Question:
New Significant Investor Visa available
Answer:
Recent changes are outlined below:
July 1, 2022
- Loss carry back for eligible companies extended to cover 2023 income year.
- Professional firm profits diverted to the professional's spouse or other associates to be reviewed under new Tax Office guidance.
- Corporate collective investment vehicle legislative regime introduced.
- Temporary full expensing of depreciating assets extended to include 2023 income year.
- Depreciable assets of a company joining a tax consolidation group have tax costs setting rules modified for assets depreciated under temporary full expensing rules.
December 9, 2021
- Reduced Pandemic leave disaster payment of $750 per week made available through to 30 June 2022.
August 5, 2021
- COVID-19 Disaster Payments are non-assessable non-exempt income in 2021 income year and later. Payments phasing out as vaccination rates increase.
July 1, 2021
- New Investment Engagement Service launched for businesses planning significant new investments in Australia.
- Tax Office small business independent review service made permanent for businesses with turnover < $10m, for income tax, GST, exercise, luxury car tax, wine equalisation tax and fuel tax credits. Requested before amended assessment issued.
- Small business income tax offset for individuals increased to provide a reduction of 16% for a tax payable up to $1,000.
- Self-managed superannuation funds can now have six members, increased from four members previously.
July 1, 2021
- Some COVID -19 state and territory business grants received by small and medium enterprises are non-assessable, non-exempt income for 2021 and 2022 income years.
- Certain state, territory and local government financial support for individuals and businesses suffering COVID-19 impacts made exempt where businesses have turnover less than $50 million and only in eligible programs.
March 31, 2021
- JobKeeper payments scheme ended.
October 5, 2020
- Boosting apprenticeship commencements subsidy (up to 50% of apprentice's wages) is assessable income.
June 4, 2020
- Homebuilder grant for new home or substantial renovation construction is not subject to income tax.
April 1, 2020
- COVID-19 cash flow boost payments are not subject to income tax
The previous Federal Government introduced a new Significant Investor Visa which targeted migrants who could make an investment of at least $5 million in the Australian economy. This was thought to make it easier for investors coming to Australia. Under this program investors would not have to meet a points test and had reduced residency requirements.
Investments could be made in State and Territory bonds, ASIC regulated managed funds and direct investments into Australian companies.
During the period from inception on 24 December, 2012 and 31 March, 2015 a total of 1,679 applications under this program have been lodged and 751 visas granted. $3,775 million has been invested with a further $2,775 million proposed. Most of the visas have been granted to applicants from China and Hong Kong (92%). Others are from Malaysia, South Africa and Vietnam.
Intending migrants who don’t have that sort of money available can apply for a Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188). This involves a point score based on age, English language ability, qualifications, business or investment experience, personal and business assets, business turnover and innovation and whether a special endorsement has been obtained from a State or Territory.
