Economic crossroads: US shrinks, China stimulates, Australia holds steady
Clarke McEwan Accountants
The other was a decline in Government spending. Mr Trump’s tariffs are deflationary for the world and inflationary for the US. The sharp weakening in soft economic data points to rising recession risks, although markets still only seem priced for a mild slowdown which now seems right given the backdown.
It is no surprise that China announced a new stimulus package including interest rate cuts and a significant liquidity injection, as the Government looks to boost an economy that has been hit by the collapse in the property market and now the trade war with the US. China’s factory activity contracted at its fastest pace in 16 months in April following the frontloading of orders to beat the tariffs. Trade talks between the US and China have driven market optimism over the past few weeks and sentiment has turned positive. The US-China deal has 30% import taxes on Chinese goods, which could still stem trade flow. The trade announcement with the UK has disappointed many in the market as it kept the 10% tariff on imports into the US up from 3.4%. The EU hasn’t even begun negotiations with the US.
In Australia, the election has come and gone fairly uneventfully for financial markets. We are waiting on GDP data to be released in the next few weeks which should confirm a sluggish economy given consumer spending remains weak. The RBA has cut interest rates and this should underpin mild growth.
The outlook for financial markets remains one of uncertainty reflected by the increase in volatility. Tight policy, lingering inflation risks and tariff-related drag still weighs on markets. What seems to have been achieved so far is a whole lot of volatility and the realisation the US needs China as much as China needs the US. Within the Australian share market there was a notable softening in outlook statements by company management in the recent reporting season. With full-year forecasts being revised lower, it is reasonable to suggest that marketwide earnings growth is slowing, with expectations moderating for the rest of this year and potentially into the next.
Where are things at? Australian superannuation funds currently have about $400 billion invested in the US and tax concessions are currently available under existing tax treaties. This could change. A new bill, backed by the Trump administration and recently passed through the House of Representatives proposes higher taxes on countries seen to be discriminating against US businesses, including Australia. If the bill becomes law, Australian super funds could face higher taxes on US investments, directly affecting the long-term returns of super funds. The implications Even if you don’t have direct investments in the US, this matters. If your business is tied to superannuation funds or if you rely on consistent super returns for your retirement planning, changes like these can add pressure. It also adds a layer of uncertainty for Aussie businesses operating globally. As trade tensions rise and tax rules shift, doing business internationally becomes more complex and potentially more costly. Tax experts say these changes could override existing treaties between the US and Australia. And they’re not just aimed at big corporates, any individual or entity with US exposure could potentially be affected in some way. What’s being done? Industry groups including the Financial Services Council are calling on the Australian Government to step in and protect Australian investors through diplomatic and trade channels. Major super funds have already met with US lawmakers, reminding them that Australia is a significant source of capital for US markets and that strong partnerships go both ways. That said, this legislation is still working its way through Congress and faces pushback even from some Republicans. But as one US political expert said, ‘Bills that looked doomed have passed before.’ We live in hope but it’s not over yet. What can you do? Using John Howard’s barometer, for now we’re at the be alert but not alarmed stage. If you’re managing a business, planning your retirement, or investing overseas, this is a reminder of how global politics can impact your bottom line. Here’s what we recommend: • Stay informed. Tax rules can change quickly • Ensure your retirement planning is flexible enough to adjust if needed or talk to us to help you • Talk to us if you’ve got exposure to US investments, but you might need some input from a US tax specialist. There’s undoubtedly a bit to consider in the world of tax / finance at the moment, the environment’s changing at pace. You’re not alone in this though, as always please reach out if you have any questions and concerns. We’re here to help.
Is there a shift away from trusts? In recent years, we have noticed a slight trend of businesses transitioning from trust structures to corporate entities. This shift is largely due to increasing scrutiny on how trusts are used and the growing complexities involved in managing trusts, particularly when it comes to documentation and compliance requirements. Trustees and directors of trustee companies are realising that they need to devote more time and resources to ensure compliance with evolving and complex regulations. One of the primary challenges in utilising trusts for business purposes is the need for timely and accurate decision making. Trustees are normally required to make decisions about distributions by the end of the financial year to prevent the profits of the trust from being taxed at penalty rates. This timing can be problematic as it might not align with the availability of complete financial information, especially for businesses that are actively trading. This can lead to difficulties in making informed decisions regarding the distribution of trust income and to achieve optimal tax outcomes. The ATO has also intensified its focus on trust arrangements, especially when it comes to the use of integrity rules which have formed part of the tax system for many years, but haven’t tended to be applied all that often. The risk of making mistakes and being detected is probably higher than ever before. All’s not lost (we’re here to help) While the landscape around trusts is evolving and the scrutiny is high, this doesn’t mean that trust structures don’t still have their place. With the right support (support that we can provide in conjunction with other experts) trusts can still offer advantages that other structures can’t. They can still be a useful platform for passive investment activities, estate planning and as part of a business structure. This isn’t the time to give up on trusts. But it is important to seek advice before setting up a trust to make sure it is the most appropriate option and to fully understand the advantages, disadvantages and practical issues that will need to be managed when using a trust structure.
