Taxsmart Cafe- Casey

31/08/2026

With August coming to a close, it's time to look ahead at the September quarter and what tax and financial obligations are on the horizon. Planning ahead — even just a month or two — puts you firmly in control of your financial life.

Key dates in the September quarter (July–September 2026): The June quarter BAS is due for self-lodgers in late July/August (if not already lodged). The October 31 tax return lodgement deadline for self-lodgers is coming into view — if you plan to self-lodge, start now. Super contributions from employers under Payday Super should have been flowing every pay cycle since July 1 — this is a good time to review whether contributions have arrived correctly in your super account.

For businesses: if you pay PAYG instalments quarterly, the September quarter instalment is due in late October. Review your income for the quarter and assess whether the instalment amount is appropriate — vary it if your circumstances have changed significantly.

For investors: review your portfolio's tax position for the first quarter. Have any significant capital gains been realised? Are there opportunities to harvest losses before year-end? Keep in mind that investment decisions made now affect the 2026–27 return.

TaxSmart Cafe Casey is available year-round — not just at tax time. Book a September quarter review and stay ahead of your obligations and opportunities.

30/08/2026

A night full of laughter, good vibes and Filipino talent! 😂🇵🇭

Proud to support Good sa Times Australia featuring the one and only Alex Calleja and the Comedy Crew🎤👏

Thank you for an unforgettable night, Melbourne! ❤️

20/08/2026

If you're an Australian tax resident earning income from overseas — whether from a foreign employer, overseas investments, rental properties abroad, or foreign pensions — that income is generally assessable in Australia and must be declared in your Australian tax return.

Australia has Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) with over 40 countries, which determine which country has the primary right to tax specific types of income and provide mechanisms to avoid paying tax twice on the same income. Understanding which DTA applies to your situation is critical.

Foreign employment income: if you worked overseas and paid tax in the foreign country, you can generally claim a Foreign Income Tax Offset (FITO) against your Australian tax liability for tax paid overseas. This prevents double taxation, but the offset is limited to the Australian tax that would otherwise be payable on that income.

Foreign investments: dividends, interest, and capital gains from overseas investments are assessable in Australia. Currency exchange rates on the date of receipt (for income) and date of disposal (for CGT assets) apply. The ATO publishes daily exchange rates for this purpose.

Foreign pensions: the tax treatment of foreign pensions varies significantly by country and pension type. Some are fully assessable; others may be partially exempt under a DTA. Advice is strongly recommended before assuming how your foreign pension is taxed.

TaxSmart Cafe assists many clients with foreign income from a range of countries. We have expertise in applying DTAs correctly and ensuring FITO claims are maximised.

19/08/2026

Sales professionals are among Australia's most mobile workers — constantly on the road, on the phone, and engaging with clients. This lifestyle generates a range of deductible expenses that, with good records, can significantly reduce taxable income.

Common deductions for sales professionals: vehicle expenses are typically the largest — using the logbook method for a car used heavily for client visits can generate substantial deductions. Business meals with clients (where you're fostering or maintaining a business relationship) may be partially deductible under specific FBT and income tax rules — though 'entertainment' is treated differently to 'sustenance' for tax purposes. Professional clothing that meets the ATO's definition of a uniform or distinctive work attire. Mobile phone costs — the business-use proportion of your plan and handset. Business equipment like laptops, tablets, and bags. Professional development and sales training courses.

For sales professionals who work from home for administrative tasks (preparing quotes, updating CRM, reporting), the home office deduction is available for the relevant hours.

Note: client gifts are generally deductible as business expenses for the business entity, but for individual employees, the rules are stricter. Only expenses you personally incur and aren't reimbursed can be claimed. If your employer reimburses everything, there may be little to claim individually.

TaxSmart Cafe helps sales professionals with a structured deduction review that covers every aspect of their work life.

17/08/2026

Depreciation is the mechanism by which the ATO recognises that assets used to earn income wear out over time and lose value. By allowing you to claim this decline in value as a deduction, the tax system acknowledges the real economic cost of using assets in your income-earning activities.

For individuals, the most common depreciable assets are: computers and electronic equipment (effective life typically 3–4 years), vehicles (where using the logbook method), home office furniture (for the work-use proportion), and tools or equipment used in your occupation.

The two main depreciation methods are: the prime cost method, which depreciates an asset at a constant rate each year (useful life of 5 years = 20% per year); and the diminishing value method, which depreciates at a higher rate in early years (useful life of 5 years = 40% in year 1, on the remaining balance each subsequent year). The diminishing value method front-loads the deduction and is generally more tax-effective in early years.

