In the May Budget the government announced changes to individual tax rates for the 2016-17 income year. Legislation dealing with those announced rates was introduced to Parliament on 31 August 2016. As a result a number of tax tables have been updated to apply from 1 October 2016. Updated tax tables do not include any … Read more

What is a salary sacrifice arrangement? “It is an arrangement between an employer and an employee, where the employee agrees to forgo part of their future entitlement to salary or wages in return for the employer providing them with benefits of a similar value” (ATO).  For example, an employee may forgo part of their salary … Read more

It is now possible to print your own TFN declaration. These forms are now available on the ATO website. Employees can either print a blank form and hand write their information onto the form, or can fill in the form on screen before printing. https://www.ato.gov.au/forms/tfn-declaration/

With Easter around the corner, it is a good time to go over the frequently asked questions that come up around public holidays. Which public holidays are applicable over the Easter Period?  Check your award or enterprise agreement in the first instance.  If not specified, you can refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman site or … Read more

Q – Are shift allowances payable when an employee takes annual or personal/carer’s leave? A – You do need to check the particular EBA or Modern Award  that covers your employee, but most commonly the answer is that these allowances are not payable when employees are on leave. This is because the allowance is paid … Read more

If you’ve been asked to work a trial shift, you should ask about pay. Anything more than a brief demonstration of skills? Chances are it should be paid. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/unpaid-work/unpaid-trials