ATO focus on 2007 Tax Returns
The Tax Office has advised that it will be paying particular attention to the following in 2006/07:
- Capital gains from assets sold to contribute to superannuation;
- Capital returns on shares, and capital gains or losses on share buy-backs; and
- Work related expenses (WREs), including motor vehicles, self-education, home-office, and travel expenses.
Occupations targeted
Each year, the ATO selects a number of occupations for specific focus because they have above average WRE claims, a high number of WRE claimants or because the ratio of WRE claims is high compared to the salary and wages. For 2007, the ATO will focus on:
- tourism, travel consultants and guides;
- fitness and sporting industry employees;
- construction tradespeople who are employees;
- guards and security employees; and
- a continued focus on mining site employees.
Rental property deductions for 2007
In 2007 returns, the ATO will be looking at:
- renovations claimed as repairs – such as remodelling of bathrooms and kitchens;
- claiming too much interest on loans that have a private component;
- claiming the full cost of an inspection visit when it is combined with a private purpose;
- claiming deductions for properties only available for rent part of the year;
- claiming the cost of land as a capital works deduction; and
- claiming depreciation on assets such as fixtures, instead of capital works deductions.
If any of the above areas are of concern, please contact this office.