For small businesses, simplified depreciation rules apply. Most businesses use the Small Business Pool, which depreciates all qualifying assets at 15% in the year of acquisition and 30% per year thereafter — regardless of individual asset lives. This simplifies record-keeping significantly.

For rental properties: a quantity surveyor's depreciation schedule unlocks deductions for the building itself (2.5% per year for residential properties built after 1987) and fixtures and fittings. This is one of the most underutilised deductions for property investors. TaxSmart Cafe Casey can refer you to a trusted quantity surveyor.

15/08/2026

🌏 Moved back to Australia after living overseas? 🇦🇺

Coming home can have important tax implications—especially when it comes to your Australian tax residency and overseas income.

Once you become an Australian tax resident again, your worldwide income may become assessable in Australia.

A few things returning expats should consider:

🏠 Tax residency – Your residency date depends on your individual circumstances.

💰 Foreign income – Income earned before and after your return may be treated differently.

📈 Overseas assets – Assets you owned before returning may have specific CGT implications once you become an Australian resident.

💳 Foreign pensions & super – These may be treated differently from Australian superannuation.

💱 Foreign currency – Overseas income and assets may need to be converted to Australian dollars using the appropriate ATO rules.

Returning home doesn’t have to mean navigating tax alone.

☕ TaxSmart Cafe Casey helps returning Australians understand their tax obligations and make the transition with confidence.

📅 Planning your return to Australia? Book an appointment with us today.

14/08/2026

🎤✨ 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐚 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 ✨🎤

We’re excited to be part of this special event and can’t wait to enjoy an amazing night of music, laughter and entertainment with our community. ❤️

📅 See you on 29 August at Bunjil Place Theatre

Come say hello! 👋

TaxSmart Cafe Casey
Supporting our community, one event at a time. ❤️

Catch Alex Calleja live with relatable humour, hilarious life stories and crowd-favourite punchlines in Good Times sa Australia at Bunjil Place.

13/08/2026

💰 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒂𝒙?

There are strategies that may help you reduce your tax and make the most of your eligible deductions.

From work-related expenses and working from home to super contributions, investment properties and small business deductions—the right planning can make a difference.

📌 Check out our 7 Legal Ways to Reduce Your Tax guide above!

Remember, everyone’s tax situation is different. Make sure your claims meet ATO requirements and keep the right records.

☕ TaxSmart Cafe Casey
More than just tax returns—we help you plan smarter.

📅 Ready to review your tax position? Book with us today:  https://taxsmartcafe.com.au/book/casey/

12/08/2026

Lawyers, barristers, solicitors, and legal professionals are among the highest-earning and most complexly taxed occupations in Australia. With income often in the top marginal brackets, maximising legitimate deductions is both financially significant and professionally important.

Deductions commonly available to legal professionals: practising certificate renewals (mandatory and fully deductible), continuing legal education (CLE) and professional development, bar association and law society memberships, professional indemnity insurance, legal textbooks, case reporters, and databases (LexisNexis, Westlaw), work-related computer equipment, home office expenses for work done outside chambers or the office, work-related travel (court appearances, client meetings), academic journal subscriptions, and court attire (wigs, gowns, robes — for barristers who are required to wear them).

For barristers operating as sole traders through chambers: a much broader range of business expenses are deductible, including a proportion of chambers rental, clerk fees, superannuation contributions (personal deductible contributions), and practice management costs.

For employed solicitors at law firms: deductions are limited to expenses you personally incur that are not reimbursed. Many large firms reimburse most expenses, meaning employed solicitors may have fewer individual deductions — but still benefit from salary sacrifice super contributions.

TaxSmart Cafe has significant experience with legal professionals. With incomes often in the top bracket, the value of every dollar of deduction is maximised.

09/08/2026

❤️ Did you know your relationship status can affect your tax?

Getting married, moving in together, or separating can all have tax and financial implications.

💑 If you’re married or in a de facto relationship:
Your relationship status can affect things like:
• Medicare Levy Surcharge
• Private health insurance rebate
• Government benefits & payments
• Other means-tested entitlements

🏠 Starting a new relationship?
If you start living with your partner, make sure you update your details with the ATO and Services Australia. This can help avoid unexpected bills or overpayments.

💔 Going through a separation?
There can be important tax considerations when transferring property or other assets, dealing with superannuation, or managing child support.

Every situation is different, so getting the right advice can help you avoid costly mistakes.

At TaxSmart Cafe Casey, we’re here to help you navigate the numbers through every stage of life—not just at tax time.

📅 Book an appointment today.

https://taxsmartcafe.com.au/book/casey/