80.gx09ck.png/1498622587915.jpg)
Despite limited tax incentives, there are some compelling reasons why a TTR income stream might still be for you.
Sharing economy, rental property and work deductions in ATO's sights
![Each tax return is now scrutinised by the Tax Office, matching 650 million pieces of data.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/h/l/f/b/image.related.landscape.120x80.gwzj1n.png/1501201579434.jpg)
Those working as Uber drivers, letting rooms on Airbnb and offering services through AirTasker are in the sights of the Tax Office this year.
No tax revolt as Australians happy with what they pay
![Treasurer Scott Morrison's efforts to distinguish "good debt" from "bad debt" in the lead-up to the budget appear to ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/i/f/w/j/image.related.landscape.120x80.gwph15.png/1497417517988.jpg)
Most of us think high earners pay too little, corporations pay too little, and what we pay is about right.
Ten things you're doing wrong at tax time
!["If you're sitting on some bad apples you might as well bring forward the realisation of a loss to offset any gains."](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/x/i/m/i/image.related.landscape.120x80.gwo5p1.png/1499343096257.jpg)
Putting together a tax return isn't something most people relish.
Meet the real high taxpayers. They're not high earners
![Illustration: Matt Davidson](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/c/c/z/w/image.related.landscape.120x80.gwbt6t.png/1500510934044.jpg)
The budget pushed low-income earners' marginal tax rate up towards 100 per cent.
The one thing most investors get wrong
![Remember: An investment's tax benefits are the cream on the cake.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/4/p/8/9/image.related.landscape.120x80.gw7lft.png/1495206701987.jpg)
There is anecdotal evidence that regulatory measures and budget proposals are having an effect on the housing market, which is a sad reflection on the mentality of the average property investor.
Buying property with your super fund has drawbacks
![If you're investing in property, you're probably better off buying it in your personal name than your self-managed super ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/b/g/f/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvt6ke.png/1493249063492.jpg)
Whether or not the government removes the ability of self-managed super funds to borrow to purchase property or other investments, the implications for investors are relatively minor.
You'll lose 2 per cent of your taxable profit selling before June 30
![Vendors will potentially pay less tax if the hammer falls after June 30.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/g/y/v/u/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvrbrv.png/1493131711651.jpg)
There's nothing like a forewarned tax change to distort behaviour.
Meet the 48 millionaires who pay no income tax
![The ATO has issued guidance on the pricing of related-party loans.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/0/9/d/i/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvnkxh.png/1494885099987.jpg)
A million dollars' worth of tax advice can cut your tax bill to zero.
The benefits of capital gains tax
![Illustration: Michael Mucci](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/g/5/g/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvk4su.png/1492505231939.jpg)
Understanding the fine details of capital gains tax can improve investment returns.
The $300m GST grab hardly anyone knows about
![GST will be charged on low-value items and digital products and services bought from overseas after July this year.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/g/d/z/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvgcfb.png/1496283534767.jpg)
Australians will soon be paying GST on nearly all purchases from overseas websites, including low-value items and digital products and services.
Time to 'get serious' about interest-only loans
![Mark Bouris is not a fan of 'sledgehammer government responses to the property market' because they might fuel the problem.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/b/b/i/u/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvfc9a.png/1491522570750.jpg)
The longer the property boom in Sydney and Melbourne goes on, the more avenues we explore to put a cap on buyer exuberance.
Why property investors won't take their profits
![It's better to sell investments when you're no longer working to minimise the capital gains tax bill.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/8/n/o/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvfeo5.png/1491696498471.jpg)
If you're working, contributing to super beats paying off investment debt.
How the Senate saved the government from itself
![Treasury Secretary John Fraser says foreign investors are concerned with the rule of law, access to energy and the ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/n/q/5/j/image.related.landscape.120x80.gvb1w1.png/1491624401529.jpg)
Why do companies invest here? We mightn't have needed to cut that company tax much anyway.
Tax hacks for the last quarter of the financial year
![The figures show that the average Australian claims $3041 of deductions on their tax return.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/h/l/f/b/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv79ol.png/1501201579434.jpg)
If you're smart, you'll use this quarter to ensure you're making the most of your tax situation.
Thorny questions as federal budget looms
![Could inheritance tax – and a gift tax – go back on the national agenda?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/9/k/9/x/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv4fxd.png/1490443353356.jpg)
It's just six weeks to budget night and, as usual, a lot of ideas are being floated.
How Turnbull can kill stamp duty and produce a budget to remember
![Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has the chance to do something transformative and lasting in May's budget.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/2/2/6/5/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv3kgs.png/1490501340873.jpg)
There's still time to craft a budget that actually does something.
Adopt US model of tax deductions for homeowners, not investors
![The government has a few options to help first-home buyers.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/w/t/b/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.guzavv.png/1489626812403.jpg)
The US tax system is heavily biased in favour of owners of modest properties with mortgage commitments and limits the subsidy available to geared investors.
Why taxpayers get a good deal from funding childcare
![Quality early childhood care and education has enormous economic and social benefits.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/q/i/z/3/image.related.landscape.120x80.guqisj.png/1490958660654.jpg)
It's time to bust the myth that childcare subsidies are middle-class welfare.
The Tax Office may be reading your social media
![Katy Perry's Apple watch on her Instagram feed.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/r/g/3/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.gum0hg.png/1488158983160.jpg)
What the Tax Office is attempting to catch is nothing new – undisclosed income and dodgy deductions – it's just added a new way to catch you out.
The science of money
![Data is the new currency.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/g/d/6/d/image.related.landscape.120x80.gugd5w.png/1496092296506.jpg)
The Centrelink debt demands are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how data is used in your financial life.
Tax time in danger from ATO's tech wreck
![ATO chief information officer Ramez Katf.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/6/o/f/p/image.related.landscape.120x80.gu7a98.png/1493269123482.jpg)
IT projects thrown overboard as ATO orders all hands to keep tax time afloat.
How the Tax Commissioner was leant on to deliver high-end tax cuts
![Treasurer Scott Morrison says Australia must confront the "air of unreality" about its budget challenge.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/0/i/a/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gtzzf5.png/1485836472987.jpg)
When Scott Morrison rose in Parliament to promise high-end tax cuts, he knew he faced a powerful obstacle.
Entire ATO website down
![Labor's Andrew Leigh said it was important to "ensure that public confidence in the ATO is restored".](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/o/l/7/6/image.related.landscape.120x80.gt91dx.png/1497996469227.jpg)
The Tax Office ruled out a census-style "denial of service" attack as the reason for the loss of its entire website, saying the massive failure was due to hardware problems "not being caused by any external factors".
A soft drink tax will make us less fat. But here's what it will do to prices
!["You are what you eat but also a result of how often and how much you eat": Assistant Minister for Rural Health David ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/u/z/i/v/image.related.landscape.120x80.gsuw17.png/1479898294042.jpg)
The United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, France, Fiji, Mexico, South Africa and parts of America have sugar taxes. Australia could be next.
End the age of entitlement - for seniors
![Home owners are arguably equipped with greater spending power – and hence choice – in older age.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/q/s/7/h/image.related.landscape.120x80.gst8o1.png/1499701116077.jpg)
Australia's tax system has become skewed towards a growing and apparently untouchable group of 'taxed nots' - they are older Australians who pay roughly $1 billion per year less tax than younger Australians in the same circumstances, according to a new Grattan Institute report.
The case for a basic income, no questions asked
![Peter Martin dinkus.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170728205837im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/k/q/9/4/image.related.landscape.120x80.gssj23.png/1487437026457.jpg)
What if the right to an income was as basic as the right to vote?