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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.


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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.


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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.


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2 Sep

How to Prepare a NFP Self-Review Return

Starting July 1st, 2024, non-profit organisations (NFPs) in Australia with an ABN, but not recognised as charitable, must annually submit a NFP self-review return to the ATO to confirm their tax exemption status. This process involves three main sections:


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12 Aug

The Power of Systemisation: Why, How, and What Types of Businesses Can Benefit

Systemisation is the backbone of a successful business. It is the process of creating repeatable and efficient workflows that streamline operations, reduce stress, and foster growth. This blog explores why businesses should embrace systemisation, how they can implement it, and what types of businesses stand to benefit the most.


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16 Jul

Small Business Productivity: Industry & Regional Trends

Building on the findings from Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI) report, Small business productivity: Trends, implications and strategies, this special report presents industry and regional labour productivity data for small businesses.


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10 Jul

Is your family home really tax free?

The main residence exemption exempts your family home from capital gains tax (CGT) when you dispose of it.


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8 Jul

Earned an income from the sharing economy?

It’s essential that any income earned from sharing economy platforms such as Airbnb, Stayz, Uber, etc., is declared in your tax return.


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3 Jul

$20k instant asset write-off passes Parliament

Legislation increasing the instant asset write-off threshold from $1,000 to $20,000 for the 2024 income year.


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3 Jul

What’s ahead for 2024-25?

Will 2024-25 be another year of volatility or a return to stability?


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27 Jun

The Impact of Mental Health Awareness Training on Small Business


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19 Jun

The Art of Efficiency: Mastering Time Management for Maximum Productivity

In today’s fast-paced world, productivity has become a paramount concern for professionals and business owners alike. We constantly strive to optimise our workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and maximise the value we derive from every minute of our day. One of the key steps in achieving this is recognising the habits and tasks that drain our productivity and replacing them with more effective strategies.


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15 May

Federal Budget 2024 / 2025

Budget 2024-25 is a pre-election budget for the people with everyone getting a little something to ease cost of living pressures. For business, there is the extension of the $20k instant asset write-off again.


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13 May

Quick Ways To Boost Your Business’ Cash Reserves

Secured business loans play an important role in supporting small business owners.


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2 May

Accessing money in your SMSF

The ATO has made a call to professional accountants to help identify and manage illegal early access to superannuation by members of SMSFs.


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1 May

Do your kids want to take over your business?

It’s important that generational succession is managed as closely and diligently.


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30 Apr

Bank of Mum and Dad

The great wealth transfer from the baby boomer generation has begun and home ownership is the catalyst.



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30 Apr

Company Money Crackdown

The ATO is cracking down on business owners who take money or use company resources for themselves.


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23 Apr

Rebuilding After Divorce

Going through a divorce or separation is undoubtedly challenging, but it's essential to take control of your financial future. By understanding the impact of separation on your assets, seeking professional advice, and creating a solid financial plan, you can navigate this difficult time with confidence.


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22 Apr

Leveraging Technology to Drive Business Growth

Technology has transformed the way businesses operate, allowing them to reach new customers, expand into new markets, and improve operational efficiency.


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22 Apr

Achieving Sustainable Growth Through Strategic Planning

Scaling up a business is not just about increasing revenue or expanding into new markets; it's about creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth.


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22 Apr

Understanding the 7 Key Strategies for Business Growth

Every business, regardless of its size or industry, shares a common goal: to grow and thrive in a competitive market.


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18 Apr

Non-compete clauses and worker restraints under review

A new issues paper from Treasury’s Competition Review questions whether non-competes and other restraints are limiting job opportunities and movement.


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18 Apr

How much is my business worth?

For many small business owners, their business is their largest asset and for many, one that is expected to help fund their retirement.


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17 Apr

The assault on professional services

The ATO has signalled that it is willing to pursue professional services firms who divert profits to avoid tax.


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16 Apr

Budget 2024-25

The 2024-25 Federal Budget is the third for the Albanese Government and consistent with previous years, the primary themes are expected to be the cost of living and the economic shift to net zero.


