Sunday, June 10, 2007

Terms of endearment # 3

The ATO can send two different forms to certain taxpayers each quarter, both of which can cause confusion to those who receive them.

Business Activity Statement (BAS): The BAS is a composite form collecting figures on a variety of different taxes and rebates. This form is sent to companies, trusts, partnerships and individuals who operate a business in Australia.

The return obtains details regarding:

  • Goods and Service Tax (GST)
  • Pay As You Go Withholding Tax (PAYGW) - this is employee group tax
  • Pay As You Go Tax (PAYG) - this is personal or company tax instalments
  • Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)
  • Wine Equalisation Tax
  • Luxury Car Tax
  • Fuel Tax Credits

As you can see it covers a wide assortment of taxes primarily related to business activities of which an entity may have three or four at any one time.

Income Activity Statement (IAS): The IAS is sent to anyone receiving taxable income that does not have tax withdrawn through the year (either through PAYGW amounts from wages or PAYG instalments on BAS statements).

IAS statements are primarily sent to individual partners of a partnership, trust beneficiaries, sole traders who aren't registered for GST or employ anyone, self managed superannuation funds and individuals who receive income such as dividends, interest or positively-geared rental receipts.

Therefore partners of a partnership may receive a BAS in regard to the partnership if they are registered for GST or employ someone, and also each receive an IAS to obtain PAYG instalments for themselves personally.


0 comments:

The comments provided in this blog are general in nature and not intended to be specific advice. Each situation is different. You should discuss your circumstances with Alan (or another tax agent) to obtain individual advice before acting on any information.