Tax strategies ◎ J.M Sarich & Co.


Tax strategies

Tax strategies

Discover innovative tax strategies that go beyond the basics to help clients legally minimize their tax obligations and maximize financial efficiency.

Advanced Business Tax Strategies

Utilize Division 7A loan strategies: Avoid unintended tax consequences when loaning money from private companies by structuring loans correctly under Division 7A.

Take advantage of R&D Tax Incentives: Many businesses overlook the Research & Development Tax Incentive, which offers generous offsets for eligible innovation activities.

Implement a family trust for asset protection: Properly structured family trusts can offer tax advantages and safeguard business assets.

Use loss carry-back provisions: Businesses experiencing losses can apply the loss carry-back scheme to offset past taxable profits, potentially receiving tax refunds.

Strategically distribute dividends: Careful planning of franked dividend distributions can optimize tax outcomes for shareholders.

Hidden Personal Tax Deductions

Claim home office renovations: If part of your home is exclusively used for business, renovations can be partially deductible.

Maximize car-related deductions: The logbook method often results in higher deductions than the cents-per-km method. Educate clients on keeping accurate logs.

Deduct income protection insurance premiums: If the policy directly relates to protecting employment income, premiums are tax-deductible.

Leverage travel expense bundling: Combining personal and business travel correctly can make some expenses partially deductible.

Use the low-value pool for assets: Small business owners can pool assets under $1,000 to claim accelerated depreciation.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Strategies

Use the six-year rule for CGT exemptions: Even if renting out a former primary residence, the six-year absence rule can maintain the CGT exemption.

Time asset sales strategically: Spreading asset sales over multiple financial years can minimize CGT burdens.

Apply CGT small business concessions: Small businesses have access to CGT concessions that can significantly reduce or eliminate capital gains tax.

Use the 50% CGT discount effectively: Holding assets for at least 12 months qualifies individuals and trusts for a 50% CGT discount.

Transfer assets strategically within a trust: Correct structuring of trust asset distributions can minimize CGT exposure.

Superannuation and Retirement Tax Planning

Maximize tax-free retirement income streams: Transition-to-retirement pensions can provide tax advantages while preserving super balances.

Use the bring-forward rule for contributions: High-income earners can contribute up to three years’ worth of non-concessional contributions in a single year.

Claim unused concessional contributions: Carry-forward unused concessional contributions can reduce taxable income in high-income years.

Consider re-contributing strategies: Withdrawing and re-contributing super can improve tax-free component ratios and benefit estate planning.

Use SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangements: These allow SMSFs to invest in property while maintaining asset protection.

More Niche and Unique Tax Strategies

Utilize the personal services income (PSI) rules correctly: Many professionals risk ATO scrutiny if they fail to meet PSI compliance requirements.

Leverage international tax treaties: Australian residents earning foreign income can often avoid double taxation using tax treaties.

Structure share buybacks tax-efficiently: Depending on how buybacks are structured, they can reduce CGT rather than being taxed as dividends.

Deduct investment-related borrowing costs: Interest on loans for investment pu

Posted on: 2025-03-10