Resolving Shareholder Deadlocks: oppressive and unfairly prejudicial conduct
Deadlocks commonly arise in companies with equal shareholders who are also directors. An aggrieved shareholder can ask the Supreme Court to resolve the deadlock if the shareholder suffers oppressive and unfairly prejudicial conduct. When can the Court Intervene? The Court may intervene if: The conduct of a company’s affairs; or An actual or proposed act […]
Uber Drivers: Independent Contractors or Employees?
The Fair Work Commission recently held that an Uber Driver was an independent contractor and not an employee for the purposes of an unfair dismissal claim. This decision will affect all those involved in the emerging “gig economy”, where workers engage in job for-hire tasks through forums such as apps. Kaseris v Rasier Pacific […]
Changes to the NSW Land Tax Legislation – unintended consequence for all Trusts which own residential property
A new land tax duty surcharge applies to residential land owned by foreign persons. Discretionary Family or Hybrid Trusts are automatically caught by these new provisions irrespective of whether a foreign individual is associated with the trust. We understand that similar provisions have also been enacted in other states. To be exempted from these provisions […]
Getting your affairs in order – what is an appointment of Enduring Guardian
An Enduring Guardian is the person you appoint to make personal, health or lifestyle decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to make them for yourself. When you appoint an Enduring Guardian, you choose the decision-making powers your Enduring Guardian will have. For example, you can authorise your Enduring Guardian to decide where […]
Christmas Party Survival Guide for Employers: how to plan effectively and reduce vicarious liability
With the silly season among us and the celebrations commencing in full force, employers must not lose sight of their responsibilities to their employees and potential risks that can arise with end of year festivities. Before the party A few simple steps can be taken before your party that will automatically reduce the likelihood of […]
Estate Executors – Know your tax obligations
Agreeing to be executor of an estate means accepting obligations to the tax office. As the executor, you are answerable to the taxpayer for all of the estate's income and take over the deceased’s responsibilities for launching tax returns. Until the estate’s assets and income have been fully distributed, you will have to work out […]
Trusts – Losing out on land tax threshold
Who pays land tax? If you own, or jointly own, any property in NSW that is not your principal place of residence (your home) and the total taxable value of your land exceeds the land tax threshold, then you may need to pay land tax. How is land tax calculated? If your total land value […]
Your will – where is it?
Where should you keep your will? Keep your will in a safe place. It is preferable not to keep the will yourself in case it is mislaid. If the will is mislaid, it may be presumed to have been revoked. Solicitors hold wills on behalf of clients, usually at no charge. You should keep a copy […]
Planning ahead – what is an Enduring Guardian?
An Enduring Guardian is someone you appoint, at a time when you have capacity, to make personal, health or lifestyle decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to make them for yourself. When you appoint an Enduring Guardian, you should choose which decision-making powers you want your Enduring Guardian to have. For example, you […]
Homemade wills – when the judge decides
A will prepared without legal advice may not express the deceased's intentions. There are many cases looking at ‘homemade’ or ‘DIY’ wills. In one case, the Courts had to interpret a homemade will for an estate with a gross value of about $3.6 million. The deceased had died in 2006, aged 83. He had seven […]