VI Partners Pty Ltd

The ATO has released updated guidance targeting holiday homes and short‑term rental properties, and it’s an area where many owners are getting deductions wrong. If a property is used privately, left vacant, or not genuinely available for rent, deductions may be limited - even if it’s listed online.

The ATO is particularly focused on:

- whether the property is genuinely available for rent
- periods of private or family use
- claims made while the property is not rented or actively marketed

If you own a holiday home or rental property, it’s worth a quick read of our latest article:

ATO targets holiday homes in guidance on rental property deductions - V I Partners The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has recently released updated guidance that significantly affects how rental property deductions are claimed – particularly for holiday homes that are rented out part of the year but also used personally. For property owners, this change is important. In many c...

‼️The ATO is increasing its focus on sham contracting, and it’s an area where many small businesses can get caught out without realising.

If a worker is treated as a contractor when they should legally be an employee, the consequences can include back‑paid super, leave entitlements, penalties and interest.

We’ve put together a practical article explaining what sham contracting is, why the ATO is paying closer attention, and the key signs they look for when reviewing arrangements.

If you engage contractors (or think you do), it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your arrangements are right. Read more here:

The ATO is cracking down on sham contracting: What small businesses need to know - V I Partners If you employ staff or engage contractors, it’s worth taking a fresh look at how your workers are classified – because the ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman have publicly confirmed an increased focus on sham contracting. This follows recent enforcement activity reported in the media, including a case ...

💳 Using business money for personal expenses?

It’s more common than you think and it can be expensive if not handled correctly.

The ATO regularly flags situations where business owners use company money or assets for personal use (think credit cards, holidays, school fees). If it’s not managed properly, this can trigger Division 7A and result in unexpected personal tax.

✅ Why it matters
✅ Common traps we see
✅ Simple steps to avoid issues

We’ve broken it all down in this week’s blog 👉

Using business money and assets for personal use or benefit? - V I Partners The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regularly publishes focus areas for small businesses. One of the top areas where the ATO regularly sees errors is where a private company shareholder uses business money and assets for personal use or benefit, which can lead to Division 7A issues. What is Divisio...

Our office will be closed for Good Friday, and also Easter Monday.

We’ll reopen as usual after the long weekend.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and happy Easter break 🐰

Keeping positive cash flow is really important for a small business. Late payments can cause big issues, so stay on top of your invoicing with a proactive strategy. Sometimes it just takes a phone call.

6 secrets to getting prompt payment

Government grants and incentives are a great way to boost your capital. We’ve highlighted four areas of financial support that your business may be eligible to claim.

How to find government grants and support Government grants and incentives are a great way to boost your capital. We’ve highlighted four areas of financial support that your business may be eligible to claim.

📢 ATO releases new Payday Super resources

With Payday Super on the horizon, the ATO has released new guidance and resources to help employers understand what’s coming and how to prepare.

If you employ staff, now is the time to get across:
✅ What Payday Super means
✅ How it will impact payroll processes
✅ What the ATO expects from employers

👉 Access the ATO’s new resources here

Payday Super resources Resources to help you understand and get ready for Payday Super.

Have you noticed the ATO cracking down lately? You’re not imagining it.

Penalties are being applied more aggressively, and we’re seeing businesses caught out by issues that were once overlooked.

We’ve broken down what’s changed, why it matters, and what you should be reviewing now.

Read more here... 🔗

ATO gets serious on penalties: Why this is a wake up call The ATO has recently signaled it’s taking a much firmer stance on compliance—no more leniency, fewer remissions, and tougher consequences for what it deems non-compliance. A well-publicised case involving a $9,000 penalty for a dormant business reinforces this message loud and clear to small-bus...

Our office will be closing at 12:00 PM on Friday, 19th December and will reopen on Monday, 12th January.

Thank you for your support throughout the year! We wish you a joyful holiday season and look forward to working with you in 2026.

Stay safe and enjoy the festivities! 🎄

📢 Could You Claim Rent for Working From Home? Not So Fast… 📢

A recent AAT decision has sparked debate after allowing a taxpayer to claim nearly $5,900 in rent for a spare bedroom used exclusively as a home office during COVID.

The ruling suggests renters with a dedicated workspace might qualify for occupancy deductions—but the ATO isn’t happy. They’ve launched a Federal Court appeal and issued a warning: don’t rush to claim rent unless you meet strict criteria, or you could face repayments and penalties later.

Our latest blog breaks down what this means, the ATO’s stance, and the risks involved:

NEWS: ATO moves to close costly WFH rent deduction loophole - V I Partners A recent decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)—backed by radio presenter Ned Hall—has thrown Australia’s working-from-home deductions into the spotlight. Hall successfully claimed $5,878 in rent for a spare bedroom he used exclusively as a home office during the COVID-19 pandem...

🎉 Payday Super Has Passed Parliament! 🎉

On 4 November 2025, Australia made history with the passing of Payday Super legislation. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super on payday, not quarterly - bringing big changes for cash flow and payroll processes.

Our latest blog explains what this means for your business and how to prepare now: https://vipartners.com.au/payday-super-just-passed-parliament-heres-what-it-means-for-small-businesses/

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Payday Super Just Passed Parliament - Here’s What It Means for Small Businesses - V I Partners Australia made history this week as the Payday Super legislation officially passed Parliament, ushering in a major shift in superannuation practices. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay 12% super on the same day as wages, whether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Contributions need to reach em...