What’s the magic amount you need in your super account to retire comfortably?
With the borders between the State and Territories all but open and 2021 in sight, there is a hunger for a return to normal. With Australia's desire to ‘get on with things,' sentiment reached its highest level since November 2013 and Christmas spending is expected to be consistent with previous years.
We’ve had quite a few questions about the JobMaker hiring credit announced in the 2020-21 Federal Budget. The legislation enabling the JobMaker scheme has not passed Parliament as yet and until this occurs, the JobMaker rules are not certain and may change.
The idea of insuring against loss of income is one that has clear value. The idea of insuring against loss of income is one that has clear value. Yet many neglect to insure their most valuable asset. Income protection could be the answer – so how does it work?
The 2020-21 Federal Budget is a road to recovery paved with cash. Some of the measures are aimed at addressing the harsh lessons COVID-19
has taught us and seek to centralise production back in Australia to ensure our industries can be self-reliant.
Reflecting on the past 6 months, particularly since the effect of Coronavirus on financial markets, I am concerned that many investors do not have a clear and tailored investment strategy. My observations are that investors seem to be failing to understand one basic investment principle; 'The higher the return the higher the risk’.
The updated alternative tests released by the Commissioner of Taxation are broadly similar to the alternative tests that were released in connection with the original decline in turnover test. However, there are some key differences.
To access JobKeeper payments from 28 September 2020, there are three questions that need to be assessed:
Is my business eligible? Am I and/or my employees eligible? and What JobKeeper rate applies?
We’ve summarised the key details in this update.
Over 2 days, the Victorian Government has announced two new support packages delivering over $3 billion in “cash grants, tax relief and cashflow support.
If you are selling your business, merging, acquiring, or inviting in new investors, you need to understand the value of your business. But, to what degree does the pandemic impact on value?
COVID-19 has had an impact on many SMSFs. We look at the key issues.
If your business currently receives JobKeeper, your arrangements will generally remain unchanged until 27 September 2020. From 28 September 2020, employers seeking to claim JobKeeper payments will need to reassess their eligibility and prove an actual decline in turnover.
The Government has announced the $2.5bn JobTrainer package to retrain, upskill and open new job opportunities.
Minimum wage increases by 1.75% plus changes to Paid Parental Leave for the self employed.
Will the Prime Minister’s targeted $250 million package of funding to support cultural and creative projects and initiatives save the industry?
Two major Australian Taxation Office (ATO) initiatives are searching out fraud and schemes designed to take advantage of the Government’s Coronavirus Economic Response Package.
Up against over 580 nominations and 275 certified finalists, Brandon Tilley, accountant at Mornington accounting and business advisory firm, SMART Business Solutions, won the coveted Rising Star Of The Year Award as one of only 35 award winners.
News headlines recently stated that casual workers have won the right to paid leave following a decision in the Federal Court. As usual, the devil is in the detail.
Important need-to-know changes for Australian business owners as at 1st July 2020.
The ATO is looking carefully at businesses that appear to have made adjustments to their circumstances to meet the JobKeeper eligibility requirements where, if those adjustments had not been made, the entity would have been ineligible or had lower JobKeeper payments.
This has probably been the most difficult year ever for business owners due to the impact of COVID-19. As a business owner, there are many obligations that you need to consider and action just before and after 30 June.
As COVID-19 struck, Australian businesses had to rapidly evolve and implement new ways of working with very little warning or preparation. Whilst many companies have successfully adjusted to their 'new normal', it's also time to consider what the future holds for employers.
Moratorium on evictions and rent relief
Brandon has recorded a video on how to process JobKeeper in Xero. Just minutes after he finished, Xero updated further to include a basic last month turnover calculator too!
UPDATED 13th April - Businesses significantly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak will be able to access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. THIS INCLUDES SELF-EMPLOYED!!
BAS time seems to come around quicker and quicker! Here are some tips to try and make it a little easier! We have also included a summary of common errors we see, take a look to ensure you don’t do these.
Funding of $10,000 per business is available and will be allocated through a grant process.
Does your business rent a commercial property from your SMSF? You can now give your business reduced rent because of COVID-19 to ease the
pressure on your business.
We know that even the smallest changes can have a big impact on your finances.
With the impact on businesses due natural disasters such as COVID-19 and the Australian bushfires, we see the knock-on effect on sales,
market presence, and businesses unsure on where they should be spending their limited resources.
It's a good time to share some industry knowledge about what marketing you should consider investing in when times are tough.