Finfluencers: bad tax advice could cost you Relying on this advice could not only leave you out of pocket but also expose you to ATO penalties, fines or in the worst case scenario - prosecution. What’s the problem? Many finfluencers make money by promoting financial products on behalf of companies, which means that they don’t necessarily have your best interests in mind when sharing information or insights. Finfluencers aren’t always qualified to provide advice on tax or financial products. You just can’t expect to receive solid, reliable or tailored guidance. Unfortunately, we’re seeing some influences share tax hacks that are either completely false or apply only in extremely limited situations. The ATO and some of the accounting professional bodies have sounded the alarm on some recent false claims, including: • Claiming your pet as a work related guard dog • Writing off luxury handbags as laptop bags • Deducting fuel costs without any documentation • Trying to claim swimwear as a work uniform These kinds of suggestions might sound plausible but following them could get you into serious trouble. The ATO uses sophisticated data matching tools to detect suspicious or inflated claims. If your deductions don’t meet the legal criteria, this could trigger an audit and if mistakes are found, the consequences can include: • An increased tax liability • Interest charges • Fines • A criminal record and in the most serious cases, imprisonment. Here’s how to stay safe and tax smart: • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Dodgy deduction tips on social media are best ignored, at least until they can be verified. • Stick to trusted sources. For official tax guidance, visit ato.gov.au. • Don’t risk your business or personal reputation for a quick deduction. If you aren’t sure, please reach out to us and we can help you stay compliant, no filters or hashtags!
What are the interest charges? There are two main types of interest that are charged by the ATO. These are: • General Interest Charge (GIC) : This applies when you pay your tax liability late. The ATO applies GIC to encourage tax liabilities to be paid on time and ensure taxpayers who pay late don’t have an unfair advantage over taxpayers who pay on time. GIC is calculated on a daily compounding basis on the overdue amount. The GIC annual rate for the July – September 2025 quarter is 10.78%. • Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC) : This is applied when there is a shortfall in tax paid because of an amendment or correction to your tax assessment. SIC is also calculated on a daily compounding basis. The SIC annual rate for the July – September 2025 quarter is 6.78%. The ATO applies SIC to the tax shortfall amount for the period between when it would have been due and when the assessment is corrected. What’s changing? Historically, both GIC and SIC amounts could be claimed as a deduction. This has meant that the net after-tax cost of the interest charges has been reduced for taxpayers who have a positive income tax liability for the relevant income year. However, the Government has passed legislation to ensure that GIC and SIC amounts incurred on or after 1 July 2025 are no longer deductible, even if the interest relates to a tax debt that arose before this date. As these interest charges are no longer deductible, this means that the after-tax impact of the charges is higher for many taxpayers. The impact becomes greater as your tax rate increases. For example, let’s take a look at two individuals who have the same level of tax debt owed to the ATO and the same level of tax debt owed to the ATO and the same GIC liability of $1,000 for a particular income year: • Sally is a high income earner and subject to a 45% marginal tax rate (ignoring the Medicare levy). Under the old rules the net cost of the interest charge was only $550 because she could claim a deduction for the GIC amount and this reduced her income tax liability by $450. Under the new rules no deduction is available and the full cost to Sally will be $1,000. • Adam is subject to a 30% marginal tax rate (again, ignoring the Medicare levy). Under the old rules the net cost of the interest charge was $700 because he could reduce his income tax liability by $300 by claiming a deduction for the GIC amount. As with Sally, under the new rules no deduction is available for the GIC and the full cost to Adam is $1,000. What can I do to minimise the impact of this change? The simple answer is to pay down ATO debt as quickly as possible. As you can see, the GIC rate is relatively high and continues to accrue on a daily basis until the debt is paid off. The faster you can pay off that debt, the lower the interest charges that will accrue. If you can’t afford to pay off your ATO debt in the short term then you might want to explore other options, including whether you would be better off borrowing money from another source at a lower interest rate to pay off the ATO debt. In some cases it is possible to claim a deduction for interest accruing on a loan that is used to pay tax debts, although this is normally only possible if the debt arose from business activities. It isn’t normally possible to claim a deduction for interest accruing on a loan that is used to pay a tax debt that arose from investment or employment activities. While the ATO will sometimes allow taxpayers to enter into a payment plan so that tax debts can be paid through instalments, tax debts that are subject to a payment plan still accrue GIC. On a more proactive basis, a better option is to plan ahead to ensure that upcoming tax payments can be made on time. This will sometimes mean setting aside funds regularly for tax instalments, GST, PAYG withholding and other amounts that need to be paid to the ATO. Keeping these amounts separate will help to ensure you’re ready when the ATO bill arrives. If you're currently carrying tax debt or need help staying ahead of your obligations, we're here to help. Let’s work together on a strategy that keeps you compliant and protects your bottom line.
