The Taxpayers' Guide 2013-2014

wiltonson on 24/02/2014 - 11:53

I'm new to Australia tax system and was recommended by colleague to buy The Taxpayers' Guide 2013-2014 to get a good grip on what i can and can't claim.

I noticed the cheapest price is about $90. I wonder if my fellow OzBargainer know's where I can find it cheaper since we're already half the year gone by now. I also can't find a used copy on gumtree or ebay.

Alternatively, anyone can recommends a more effective alternative reading media (or solutions?) that can advise me to improve the efficiency of my money in paying tax?

Thanks

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 24/02/2014 - 12:32
    +1

    Wow, did you mention that you were having trouble sleeping?
    What's so hard to understand for the layperson?
    And if you're starting a business, why not retain the services of an accountant?

    • wiltonson on 24/02/2014 - 14:58

      we have used an accountant before (and previously too). We aren't sure if we got incompetent ones but we pay them way over $200 for their service and yet I have heard ppl telling us what we could have claimed but was never suggested by our accountant.

      • jace88 on 24/02/2014 - 16:25

        $200 seems pretty cheap to me if you're looking at it from a small business POV but is probably about right for personal returns depending on complexity… as others have mentioned, if you're looking for basic stuff, ATO website is pretty good and you can always call to ask questions. That being said, remember you may not be a resident for tax purposes so you aren't exactly the most straightforward.

  • Smulder on 24/02/2014 - 12:38
    +4

    Everything you need to know to complete your tax return is available on the ATO website… for free.

    • _Bruce_ on 24/02/2014 - 12:54

      Not only is the ATO's site very good, whenever I have had to deal with the ATO over the phone they have been excellent and provided clear and accurate information.

  • mskeggs on 24/02/2014 - 12:42

    For that price, you can get a tax agent to do your return.
    They will ask you all the relevant questions, and that will help you understand the info that is pertinent to your particular situation.
    Note that the info changes slightly year on year, but it is pretty easy to do your own return. It's even easier if you have last year's prepared by and agent to compare.

  • horsome on 24/02/2014 - 14:01

    Yep ATO website, if you're new to Oz too you may wish to look into any tax residency issues.

  • wiltonson on 24/02/2014 - 14:59

    Thanks for the response guys. I'll have a look in more detail on ATO website. Will probably buy the book anyway since recommended by a friend who buys that book every year

    • Smulder on 24/02/2014 - 15:59

      Perhaps they will lend it to you :)

    • mskeggs on 24/02/2014 - 17:08

      Ask them for last year's copy.
      Almost nothing has changed.

  • altomic on 27/02/2014 - 01:26
    +1

    you can claim the cost of buying the tax books as a tax deduction.

    • wiltonson on 28/02/2014 - 11:25

      Thanks I didn't think of that. good idea.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/02/2014 - 11:51
    +1

    To actually answer wiltonson question, I am surprised no one has recommended Booko.

    Booko
    Booko helps you find the cheapest place to buy Books or DVDs, including shipping to Australia. Booko converts all prices into $AUD.

    Taxpayers Guide 2013-2014

    $85.80 from Booktopia

    • Smulder on 27/02/2014 - 13:04

      The OP already stated he had found it for 'around' $90. I would have thought $86 was 'around' $90.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/02/2014 - 15:16

    4.8% savings…. it would take almost a year to earn that much in interest! But each to their own ;)

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