Payroll tax – it's a topic that often flies under the radar
for small business owners, but it can quickly become a financial headache if not handled correctly. In this blog post, we'll dive into some
of the everyday mistakes and tricky grouping issues that small businesses often encounter when dealing with payroll tax.
The Lowdown on Payroll Tax
Let's face it – payroll tax can be a real nuisance. It's a tax that seems to punish you for hiring and growing your team. But don't
fret; we're here to help you navigate the payroll tax maze.
Navigating the world of payroll tax might not be your idea of fun, but it's essential for the financial health of your small business. By avoiding these common blunders – like misclassification, missing taxable components, falling into the grouping trap, and neglecting accurate record-keeping – you can ensure that you're not blindsided by unexpected liabilities and penalties. Stay informed, seek professional advice when needed, and master the art of payroll tax compliance to keep your small business thriving.
We're here to help you stay in the know and save on taxes!
When this Australian manufacturer of retail products first came to us, they were in trouble. The financials showed a loss exceeding $300,000. Despite healthy sales activity and a great product, profit was nowhere to be found.
According to latest Asia-Pacific Data Centre report, Melbourne's live IT capacity has reached 337.1MW, marking a 25.4% year-on-year increase.
New research shows that four of Australia’s six major capital cities have recorded substantial improvements in their CBD retail vacancy rates over the past year.
Australia's commercial property market has delivered strong evidence of a recovery with total returns surging to 4.94 per cent in Q2 2025.
There’s a quiet shift happening within the ATO, and it’s catching a lot of businesses off guard. The ATO is using its newly enhanced Risk Engine, now powered by artificial intelligence, to comb through business financials with greater speed, accuracy, and scrutiny than ever before.
Being a proactive financial advisor means looking beyond the numbers on a screen. It’s not about reacting to the market or chasing returns. It’s about anticipating opportunities and risks before they appear, and making strategic decisions that protect and grow your wealth across every stage of life.
LIVE 2-DAY COURSE - MORNINGTON
29 & 30 September 2025
Join SkyBots’ 2-day Workshop with automation expert Daryl Aw to revolutionise your workflow using Power Automate, UiPath, VBA,
and cutting-edge AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT. Tailored for accounting and finance professionals,
bookkeepers and small business owners, this hands-on training will teach you to automate repetitive tasks, generate and optimise VBA
scripts, and deploy robust automation solutions independently.
SOLD OUT - LIVE 2-DAY COURSE - SYDNEY
25 & 26 September 2025
Join SkyBots’ 2-day Workshop with automation expert Daryl Aw to revolutionise your workflow using Power Automate, UiPath, VBA,
and cutting-edge AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT. Tailored for accounting and finance professionals,
bookkeepers and small business owners, this hands-on training will teach you to automate repetitive tasks, generate and optimise VBA
scripts, and deploy robust automation solutions independently.
Smart Private Wealth, part of the Smart Business Solutions Group, has been honoured as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Barry Lambert Award, recognising exceptional community fundraising and volunteer work within the Count Financial network.
Shannon Smit, Founding Director of Smart Private Wealth, has been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Innovation award at the 2025 Count Financial Awards, recognising her ground-breaking leadership in transforming how financial advice and professional services are delivered in Australia.
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SMART Business Solutions has been named a finalist in the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards in the Excellence in Local Community Connection category.
Over the past 18 months, payroll tax has become one of the most talked-about issues in healthcare accounting. For Victorian general practitioners, specialists, and practice owners, the recent changes introduced by the State Revenue Office (SRO) carry significant implications—both financial and operational.
LIMITED SPACES REMAIN - LIVE 2-DAY COURSE - MORNINGTON
10 & 11 September 2025
Join SkyBots’ 2-day Workshop with automation expert Daryl Aw to revolutionise your workflow using Power Automate, UiPath, VBA,
and cutting-edge AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT. Tailored for accounting and finance
professionals, bookkeepers and small business owners, this hands-on training will teach you to automate repetitive tasks, generate and
optimise VBA scripts, and deploy robust automation solutions independently.
SOLD OUT - LIVE 2-DAY COURSE - BRISBANE
8 & 9 September 2025
Join SkyBots’ 2-day Workshop with automation expert Daryl Aw to revolutionise your workflow using Power Automate, UiPath, VBA,
and cutting-edge AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT. Tailored for accounting and finance professionals,
bookkeepers and small business owners, this hands-on training will teach you to automate repetitive tasks, generate and optimise VBA
scripts, and deploy robust automation solutions independently.
Thanks to improvements in living standards, medicine and technology, Australians are living longer than ever before – driving a demographic shift that investors can’t afford to ignore.
Passive investment funds have become a familiar feature in the portfolios of many investors around the world. However, as geopolitical uncertainty upends investment markets, actively managed investments may offer the flexibility needed to protect and grow investors’ savings through the storm.
The value of active investment management in volatile times and what an ageing population means for healthcare investors.
