What's New @ Carrazzo Consulting?

Friday, January 11, 2008
PAUL CARRAZZO “BLOODHORSE REVIEW” ARTICLES UPDATE

This comprehensive update involves placing the following Australian Bloodhorse Review articles in Media Watch.

  1. March 2007 – “The new Simplified Tax System (STS);
  2. July 2007 – “Horse Breeding – Latest ATO feedback”; and
  3. October 2007 – “New horse ruling – at last”.

The latter October 2007 article provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the new horse draft ruling, TR 2007/D9. This is the first horse ruling to be issued by the ATO in over 14 years and is a must read. Paul Carrazzo was part of the ATO consultative panel in relation to the formulation of this ruling.

NEW WA TAX CASE – A WIN FOR BREEDERS

Paul’s views on the new WA tax case affecting breeders is also available here. It’s a real win for the industry, too, as it makes it clear that breeders can still be considered as a taxation business when losses are being consistently made.


Wednesday, September 12, 2007
PAUL CARRAZZO REVIEWS NEW ATO HORSE RULING

The ATO has recently issued a new Draft Ruling with regard to the Thoroughbred Industry. Carrazzo Consulting has prepared a media release in response to this important industry event.

Please click here to read or download the article.


Tuesday March 6, 2007
PAUL CARRAZZO "BLOODHORSE REVIEW" NOVEMBER 2006 ARTICLE

The racing and breeding industry is anxious for feedback on the progress of the current ATO racing industry audit.

Paul's November 2006 article in Media Watch will answer many of your questions, especially as to what the ATO are specifically looking for in a breeding or racing taxation business.

The ATO are also due to release an updated horse industry tax ruling in March 2007, so we suggest you keep monitoring our site for Paul's comments on this.


Wednesday December 6, 2006
PAUL CARRAZZO "BLOODHORSE REVIEW" ARTICLES UPDATE

Our latest update is not before time and we include in Media Watch the following two most recent articles that Paul has written for the Australian Bloodhorse Review:

1. May 2006 - "ATO Audit Questionnaire - need help?"

2. August 2006 - "New NZ "write-down" rules - how do we compare?"

The former May 2006 article was put together by popular demand and you should find it very useful, especially as ATO audit activity within the racing industry has reached record levels.

Paul was also recently interviewed by the CPA Australia "In The Black" magazine in relation to the current impact of the ATO racing industry audit and a copy of this November 2006 article is also attached for your reference.


Friday March 10, 2006
ATO RACING INDUSTRY AUDIT UPDATE

In the past few years, Carrazzo Consulting has been inundated with queries relating to the current ATO audit of the racing industry. In response to this, Paul Carrazzo has decided to write a detailed article on what the audit has established to date and how the industry can be properly prepared for it.

Once you have seen this April 2006 Australian Bloodhorse Review article in Media Watch we’re sure that you will look no further than Carrazzo Consulting for the advice needed to not only fight the audit with the ATO, but to also get your horse tax affairs in order.


Monday November 21, 2005
ATO RELEASES GST FACT SHEET FOR THE RACING INDUSTRY

It's not hard to tell that the Australian horseracing industry is in the middle of its largest ever audit when you suddenly see the ATO releasing new fact sheets specifically targeting the industry.

The most significant ATO horseracing industry fact sheet in many years was released only a few months ago in June 2005. The target area was GST and it is aptly titled "GST for the racing industry".

Paul's article relating this crucial document appeared in the October 2005 issue of the Australian Bloodhorse Review and is now available in Media Watch.


Thursday June 02, 2005
BUSINESS V HOBBY - ANOTHER ATO UPDATE

Paul Carrazzo once again revisits one of the hottest topics in horse taxation, i.e. whether an activity is a "business" or "hobby". Paul goes to great details explaining a new tax ruling on this area and relates it to horse industry activities - invaluable for those considering a new business of horse breeding.

This article appeared in the April 2005 issue of the Australian Bloodhorse Review and is found in Media Watch.

