Company loan to pay down the mortgage

HomeInsights

Company loan to pay down the mortgage. 


A friend’s accountant suggested that they could reduce interest on non-deductible debt by using company cash to offset their personal mortgage, then transferring the cash back by 30 June. Is this an acceptable strategy? 


This might initially sound like a brilliant strategy but what is really happening is that you are using company funds to derive a personal benefit. Doing this once might not attract attention, but doing this more than once might trigger a deemed unfranked dividend under Division 7A. Section 109R is designed for scenarios like this.


If this occurs, the repayment you made will be ignored, meaning that a deemed dividend could be triggered in relation to the funds initially borrowed from the company unless a complying loan agreement is put in place, in which case minimum loan repayments would need to be made to prevent a deemed dividend from arising.


For example, let's assume you are a shareholder of the company (or an associate of a shareholder) and you borrow money from the company on 1 July 2022. This loan would generally fall within the scope of Division 7A, but a deemed dividend can be avoided if the loan is fully repaid by the earlier of the due date and actual lodgement date of the company's 2023 tax return. 


However, if you repay the loan but it appears that you intend to borrow a similar or larger amount from the company when making the repayment then the repayment can be ignored. The main exception to this is where the repayment is made in a way that is taxable to the individual (e.g., dividends or directors’ fees are set-off against the loan balance).


One of the most common situations where section 109R could apply is where funds are taken from the company bank account and placed into a director's home loan offset account.

Even if the funds are transferred back to the company before the end of the year, there is a significant risk of section 109R applying if the pattern repeats. That is, the money will be treated as a dividend and taxed as assessable income.

Questions?

Give us a call or email if you'd like help to understand what this means for you and your business.


GET IN TOUCH GET IN TOUCH



22 Nov

6 steps to improve your credit rating for equipment financing

A good credit score can lead to better loan terms, lower interest rates and smoother approval processes.


READ MORE READ MORE
20 Nov

Can Asset Finance Help Startups?

Asset finance can be a powerful tool for startups looking to purchase equipment and technology without using up their cash reserves.


READ MORE READ MORE
18 Nov

Luxury retail drives cbd revival as sydney leads the pack

Sydney has emerged as Australia's retail powerhouse, while office markets across the country continue to face challenges.


READ MORE READ MORE
15 Nov

Investors Target Charity-Backed Commercial Assets

Commercial properties leased to established charities are emerging as highly sought-after investments. 


READ MORE READ MORE
13 Nov

Commercial construction reaches record levels as residential slows

Australia's construction sector, with commercial and infrastructure projects reaching record levels while residential development declines.


READ MORE READ MORE
4 Nov

Education Bonds: Saving for Private School

Darren and Jenny have one child and are planning for his secondary education at a Melbourne private school. Utilising education bonds, they aim to ensure they have sufficient funds to cover all tuition fees and associated costs throughout his education.


READ MORE READ MORE
4 Nov

Navigating Australia’s Bracket Creep: Strategies for Managing Rising Tax Liabilities

As Australia's highest marginal tax bracket impacts more individuals, a growing number of Australians face rising tax obligations due to "bracket creep," where wage growth outpaces tax rate adjustments. This trend is expected to persist, with tax-efficient strategies the backbone for financial advice to help individuals secure long-term wealth.


READ MORE READ MORE
30 Oct

5 things to know about car loan refinancing

Car loan refinancing involves replacing your existing car loan with a new one. The new loan pays off your existing debt, allowing you to start making payments on the refinanced car loan.


READ MORE READ MORE
28 Oct

How to apply for a car loan with a new job

Lenders often view job stability and income consistency as key factors in their loan approval process, which can make it tricky if you're settling into a new role.


READ MORE READ MORE
25 Oct

5 important steps before making an offer

Making an offer on a property for the first time is both exciting and nerve-racking. It’s important to take several steps to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision


READ MORE READ MORE
24 Oct

Market Wrap - September 2024

The presidential election in the US on 5 November could dominate headlines during October, before the next meeting of the Federal Reserve later that same week. Investors are already debating whether a further reduction in borrowing costs in the US could be announced following this meeting.


READ MORE READ MORE
21 Oct

Melbourne's housing prices fall to the sixth lowest among the capital cities

Melbourne's housing market has experienced a significant shift in recent years, with its median dwelling value now ranking sixth-lowest among Australia's capital cities.


READ MORE READ MORE
18 Oct

6 common refinancing traps to avoid

Refinancing your home loan can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.


READ MORE READ MORE
16 Oct

7 tips for styling your spring open home

Spring is a popular time to sell homes, with warmer weather and blooming gardens creating an inviting atmosphere that brings out the best of any property.


