CPA Australia warn of anti-avoidance impacts
Key accounting body CPA Australia has warned that uncertainty surrounding the Government's intended tightening of the anti-avoidance provisions within the tax law makes it prudent for business to put key decisions on hold.
CPA Australia head of business and investment policy Paul Drum said businesses faced greater uncertainty and productivity losses as a result of the Government's moves on the anti-avoidance provisions.
Further, he said CPA Australia was of the view that the changes being pursued by the Government tinkered with a system which operated with the most stringent anti-avoidance provisions and which had, to date, operated effectively.
"These rule changes, which come into effect immediately, inject a heightened element of risk for companies should they take any significant business decisions until there is greater detail,' Drum said.
"In effect the message to business is: don't sign a major contract or embark on a significant undertaking until the bill is introduced to the Parliament," he said.
"The lack of clarity around the tax implications of such decisions means it would be wise to put such actions on hold."
Drum said the sweeping legislative changes being pursued by the Government appeared to be an over-reaction to a few individual incidents.
"As such, we believe a case by case approach would be more practical," he said.
AUTHOR
Mike Taylor
Recommended for you
Money Management examines the share price of financial advice licensees over one year to 31 March, with M&A actions in the final quarter having a positive effect for two licensees.
A $3.5 million settlement for victims of Melissa Caddick has been approved by the Federal Court following an initial agreement last December.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has delivered its first rate decision since the introduction of a new board structure last month.
Digital advice provider Otivo has launched an interactive tool, powered by artificial intelligence and Otivo’s own advice engine, to help answer client questions.
