"Ajen is an accountant who is down to earth and genuinely interested in their clients prospering."
"As a trusted advisor you guided our business back on course when the outlook was far from positive and we look forward to your continued assistance into the future"
"His attitude towards his work and my portfolio has been exemplary. He always finds time for me at short notice and is a benefit to all."
"Ajen always has a high standard of professional manner. He continued to give me good advice and is a reliable person, helpful in sorting out problems and finding solutions easily."
"Ajendra has made himself available sometimes even after normal business hours, to assist us with any questions we have, even when sometimes they may have seemed silly or simple, he has answered in full and easy to understand terminology, at no point has he ever made me feel silly for asking."
"He is always accessible to speak with and even calls me to ask if I need help with anything."
"Ajendra's willingness to dedicate "caring time" to his clients sets him apart from others."
"I am confident to refer friends and family to his team because I know they are in the most capable hands. Ajendra’s honest, caring and upbeat nature has been an absolute godsend and I am so thankful that our paths crossed"
"Ajendra’s speaks with you in a language that you can understand and comprehend easily which assists in equity and partnership with your tax agent."
"We find you have a personal approach to your accounting practice, which makes everyone feel like number 1. This is a rare and special trait, and leaves us knowing we are in good hands."
"He is very astute, and at the same time down to earth and really interested in his clients prospering. For people like us who are new to small business this is an absolute god sent."
"He shows a genuine interest and I never feel rushed. He has created a warm and friendly environement."

ATO interest charges soar to highest level since GFC

The general and shortfall rates for late tax payments rise for the eighth quarter in a row.

 

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The ATO has raised its general interest charge (GIC) rate and shortfall interest charge (SIC) rates for the eighth quarter in a row with both up by 0.25 per cent to levels unseen since the tail end of the GFC in 2012. 

The GIC annual rate for the October to December quarter rises to 11.15 per cent while the SIC annual rate goes up to 7.15 per cent. The second quarter of 2012 was the last time that either rate was higher.

The ATO said GIC was applied to late payment of most taxes including income tax, FBT, GST and PAYG, as well as excessive shortfalls in incorrectly varied or estimated instalments.

 

The rate compounded daily and was calculated using the RBA’s 90-day Bank Accepted Bill rate plus 7 per cent. Taxpayers were notified when it applied and

 

“You can claim a tax deduction for GIC in the year that it's incurred,” the office said. “On the other hand, you're required to disclose remitted GIC in the year the remission occurs. This applies if you claimed a deduction (or can still claim a deduction) for the GIC incurred.”

 

Taxpayers could apply for remission of GIC in part or in full.

“We may remit the GIC if there are extenuating circumstances, such as:

  • The delay in payment being not due to you (for example: natural disasters, industrial action, the unforeseen collapse of a major debtor or the sudden ill health of key personnel) and you took reasonable action to reduce the delay.
  • The delay in payment being due to you but you took reasonable action to reduce the delay, while it is also fair and reasonable to remit.
  • Payment of the full amount of GIC would result in serious financial hardship for you.”

The lower SIC rate was introduced in 2005 and applied to amended income tax assessments prior to the period of amendment. It was also calculated on a daily compounding basis using the 90-day Bank Accepted Bill rate plus 3 per cent.

“Generally, the SIC applies from the due date for payment of the earlier, understated assessment until the day before we issue the notice of amended assessment,” the ATO said. “The amended assessment or tax shortfall and the related SIC are due 24 days after the amended assessment is issued.”

Both rates were updated quarterly and generally announced two weeks before the start of that quarter.

 

 

 

 

Philip King
14 September 2023
accountantsdaily.com.au

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