LIVE 2-DAY COURSE - PERTH
18 & 19 August 2025
Join SkyBots’ 2-day Workshop with automation expert Daryl Aw to revolutionise your workflow using Power Automate, UiPath, VBA,
and cutting-edge AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT. Tailored for accounting and finance professionals,
bookkeepers and small business owners, this hands-on training will teach you to automate repetitive tasks, generate and optimise VBA
scripts, and deploy robust automation solutions independently.
WEBINAR - Recording
The best retirements are those planned well in advance. Because when it comes to designing the life you want, age should never be a limit.
In this expert-led webinar, we’ll walk you through the essential strategies to help you create a financially secure and fulfilling
retirement - on your terms.
WEBINAR - Recording
Thinking about using your super to invest in property? Watch the recording of our expert-led webinar to explore how a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) can help you build long-term wealth through property investment.
The short answer is no. Many lenders offer no-deposit car loans, which means you can borrow the full value of the vehicle.
A travel loan is simply a type of personal loan that’s used specifically for holiday-related expenses.
We’ve all seen it: slick social media reels, perfectly filtered property gurus, and bold AI influencers promising fast wealth. But in Australia’s regulated finance and property landscape, chasing that hype can lead to more heartbreak than haul.
Bridging loans can be a smart strategy for homeowners looking to upsize, downsize or relocate – especially in a competitive property market.
Explore a detailed, state-by-state guide on how payroll tax applies to medical and healthcare practices across Australia. Includes thresholds, exemptions, rates, and recent legislative updates for GPs and contractors in 2025/26.
Australian housing values are gaining momentum with falling interest rates driving renewed growth in the property market.
WEBINAR - Recording
In this webinar we explore how a Self-Managed Super Fund can help you take control of your
retirement in today’s changing economic landscape.
Despite elevated interest rates causing stress to borrowers, trust in brokers remains high.
This past financial year brought a wave of opportunity—and many super funds delivered, with double-digit growth across key asset classes. The big question: is your fund among the top performers?
More and more Australians managing their own super through SMSFs are outperforming the country’s largest funds—and they’re doing it with calm confidence, not complexity.
Investing in property isn’t just about mortgage repayments. There are significant upfront and ongoing costs to consider.
Low-doc loans are a practical solution when tax returns or full financial statements aren’t available.
Geopolitical tensions remained in focus in June as renewed conflict in the Middle East disrupted oil supply routes and raised concerns about broader regional instability. Oil prices spiked as tensions rose and supply concerns mounted, though moderated after a ceasefire was called 12 days later. Brent closed June +5.8% higher at $67.61.
Discover how the ATO’s data-matching program works and how staying informed can help you prepare your taxes with clarity and confidence.
Late super payments can cost your business thousands in tax, penalties, and even personal liability. Here’s how to avoid the spiral and protect your future.
The Australian business landscape is expanding, signalling a potentially strong future for commercial property markets.
Australia's commercial property market is showing signs of recovery after a challenging period, with tentative growth expected throughout 2025 and stronger performance anticipated in 2026.
According to the CBRE Lender Sentiment Survey, 56 percent of lenders expressed intentions to grow their commercial real estate exposures.
Property prices have surged in several markets since the Reserve Bank of Australia's first interest rate cut in February.
| Over the past year, the accounting profession has been going through some significant changes, and many small business owners are only just starting to feel the impact. Updates to the Tax Agent Services Act (TASA) have lifted the standard around how tax and accounting services are delivered, with a stronger focus on transparency, professionalism, and client protection. |
SMART Business Solutions has been named winner of the Innovator of the Year at the Australian Accounting Awards 2025. Recognised for our forward-thinking approach, we continue to lead the way in combining AI-driven efficiencies with a human-centered client experience - empowering our team to do meaningful work that drives real impact.
A personal loan can help improve your credit score if managed properly. Regular, on-time repayments show lenders you can handle debt responsibly.
Investors now represent a substantial portion of new lending, approaching record highs in some smaller states and reaching levels nationally
Familiarise yourself with auction rules and terminology. Understand how vendor bids work, and clarify all sale terms before auction day.
The end of the financial year (EOFY) is often one of the best times to snap up a bargain in the automotive market.
The Australian office market is showing encouraging signs of recovery in 2025.
A cash flow forecast for the year ahead will help you anticipate slow periods, identify upcoming expenses, and plan for investment opportunities.
While the month began with constructive discussions and agreements between the US and some of its trading partners, uncertainty returned to the market after President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Europe and multiple large corporates such as Apple, Samsung and Mattel, and again near month-end as the Court of International Trade deemed the global tariffs to be “contrary to law.”
Planning ahead can prevent surprise tax bills and smooth out your cash flow.
Australia has established itself as the world's second most attractive data centre investment market, with only the United States receiving more capital inflow in this rapidly expanding sector.
Tax planning is more than just a financial necessity—it's a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can significantly reduce your liabilities, enhance cash flow, and ensure full compliance with ever-evolving tax regulations.
