Like it or not, it appears that cryptocurrencies are here to stay. If you haven't already dabbled in crypto (or even if you have) you should be aware that the ATO has you in their sights. If you are planning to purchase cryptocurrencies, you should be aware that there are various taxation consequences associated with the purchase, holding and disposal of these digital assets. Below is a summary of the ATO's current view with regards to capital gains tax and cryptocurrencies.

It could have been the perfect crime: an intentional fire in an empty property to claim landlord insurance. There were no eye witnesses, no victims and no direct evidence either that the landlord consented to the fire or that his friend, Mr Sen, had lit it. If only Mr Sen hadn’t left his mobile phone behind.

Google searches: the go-to research tool of modern times.  But what happens when this tool is misused?  Or if the search results link to defamatory or misleading material? 

As a general rule, a beneficiary of an unconditional undertaking is entitled to convert the security into cash, unless to do so would be fraudulent, unconscionable, or in breach of a clear term of the contract restricting that ability.  It requires ‘clear words’ to inhibit a beneficiary from calling on a performance guarantee where a breach is alleged in good faith i.e. non-fraudulently.