Ascend News

In the world of strata accounting, reimbursements aren’t inherently confusing—but they are sometimes recorded inconsistently. This can lead to budgeting challenges and, in some cases, the failure to properly recoup costs from owners.

Wondering why one strata audit quote is higher than another? This article breaks down the seven main factors that influence audit pricing—plus a few important considerations that can save time and ensure you're engaging an auditor that actually understands strata.  Note - Ascend do not do audits.

If a strata employs a caretaker and provides free or discounted accommodation, they may be liable for Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). This article breaks down how FBT works in a strata context—along with a worked example and key dates to be aware of.

KPIs aren't just for profit-driven businesses — strata propertiess can also benefit from clear, tailored performance indicators. This article explores practical financial KPIs for both admin and reserve funds, and how a visual dashboard can make them easier to understand (plus a great way to highlight your white glove service as a manager).

Think a strata company only needs to lodge when there’s income?  Not quite. This article clears up the common confusion between tax returns, nil returns, and Return Not Necessary (RNN) submissions — and why every building needs one of them lodged each year.

Many strata buildings are sitting on small tax losses without realising they could be turned into tax-free income. In this article, we explain how such losses work — and how they can be used by strata buildings to earn tax free investment income.

Preparing a strata budget is the point where GST obligations can quietly kick in. This article walks through what to watch for, and what to do, when proposed levies (all levies in total) push past the $150,000 annual threshold for the first time.

From what date do you register a strata company for GST? Is it the start of a tax year, the previous year end, the next levy issue date—or something else entirely? This article explains the correct date and the logic behind it, with strata-specific context.

Many strata managers mistakenly believe registering for GST automatically means a 10% jump in levies. This article debunks that myth, clarifying how GST credits significantly offset costs, making the actual impact surprisingly minor.

With many strata buildings considering a container deposit scheme to encourage recycling and generate extra income, it’s important to understand the GST and income tax implications before implementing the initiative.

Timing mismatches between Status Certificate Income and related expenses can lead to unnecessary tax liabilities for strata companies, but a simple adjustment in charging practices can help avoid this issue.

Discover how a streamlined chart of accounts can simplify aligning budgets to actuals; and boost operational efficiency for strata managers.

Voluntarily registering a strata for GST does not add 10% to levies.  In fact, for commercial lot owners, it actually works out to be cashflow positive.

This article outlines how the ATO has significantly hardened its stance on penalties and interest, making it much more challenging to obtain remissions.

Having a TFN and ABN in place protects a strata property from unnecessary withholding tax and  potential administrative headaches down the road. This article explains why setting up both identifiers early is a smart move for every strata building.

The short answer is 'Usually not, but there are exceptions.'

What are the tax implications of income from solar panels, embedded networks, or bulk utility agreements in strata?

Accidentally paid superannuation late for a strata you manage? Here’s how to fix things and cover yourself... without alerting your clients.

Find out about recent StrataMax changes to creditor account posting and Ascend's temporary workaround to the issue they've created.

What to look out for in the handover financials when taking on a new strata management.

A strata manager can still be legally liable for the tax affairs of a strata company if they are listed as the public officer... even if they no longer manage the property!

Accrual based accounting (recording income and expenses based on when they're incurred rather than when paid) is the accepted best practice in strata.. but it can cause a headache when it comes to income tax.

What Strata Managers need to know.

A guide to the final steps and adjustments required whena strata deregisters for GST.

There exists a little known nuance in the ATO's Tax Ruling 2015/3 that can greatly reduce the tax payable by strata companies operating a pay per use laundry facility for their residents.

Can you get away with not charging GST on levies if they're only used for loan repayments?

Important Advice for Strata Managers Regarding New ATO Compliance Requirement

A significant change is about to be introduced by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

A forensic audit to review the suspected financial mismanagement of a prior manager often results in good money disappearing after bad.

The ATO has been in a generous mood for early payers in recent times

What are the tax treatments when a strata earns money from laundry and vending machines?

We recently received the below question from a subscriber of LookUpStrata, Australia's top property blog on strata living.  We thought it worth sharing also here:

Unlike business financials, strata companies rarely show an expense for depreciation of assets.

How does depreciation work with common property?

Things to think about when investing a strata company's surplus funds:

Are strata companies really providing any 'taxable supply' for GST purposes?

Agency Relationships - How to claim GST when a supplier invoice is made out to another entity.

When a strata company collects a fee for providing information via status certificates but then pays it straight to the manager, do they really have to do a tax return?

What should you put at the Input Tax Credit question when making an insurance claim?

Why strata financials aren’t like corporate reports (and don’t need to be)

With the new financial year upon us, we thought you might like a quick 'ready reckoner' of tax obligations for your strata clients:

We're being asked for an ACN (Australian Company Number) for our strata company.  Where do we find it?

Not all strata levies are deductible for tax purposes.

Looking to save time when signing bulk tax returns / activity statements for your managements?

The vast majority of strata managers we work with are very aware of when a strata company needs to prepare a tax return and what is required to be included (ie: interest income from banks, status certificate income, laundry receipts etc).  On occasions though, a councillor may request further justification as to 'Why?'

Entities that are considered 'non-profit' can be exempt from paying income tax in Australia if they meet certain elegibility criteria set by tax legislation.  

Honorariums are a kind and practical way to reward the hard working volunteers that contribute so much to a strata company.  Keep in mind the potential tax implications though.

The Australian Government has announced stimulus packages aimed at helping Australians navigate financial hardships as a result of COVID-19.

We would like to wish all of our clients well during this difficult time for small business. As always, we are here to help you in any way we can.

Single Touch Payroll (STP) has been passed by parliament. This means that all employers, including many strata companies, will need to report payroll information electronically to the ATO every time they pay employees.

Single Touch Payroll is a mandatory change in the way employers report payroll to the ATO.  It affects all employers and our FAQ article gives strata managers all of the information they need to know.