PAUL'S FINANCIAL REVIEW ARTICLE RE ATO HORSE INDUSTRY AUDIT

This article was published in the April 7 2005 issue of the Financial Review and lets the business community know that the ATO is cracking down on GST and income tax non-compliance within the horse racing industry. Paul Carrazzo had dominated discussion and commentary on this topic since the ATO released details of its horse industry audit in October 2003, this topic being regularly featured in his horse tax seminars and articles over the past 18 or so months. Click to see this article.


Wednesday March 02, 2005
DEPRECIATION & HORSES - FAQs

At last Paul Carrazzo has dedicated an article to this tricky question. So if you're a racehorse owner, breeder or farm owner, this article has something for you all. This article appeared in the January 2005 issue of the Australian Bloodhorse Review and can be found in Media Watch.


Tuesday November 16, 2004
HOBBY BREEDERS - IT GETS EVEN WORSE!

If you thought that a "hobbyist" selling a foal at a yearling sale can be exempt from paying Capital Gains Tax, this article has unwelcome news for you. Read Paul Carrazzo's summary of a recent ATO Private Ruling he received and it will tell you quite the opposite - contrary to the popular view in the industry. This article appeared in the October 2004 issue of the Australian Bloodhorse Review and can be found in Media Watch.

"BLOODSTOCK, SWEAT & TEARS" - PAUL'S FEATURE ARTICLE IN NOVEMBER 2004 "IN THE BLACK" MAGAZINE

The CPA Australia members magazine, "IN THE BLACK", have just featured Paul in its November 2004 issue. For Paul's views on the vagaries of Bloodstock Investment and why he finds bloodstock tax consulting so rewarding, click here to read the article.



Wednesday July 28, 2004
BREEDING PROPERTIES & TAXATION

Our office receives numerous queries on this topic, especially as many properties have increased considerably in value over the last 5 or so years. This article discusses the income tax, capital gains tax and GST issues relating to the holding of breeding properties - even the tax implications of “one-off” subdivisions is discussed. See Media Watch for Paul’s July 2004 Australian Bloodhorse Review article on this topic.



Wednesday, June 02, 2004
CAPITAL GAINS TAX & HORSES – CASE STUDIES

Our office receives numerous queries in the area of Capital Gains Tax and horses. What better then discuss this topic in terms of 4 very relevant case studies. We're sure that one of these case studies may apply to those of you needing guidance in this area. See Media Watch for Paul’s April 2004 Australian Bloodhorse Review article on this topic.



Thursday, February 26, 2004
ATO TARGETS HORSE INDUSTRY

After 10 or so years of relative quiet, the ATO has now launched an audit of the NSW racing industry. So, who will be affected? When will it start? Why are they doing it? How will they get their information? Most, if not all your questions will be answered in this January 2004 Australian Bloodhorse Review article that Paul has put together. See Media Watch.



Thursday, October 02, 2003
AN A-Z HORSE TAX GLOSSARY (Part 2)

After publishing part 1 in the June 2003 issue of The Australian Bloodhorse Review, Paul believes his "Part 2" September 2003 article will prove just as popular. This "N-Z" section includes frequently asked "hot topics" such as "GST and exports", "Simplified Tax System", "Racehorses" and "Valuation of Stock". See it in Media Watch if you want to complete your horse taxation library of essential issues.



Friday, July 04, 2003
AN A-Z HORSE TAX GLOSSARY

Confused about all of the horse tax jargon out there? Paul's June 2003 article in The Australian Bloodhorse Review is all about "demystifying" all of this jargon as he has put together a long awaited "A-Z" Horse Tax Glossary. If there's an issue you have in horse taxation, we'll be surprised if the glossary doesn't mention it. Part 1 of this two part series is waiting for you in Media Watch.



Monday, April 07, 2003
BUSINESS PLANS - GET SERIOUS!

The ATO have never been more serious about the need for new breeders and owners to prepare a Business Plan to be able to support the existence of a legitimate taxation business. Paul's March 2003 Australian Bloodhorse Review article in Media Watch outlines the compelling reasons for preparing a plan and what areas should be addressed in a typical horse industry plan. There can be no better reference for a new player in the industry.