How does it work? While we are waiting to see whether the measure will become law, let’s assume for the moment that the Government passes legislation which is consistent with the Government’s announcements to date. If so: • If your TSB is over $3 million at 30 June, a portion of your annual superannuation earnings above that threshold will be taxed at an additional 15%. • The tax is assessed to you personally and can be paid from your super or your own funds. • Superannuation earnings for this purpose reflect the increase in your net super balance for the year, adjusted for certain contributions (eg, inheritance via death benefit pension) and withdrawals. • Some exclusions apply: children on super pensions, structured settlements (personal injury), and the deceased. It is important to remember that your TSB is the aggregate of all Australian superannuation interests (including balances with APRA funds, SMSFs and defined benefit schemes) held at the end of the income year. If the start date is 1 July 2025, then the first test date will be 30 June 2026. An individual’s TSB at this date, and each following 30 June, will determine whether they will have a Division 296 tax liability for that income year. Only where the individual has a TSB on 30 June in excess of $3 million will they have a Division 296 tax liability for that income year. Examples Sam’s account • 30 June super balance: $4 million. • Annual growth: $120,000. • Portion above $3m: ($4m–$3m)/$4m = 25% • Taxable earnings: $120,000 x 25% = $30,000 • Extra tax: $30,000 x 15% = $4,500 Lisa’s inheritance • Lisa’s balance rises from $2m to $4.5m after receiving a death benefit pension. • Only new investment growth (not the transferred amount) is taxed as earnings, but a total balance over $3m means she may still have a liability. What can you do? • Review your super fund liquidity and cashflow planning for future tax payments • Ensure your asset valuations are up to date • Estimate your combined super balances and plan for any large transactions • Document asset values, especially for SMSF members • Seek tailored professional advice before making any changes While we are waiting to see whether the legislation passes through Parliament and whether any significant amendments or adjustments are made to the proposed measures, if you have any questions or concerns around this in the meantime, reach out – we’re here to help.
Leveraging Xero for Medical Practices: The Importance of Monthly Bank Reconciliation In the evolving world of financial management, the use of cloud-based accounting software like Xero has transformed how businesses, including medical practices, handle their finances. For healthcare providers in Australia, maintaining accurate financial records is crucial, not only for compliance but also for ensuring business efficiency and growth. One of the fundamental accounting processes that support this is regular bank reconciliation. Why Choose Xero for Your Medical Practice? Xero is a user-friendly, cloud-based accounting software designed to simplify day-to-day financial operations. Here are some key reasons why medical practices are increasingly adopting Xero: Streamlined Billing and Invoicing : Xero allows for easy creation and management of invoices, ensuring that patients are billed correctly and efficiently. Real-Time Financial Overview : With Xero, you can access your financial data anytime, anywhere, providing you with a real-time snapshot of your practice's financial health. Integration with Other Systems : Xero integrates seamlessly with a plethora of healthcare management systems, reducing manual data entry and enabling smooth workflow. Efficient Payroll Handling : Automate payroll processing within your practice, helping you manage employee payments and relevant compliance efficiently. The Significance of Regular Bank Reconciliation Bank reconciliation is the process of aligning the records in your practice's accounting system with the corresponding information on your bank statement to ensure both sets of records are accurate. Here’s why doing this every month is vital: 1. Error Detection and Correction Bank reconciliation allows you to spot any discrepancies between your records and the bank's data. This includes identifying double payments, missed transactions, or bank errors that could cost your practice a significant amount if left unchecked. 2. Fraud Prevention By regularly reconciling your accounts, you create an opportunity to detect early signs of fraudulent activity or unauthorized transactions, safeguarding your practice’s funds. 3. Cash Flow Management Accurate reconciliation ensures that your cash flow statement reflects the true financial state of your practice, helping you plan for any financial commitments and investments with confidence. 4. Compliance and Reporting Regular reconciliation ensures your financial statements are accurate, facilitating smoother tax filing and adherence to Australian financial regulations. 5. Financial Decision-Making When reconciled correctly, your financial data becomes a reliable foundation for making strategic business decisions, such as expanding your practice or acquiring new equipment. Incorporating Xero into Your Routine To maximize the benefits of Xero for your medical practice: Schedule Monthly Reconciliation : Set aside dedicated time each month to complete your bank reconciliations without fail. Leverage Automation : Use Xero’s bank feeds to automate transaction imports, which makes the matching and reconciliation process quicker and more efficient. Stay Informed : Regularly review reports generated by Xero to keep abreast of your practice’s financial performance and trends. Consult with Professionals : Collaborate with your accountant or financial advisor to ensure that your reconciliation processes are optimized and aligned with best practices. In conclusion, adopting Xero and maintaining regular bank reconciliations in your medical practice are not merely about staying compliant; they are essential components of robust financial management. They ensure your practice operates smoothly and is prepared for growth, making them indispensable tools in today’s healthcare landscape. Discover how our accounting services can further enhance your financial management processes. Get in touch with us today for tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your medical practice. To arrange a no obligation meeting please use the link here