As part of a $1.7 billion economic survival package, the Victorian Government has announced $500 million to establish a Business Support Fund to assist small to medium businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Victorian Government has announced a range of tax measures to support businesses through Victoria's State of Emergency as part of a
broader economic survival package to support business and jobs in response to COVID-19.
We will regularly update this page with new questions and answers, so check back to stay up to date.
Not sure what support your bank is offering in the chaos? Check out this summary of the majors and their current plans.
The Government yesterday released a second, far reaching $66.1 bn stimulus package that boosts income support payments, introduces targeted
changes to the superannuation rules, provides cash flow support of up to $100,000 for small business employers, and relaxes corporate
insolvency laws.
The stimulus measures are not yet legislated. Parliament will reconvene on Monday 23 March 2020.
A series of high-profile examples of businesses underpaying their employees has brought the need to get payroll right into sharp focus.
Complex award and enterprise agreements can complicate payroll obligations, in terms of both regular salary and wages and the ongoing need
to pay employee superannuation. On top of that, from 1 March 2020, changes commence for annualised wage arrangements that will increase the
compliance burden on some businesses.
In the past week or so, we’ve seen share markets fall on the back of growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. At times of heightened market volatility, it’s easy to fear how your superannuation and other investments might be affected, but it’s important to understand the nature of market movements before making any sudden decisions.
With the start of the Fringe Benefits Tax year looming on 1 April, businesses are being urged to review their Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) position.
IT ALL ADDS UP – That's what the theme was for Xero Roadshow 2020. Hayley Brass was the Xero’s acting MC for today’s Xero Roadshow at Narre Warren. Hayley started the morning by remembering all the small businesses that were affected by the tragic bush fires and floods in early January. This was a great choice to star the morning.
If someone were to ask you what your business is worth, would you be able to reply with a realistic figure? Surprisingly, you wouldn’t be alone if you didn’t know the answer to this very important question.
Treat finding an accountant like speed dating. Life is busy, you need your accounts looked after and you don’t have time to wade through all the possible suitors.
Most businesses are based, either consciously or subconsciously, on the Greek philosopher Plato’s statement indicating that necessity is the mother of invention. You identify a need and then invent a product or process to fill that need.
Automate processes to save time
Look at current processes you could change to save you time or money. One way could be changing from manual systems to automatic ones to
free up time for more important tasks.
Conduct customer research to identify new ideas
Ask your customers about what new products or services they would like to see added to your range. Brainstorm ideas with your staff, along
with which new markets to target. This article has some advice on how you can unlock innovative ideas.
Create a video channel to increase your profile
If you want to get your goods or services out there in front of a worldwide audience, think about creating a YouTube channel for your
business. This is a great way to demonstrate products or share tips with your customers. For example, if you have a background in carpentry
and a small business that makes wooden furniture, display some of your products on YouTube to gain a following.
Growing your business means more cash for you now plus a higher sale price in the future when you decide to eventually sell your business.
Over the coming months, we plan to send out to you 4 articles full of ideas to help you grow your business.
New Year’s Eve is famous for the New Year’s Resolutions people make to better themselves in the coming year. The most common New
Year’s Resolution is eat healthy and exercise regularly .
But what about your business and your personal finances? Why not start off 2020 with a very achievable and measurable resolution that
will greatly impact not just yourself, but your family’s long-term security.
Ask experts what they rate as one of the top qualities of a successful small business, and they’ll no doubt answer agility. So, here are some top tips to help you remain agile, especially during growth periods.
From 1 July 2020, new rules will come into effect to ensure that an employee’s salary sacrifice contributions cannot be used to reduce the amount of superannuation guarantee (SG) paid by the employer.
The festive season is fast approaching and with it comes the temptation to eat, drink, and make merry, hopefully on the company’s dime. After all, you’ve worked hard and put in long hours to achieve your goals. It’s only right that you get to reward your clients as well as your staff and their families, maybe even yourself.
Legislation that passed through Parliament last month prevents taxpayers from claiming a deduction for expenses incurred for holding vacant land. The amendments are not only retrospective but go beyond purely vacant land.
Do you understand what it takes to keep your online customers coming back for more? Whatever your answer, the following five strategies are designed to ensure you deliver a brand experience that surpasses your customers’ expectations and guarantees their loyalty.
Do you know how much your business is worth? Whether you’re thinking of selling or just plain curious, it’s interesting to note that owners are prone to overestimating the market value of their business.
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