PAUL CARRAZZO "PERSONALITY PROFILE" ON THE NET

Need to know more about Paul Carrazzo? If so, we highly recommend that you read Paul's "Personality Profile" in the April 2003 issue of The Australian Bloodhorse Review. The profile talks about many issues, including how he got his start in horse taxation, his family's background in the horse industry and what Paul does that sets him apart from his competitors. The profile can be found on the web site of The Australian Bloodhorse Review.



Friday, December 20, 2002
STALLION SHARES - FAQs

As a means of diversifying bloodstock holdings, horse industry players are looking more and more to acquiring Stallion Shares. Paul’s December 2002 Australian Bloodhorse Review article answers all of the tax queries that a stallion share owner could possibly have. You need look no further than Media Watch.



Friday, October 04, 2002
START-UP CHECKLIST

There are numerous tax issues to consider when starting any business, especially if it's a horse breeding business. Paul Carrazzo's September 2002 Australian Bloodhorse Review article provides an invaluable checklist and is now posted to Media Watch.

WRITE-DOWN BREEDERS TAX CONFUSION

Paul Carrazzo's recent interview with The Australian Financial Review is now in Media Watch and explains why write-down breeders may not get the tax concessions they had hoped for. Paul's approach to the ATO may yet change poorly drafted tax law, law which threatens the availability of tax losses for many breeders, especially those in the start-up phase.



Sunday, July 21, 2002
BREEDER DEDUCTIONS UPDATE

By popular demand, Paul's June 2002 article for the Australian Bloodhorse Review discusses and lists the breeding deductions that serious breeders should be aware of. Media Watch is where you will find this valuable reference.



Tuesday, April 16, 2002
CAPITAL GAINS AND RACEHORSES UPDATE

Paul Carrazzo has been advised by the ATO that training expenses should not form part of the capital gains tax cost base for a hobby racehorse. It's not great news, but important for certainty in this complex area as debate has raged for a long time. Go to Media Watch and read Paul's comments about this ATO opinion in the "Australian Financial Review".

THE PROBLEM AREAS IN HORSE TAXATION

Paul's article in the March 2002 issue of the Australian Bloodhorse Review discusses the problem areas in horse taxation. Readers will relate to many of these and will be delighted to finally get some answers from one of Australia's leading Blooodstock Taxation specialists. The article has been posted to Media Watch for your reference.



Sunday, December 30, 2001
NEW CASE STUDY AVAILABLE

You asked for it and now you've got it. Paul's latest December 2001 Australian Bloodhorse Review article, "New breeder case study", now in Media Watch, includes a practical and topical case study in relation to the tax issues normally confronting new breeders. All of the hot topics are addressed including GST, Capital Gains Tax and Business vs Hobby.



Wednesday, October 10, 2001
KEEPING UP THE GOOD WORK

Our Principal, Paul Carrazzo CPA, is proud to announce that he has recently been accredited by The Australian Society of CPAs as a "Professional Financial Planner" (PFP), the highest designation given by the society for Financial Planners. Paul has also completed all the educational requirements of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), which makes him one of the more qualified CPAs in this highly sought after area.

It doesn't stop there. In recognition of Paul's strong property knowledge, The Australian Society of CPAs has also appointed Paul as its 2002 representative at the very popular ANZ "Buying a Home" seminars. Other guest speakers include The Law Institute of Victoria, REIV, and the ANZ Bank.

NSW CLIENTS - WE HEAR YOU!

Due to the constant demand for Paul's services from clients based in Sydney and regional NSW, especially those in the thoroughbred industry, Paul will be spending at least two days a month up there seeing clients. Interested clients should call our office (Tel: 03 9329 7044) to arrange an appointment.

STOCK WRITE-DOWNS UPDATE

Paul's latest September 2001 Australian Bloodhorse Review article, "Stock write-downs revisited" is now on Media Watch. Paul provides valuable insight in relation to the generous stock write-downs available to mares and stallions. FAQ's also provided.