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15 Apr

Warning on SMSF asset valuations

The ATO has issued a warning to trustees of SMSFs about sloppy valuation practices.


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3 Apr

Does Your Company Need a Shareholders Agreement?

A Shareholders Agreement is a legally binding contract negotiated by the shareholders of a company, designed to govern their relationship, business arrangements, rights, responsibilities, obligations, and liabilities. It supplements the company's constitution by addressing matters not covered therein, thus offering more comprehensive protection and clarity.


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27 Mar

My Reflections on Our 2-Day Corporate Retreat

Running a business is not just about crunching numbers and meeting targets; it's also about fostering a strong team dynamic and creating a shared vision. That's why I recently organized a 2-day corporate retreat for the entire SMART team at Phillip Island, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.


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20 Mar

Getting back what you put in: Loans to get a business started

A recent case highlights the dangers of taking money out of a company without carefully considering the tax implications.


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20 Mar

Revised stage 3 tax cuts confirmed for 1 July

The revised stage 3 tax cuts have passed Parliament and will come into effect on 1 July 2024.


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19 Mar

How to take advantage of the 1 July super cap increase

From 1 July 2024, the amount you can contribute to super will increase.


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18 Mar

The ATO Debt Dilemma

Thousands of taxpayers and their agents were advised by the Australian Taxation Office that they had an outstanding historical tax debt.


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12 Mar

Testamentary Trusts - Why we believe everyone needs one incorporated into their will

In Australia, testamentary trusts have become useful for more people than ever before. They're not just for the wealthy anymore. 


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21 Feb

Maximising Returns: A Comprehensive Guide to Property Investment

Investing in property can be a lucrative venture, especially for small business owners looking to diversify their portfolio or secure a stable source of income.


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21 Feb

Supercharge Your Superannuation

As a small business owner or employee on wages, planning for your future includes managing your superannuation effectively.


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19 Feb

Cashflow: The Lifeblood of Business

In the ever-evolving landscape of small business ownership, it is imperative to remain vigilant and proactive, especially when it comes to financial management. We delve into key strategies and insights to help small business owners navigate financial challenges effectively.


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31 Jan

Tax on Super Earnings

How will the proposed 30% tax on super earnings above $3m work?


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31 Jan

Debt consolidation using your home loan

Consolidating various debts into your home loan can be a strategic financial move that reduces your interest and allows you to pay the debt down faster.


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31 Jan

The problem when the evidence doesn’t match what the taxpayer tells the ATO

The problem when the evidence doesn’t match what the taxpayer tells the ATO.


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31 Jan

Can my SMSF invest in property development?

An SMSF can invest in property development if trustees ensure the investment complies with the rules.


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31 Jan

Contractor or Employee?

An agreement states that a worker is an independent contractor, this does not mean that they are a contractor for tax and superannuation purposes.


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30 Jan

5 things to consider before getting caravan finance

One of the best parts of the summer holidays is packing up the car and heading off on a family holiday. Many Australians are staying at caravan parks in iconic locations


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29 Jan

The Redesigned Stage 3 Personal Income Tax Cuts

The personal income tax cuts legislated to commence on 1 July 2024 will be realigned and redistributed under a proposal released by the Federal Government.


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29 Jan

6 ways to pay off your home faster in 2024

Home is the biggest expense and the sooner you can pay down the debt, the better off you’re going to be financially.


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24 Jan

6 Predictions For Australia's Property Market In 2024

With affordability challenges in major cities, buyers may explore "bridesmaid suburbs" – second-choice areas that offer more reasonable property prices.


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22 Jan

Why you should buy in January

Buying a property, whether as an investment or residence, is never a straightforward process. Take time to research properties, and then make a competitive offer to get the deal done.


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19 Jan

Growing Your Business With Asset Finance In 2024

Without the need for upfront payments, asset finance can play an important role in improving a business's cash flow management.


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16 Jan

Top commercial property predictions for 2023

After a tough year for commercial property investors, the outlook will be better in 2024, according to an expert.


