Originally Posted by
Barra1
The following points may be of assistance in this case:
1: My brother is a landscape supplier/wholesaler in the Perth region. We spoke about this case - his short answer - possible but not likely. He went on to explain the expenses, material costs etc of his larger clients. It is possible if he has a large operation - that means loaders, trucks and several teams of workers. He further explained to earn that level of income the landscaper would need to have obtained quite significant contracts - for example landscaping a complete new housing development site. The operation would be quite large - which of course you would be aware of if this was the case.
2: My calculations: If the business was of this size and quite legitimate (read paying tax) the business would be operating under a company structure (gross assumption there - I would think his accountant would need a very good reason not to have set up a company). Therefore a tax rate of 30%. To net an income of $460,000 the gross company income would be $658,000.
This income only allows for the expenses as described by yourself (and my estimates)
House: $250,000
Landcruisers: $170,000
Holiday: $40,000
Of course, these calculations assume a lot - such as the Landcruisers bought and paid for etc (not leased). I (and I daresay several other forum participants) could provide all-sorts of taxation strategies etc. These figures are only to demonstrate the figures that are required to generate a disposable income of your BIL.
Take into account the above income addresses only the items you have listed - I'm sure your BIL's family required additional income for food etc. which only compounds the figures above.
If he is not a company - and legitimate - and he has earnt $460,000 net - his taxable income would be $825,000 - DirtyDawg do you think he is really earning that amount from 2/3 days per week - bearing in mind that $825,000 is for a half year.
3: Last scenario. I have two clients who have won quite significant Lotto wins in the last 6 months. One of those clients has kept their win very quite - to such an extent that their son has come in to express his concern that Mum and Dad are spending way too much.
You may think it is not likely but you may find yourself very embarrassed if indeed this was the case.
4: Money tracking: We have received a call from the "Federales' regarding a client who was depositing quite sizeable sums into managed investment funds. They had been tracking him for over a year - he was quite legitimate and was receiving the money from selling firewood off his property. Interesting.
Also interesting is my son's role. A financial investigator with a North American bank. The banks/governments track funds etc as a result of the terrorist activity. The lad says they don't catch too many terrorists but the druggies are copping it. He assures me it is no different in Australia.
If BIL's income is "cash" the authorities will be aware of it.
DirtyDawg, my calculations etc are based on fairly loose knowledge of the precise circumstances and I have expressed opinions of others (my brother) who also has limited knowledge of the circumstance. You must take this into account before acting.
In summary my suggestions - and I hesitate to add but genuinely hope this is the case - do not discount the possibility of a financial windfall - better to be careful than put the foot in.
If not - and BIL is legitimate my brother wants to meet him to discuss doing business.