Thursday, June 21, 2001
FAMILY RETIREMENT FUNDS - A NEW HORSE INDUSTRY VEHICLE

Paul's latest June 2001 Australian Bloodhorse Review article is now on Media Watch. Paul discusses in great detail how Family Retirement Funds can assist breeders in expanding their bloodstock assets, accumulating wealth and providing important asset protection.



Saturday, April 07, 2001
PAUL'S NEW MARCH 2001 BLOODHORSE REVIEW ARTICLE

Media Watch has been updated with Paul's recent March 2001 Australian Bloodhorse Review article titled Horses and Tax - FAQ. This article is a must read for new thoroughbred industry entrants and has met with wide acclaim within the industry.

CHANGES TO BAS & IAS SYSTEM

The changes, announced by the ATO in late February 2001, are set to apply from the quarter ended 31 March 2001.

Highlights of these changes are set out below.

1. IAS Changes


  • Taxpayers whose 2000 investment or business income was less than $1,000 and whose total tax payable is less than $250 are removed from the IAS system;

  • Individuals, partners and companies (whose turnover is less than $1m), have the option of paying an IAS quarterly instalment advised by the ATO; and

  • The above taxpayers can still continue to work out their quarterly IAS instalment under the old system.

2. BAS changes


  • The old system still available, but the BAS will be simplified;

  • If turnover less than $20m, you can stay with the current system or pay your actual GST amounts under a streamlined quarterly reporting system (i.e. many boxes need not be completed), which includes the lodging of a yearly BAS no later than 28 February 2002;

  • If turnover less than $2m, an additional option is to pay a quarterly amount advised by the ATO, which again includes lodging of a yearly BAS no later than 28 February 2002. Under this option a quarterly BAS need not be prepared, unless the taxpayer had a refund in the December 2000 quarter. GST Refund taxpayers must still prepare a condensed BAS for the March 2001 quarter; and

  • If a business lodges on a monthly basis, same arrangements apply, however their quarterly BAS will be significantly streamlined from June 2001.

New quarterly lodgment and payment dates

The lodgment period for the BAS has now been extended. Lodging the BAS within 21 days of the end of the reporting quarter has now been increased to 28 days, the exception being the December quarter BAS lodgment has been increased to 9 weeks after the end of that quarter.

If you have any further queries please either contact our office, the ATO on 13 24 78 or visit their Web Site at www.taxreform.gov.au.


Tuesday, February 27, 2001
GST WARNING ON HORSE SALES

Horse breeders who applied for an ABN, but chose not to register for GST as they expected their current and projected annual turnover to be less than $50,000, could be in for a real shock if they sell a yearling for greater than $50,000 in the upcoming Australian yearling sales – the ATO will want 1/11th of their proceeds! Read all about it in this article from "The Australian Financial Review".

RALPH ATTACKS HORSE LOSSES

Under new rules, commencing from 1 July 2000, horse breeding losses incurred by individuals (including an individual in partnership), which would normally be deductible because the individual is carrying on a “business”, will not be deductible unless certain criteria is satisfied.

NEW CGT 50% DISCOUNT APPLIES FROM THE 2000 TAX YEAR

After 21 September 1999 an individual, trust or complying superannuation entity that acquires a CGT asset and makes a capital gain from a CGT event happening to that CGT asset, will receive a discount on the capital gain. The CGT asset must be owned for at least 12 months for a taxpayer to obtain this discount. The CGT discount is a reduction of the nominal gain (i.e. without indexation) by 50% for individuals and trusts, and by 33 1/3 % for complying superannuation entities.


Monday, February 26, 2001
NEW PSI RULES
The new PSI rules are aimed at those individuals who divert income generated by their Personal Services Income to a company, trust or partnership. The measures apply from 1 July 2000.

If an entity earns more than 80% of its PSI from the one source, the measures automatically apply unless the entity obtains a determination from the ATO stating it is conducting a personal services “business”.