READ MORE READ MORE
14 Oct

Smart Financial Planning for New Parents: 9 Essential Tips to Manage Parenthood Costs

Discover 9 essential financial planning tips to help new and expecting parents manage the costs of parenthood with confidence and ease.


READ MORE READ MORE
11 Oct

The hidden costs of late payments

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business and when payments are delayed, it creates an immediate strain.


READ MORE READ MORE
9 Oct

6 misconceptions about small business loans.

Small business loans are often misunderstood. These misconceptions can prevent owners from taking advantage of valuable opportunities to grow their businesses.


READ MORE READ MORE
7 Oct

Luxury retail drives cbd revival as sydney leads the pack

Australia's CBD retail markets are showing signs of recovery post-pandemic with luxury brands leading the charge.


READ MORE READ MORE
4 Oct

Commercial property cycle offers opportunities for investors

There are still excellent opportunities for commercial investors in retail and industrial sectors thanks to the current property cycle.


READ MORE READ MORE
2 Oct

Business growth signals positive outlook for commercial property

The Australian business landscape is expanding, signalling a potentially strong future for commercial property markets.


READ MORE READ MORE
24 Sep

SMART Life - Issue 18 - Spring 2024

The global economy is being shaped by conflicting triggers. These include productivity-boosting technology innovations, geopolitical tensions and the strident efforts of central banks to bring inflation under control. We examine the economic outlook and discuss the implications for your retirement savings.


READ MORE READ MORE
19 Sep

Episode 15: Baby Boomers & The Great Wealth Transfer

In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, host Shannon Smit discusses the massive wealth transfer expected from Baby Boomers to the next generation, estimated at $84 trillion. Shannon highlights the opportunities and challenges of this transfer, focusing on estate planning, tax liabilities


READ MORE READ MORE
19 Sep

The Great Wealth Transfer: What Baby Boomers Need to Know About Preserving and Passing Down Wealth

Over the coming years, we’re about to witness the largest wealth transfer in history as Baby Boomers pass their hard-earned fortunes to younger generations. With an estimated $84 trillion set to be transferred, mostly from savings, investments, and real estate, this shift holds both incredible opportunities and significant challenges for families.


READ MORE READ MORE
19 Sep

Understanding the Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR): A Guide for Australian Businesses

The Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) is a mandatory report for Australian businesses in certain industries to disclose contractor payments to the ATO by August 28 each year, ensuring accurate tax reporting.


READ MORE READ MORE
18 Sep

Will You Pay More For Aged Care in 2025?

Changes to aged care fees are coming, and they will impact both home care and residential care. After a long wait and lots of speculation, the government has released details of the proposed changes.


READ MORE READ MORE
16 Sep

Aged Care Financial Advice Case Studies

Our aged-care financial advice case studies showcase real scenarios where our clients saved thousands by leveraging strategies regarding the family home, negotiating RADs and optimising care facility choices.


READ MORE READ MORE
11 Sep

Super Guarantee and Employee Terminations: Compliance Essentials for Employers

WEBINAR 11 SEPT // 12PM

In the third session, we'll delve into superannuation guarantee changes, including proposed changes to payday superannuation, new rates and bases, and the impact on SG liability. Gain insights into employer deductions, termination of employment considerations and more.


READ MORE READ MORE
11 Sep

How to record bad debts in Xero


READ MORE READ MORE
11 Sep

How to record incorrect payment against an invoice in Xero


READ MORE READ MORE
4 Sep

Allowances, FBT, and Compliance for Employers

WEBINAR 4 SEPT // 12PM

Master allowances and reimbursements, understand their PAYG and super guarantee implications, and learn to navigate travel vs. living-away-from-home allowances. Gain insights into FBT considerations, new ATO record-keeping requirements, and effective salary packaging arrangements.


READ MORE READ MORE

Related News

4 Nov

Navigating Australia’s Bracket Creep: Strategies for Managing Rising Tax Liabilities

As Australia's highest marginal tax bracket impacts more individuals, a growing number of Australians face rising tax obligations due to "bracket creep," where wage growth outpaces tax rate adjustments. This trend is expected to persist, with tax-efficient strategies the backbone for financial advice to help individuals secure long-term wealth.


READ MORE READ MORE
14 Oct

Smart Financial Planning for New Parents: 9 Essential Tips to Manage Parenthood Costs

Discover 9 essential financial planning tips to help new and expecting parents manage the costs of parenthood with confidence and ease.


READ MORE READ MORE
19 Sep

Understanding the Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR): A Guide for Australian Businesses

The Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) is a mandatory report for Australian businesses in certain industries to disclose contractor payments to the ATO by August 28 each year, ensuring accurate tax reporting.


READ MORE READ MORE