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21 Dec '23

The case of the taxpayer who claimed a loss on their home

A decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has the tax world in a flurry after found taxpayer who sold the apartment she lived in for a loss, then claimed the $265,935 loss in her tax return as a deduction.


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20 Dec '23

Tax on super balances above $3m hits Parliament

Legislation enabling an extra 15% tax on earnings on super balances above $3m is before Parliament.


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18 Dec '23

The key influences of 2024

Uncertainty has reigned over the last few years, but can we expect more consistency as we head into 2024.


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13 Dec '23

Bah humbug: The Christmas tax dilemma

If your work Christmas party is out of the office, keep the cost of your celebrations below $300 per person if you want to avoid paying FBT.


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6 Dec '23

Navigating the Festive Season: A Mortgage Broker's Insight on Credit Management

As the holiday season approaches, it's crucial to consider how your spending habits may influence especially when it comes to utilising easy credit options.


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5 Dec '23

Streamlining Finances in the Digital Age: Top Budgeting Apps

A budgeting app is an app designed to help you optimise the spending and savings choices you make each month.


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29 Nov '23

Unraveling Payroll Tax: Common Blunders and Grouping Dilemmas for Small Business Owners

We'll dive into some of the everyday mistakes and tricky grouping issues that small businesses often encounter when dealing with payroll tax.


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25 Nov '23

Effective strategies for managing cash flow in trades businesses

Maintaining control over cash flow is undeniably a complex balancing act. It's a challenge that lacks a quick and universal solution.


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24 Nov '23

10 reasons why it’s time to change accountant

This article aims to shed light on red-flag indicators that may suggest it's time to consider changing accountants, providing insights into the reasons behind such a decision.


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24 Nov '23

7 Key Inquiries for Your Accountant

Prepare Your Business for a Successful New Year - Challenging conditions, unpredictable supply chains, and increasing inflation highlight the importance of expert financial support.


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24 Nov '23

Benefits of a Specialised Construction Accountant for Your Business

A dedicated construction and trade accountant possesses an in-depth understanding of the sector's unique requirements and intricacies.


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24 Nov '23

Navigating Equity Interests in a Family Business

The journey often begins with businesses adopting simple ownership structures, yet as they progress and expand, intricate challenges emerge.


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24 Nov '23

Tradie Accountants

While any accountant can handle trade-related finances, opting for a specialist in the trades industry offers unique advantages.


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24 Nov '23

Strategies to manage cash flow for construction companies

Regularly monitoring your income and expenses is crucial. These practices will help keep your financial standing robust.


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17 Nov '23

Gold Coast office market faces a shortage in 3 years

Despite an increase in the region’s office vacancy rate the Gold Coast office market is facing a shortage of office space within the next three years.


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14 Nov '23

FBT-Free Electric Cars

New legislation before Parliament, if enacted, will make zero or low emission vehicles FBT-free. We explore who can access the concession and how. 


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13 Nov '23

Smarter Refinancing Before the Holiday Season

Despite the 13 interest rate increases in 19 months, your mortgage interest rate could and should still start with a ‘5’.


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13 Nov '23

Redrawing investment loans

If you have an investment property loan and redraw on the loan for a different purpose the loan account becomes a mixed purpose account.


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13 Nov '23

When is food GST-free?

A recent case before the AAT demonstrates how fine the dividing line is between GST-free and taxable foods.


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10 Nov '23

30% tax on super balances above $3 million

Treasury has released draft legislation for consultation to enact the Government’s plan to increase tax rate superannuation balances above $3m from 15% to 30% from 1 July 2025.


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10 Nov '23

Up to 10 years in prison for deliberate ‘wage theft’

“Wage-theft” is illegal in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria under State laws.


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9 Nov '23

Workers owed $3.6bn in super guarantee

The statistics on employer superannuation guarantee (SG) compliance look pretty good with over $71 billion, collected without intervention from the regulators in 2020-21.


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8 Nov '23

6 ways borrowers can beat rising interest rates

With inflation remaining high, interest rates are likely to stay at elevated levels for some time.


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