Workers are owed over $3.6 billion in superannuation
guarantee according to the latest Australian Taxation Office estimates – a figure the Government and the regulators are looking to
dramatically change.
The net gap in SG has also declined from a peak of 5.7% in 2015-16 to 5.1% in 2020-21. The COVID-19 stimulus measures
helped drive up the voluntary contributions with the largest increase in 2019-20, which the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says they
“suspect reflects the link between payment of super contributions and pay as you go (PAYG) withholding by employers. PAYG withholding is
linked to the ability to claim stimulus payments such as Cash Flow Boost.”
Despite these gains, a little adds up to a lot and 5.1% equates to a $3.6 billion net gap in payments that should be in the superannuation
funds of workers. Lurking within the amount owed is $1.8 billion of payments from hidden wages. That is, off-the-books cash payments,
undisclosed wages, and non-payment of super where employees are misclassified as contractors.
Employers should not assume that the Government will tackle SG underpayments the same way they have in the past with compliance
programs. Instead, technology and legislative change will do the work for them.
We provide strategic business and tax advisory, underpinned by our expertise in financial planning to ensure we develop financial structures that are smart and well considered.
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.
The Northern Territory's commercial property market is experiencing significant growth, with Darwin emerging as a new hub for investors across multiple sectors.
The surge in confidence comes amid February's interest rate cut and expectations of further reductions throughout 2025, creating a more optimistic outlook across most sectors and states.
It’s a powerful question, and one we help clients explore every day. it’s about understanding your whole financial picture and the lifestyle you want to create.
Making strategic investments in new assets before EOFY can position your business for growth in the year ahead.
The investment market volatility that kicked off in March 2025 has felt like a punch, particularly for those in or nearing retirement.
Global markets whipsawed following the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements on April 2, and subsequent developments throughout the month. Volatility was rife and trading volumes were robust.
To be eligible to make a downsizer contribution to your super, you must be aged 55 or older and have owned your home for at least 10 years prior to the sale.
The investment market volatility that kicked off in March 2025 has felt like a punch, particularly for those in or nearing retirement.
Struggling with loan repayments? Discover the truth about financial hardship arrangements, how they impact your credit, and the proactive steps you can take to regain control.
Start the new financial year with confidence. Discover practical strategies to refocus your goals, improve cashflow, strengthen client relationships, and build a smarter, more resilient business.
Avoid common EOFY mistakes with our expert guide for small business owners. Discover proactive strategies to boost financial health and plan confidently for the year ahead.
Passing on wealth is about more than writing a will—it’s about creating clarity, avoiding conflict, and empowering the next generation. With Australia’s largest intergenerational wealth transfer already underway, it’s never been more important to approach succession with care, strategy, and forward thinking.
When someone passes away with superannuation savings, the taxable component of their balance can trigger a 17% tax hit if left to a non-dependant. It’s a heavy financial burden, particularly for adult children. But recent private binding rulings from the Commissioner of Taxation offer a smarter way forward.
A business line of credit can help cover operational expenses like wages, rent, and stock.
A business loan can provide the working capital needed to cover short-term expenses like wages, rent, supplier invoices, or utility bills, without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Large format retail (LFR) continues to stand out as an investment class across Australia's commercial market, with strong yields compared to other assets
Businesses across Australia are shifting from rapid warehouse expansion to strategic consolidation as they face rising real estate costs and normalising e-commerce demand in 2025.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind that their hard-earned assets will be passed on the way they intend. Yet, it remains one of the most overlooked areas of financial management.
The commercial property market is showing signs of recovery after a challenging two-and-a-half-year period of declining valuations.
ALL DAY CONFERENCE @ Mornington Racecourse
6 May 2025 - 8:30am - 5:30pm
In today’s fast-changing world, staying competitive means embracing new trends and technologies. At B.I.T.E.
Conference 2025, you'll discover groundbreaking strategies and tools—like A.I. and robotic process automation—designed to
help you navigate and succeed in the evolving business landscape.
Whether you're planning a lap of Australia or a weekend escape, owning a caravan or camper can be a great investment in lifestyle.
One of the biggest benefits of debt consolidation is the potential to reduce how much interest you’re paying.
At the end of each financial year, your accountant prepares essential documents like financial statements, tax returns, and compliance reports. But what brings it all together? That’s where the Management Letter comes in.
Lenders assess defaults on a case-by-case basis. What’s most important is the context surrounding the default and how your financial situation has changed since.
Some lenders will assess your income using Australian tax rates, even if you're living in a country with lower tax obligations.
Under the expanded program, income thresholds will increase from $90,000 to $100,000 for singles and from $120,000 to $160,000 for couples or single parents.
Federal elections have little effect on Australia's property market, despite common perceptions, according to new research.
Treasury has released exposure draft legislation for Payday Super that will require employers to pay superannuation at around the same time as salary and wages are paid to the employee. The changes are proposed to commence from 1 July 2026.
Shannon Smit dives deep into the compelling world of using self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to invest in property. With her signature energy and expertise, Shannon explains the mechanics of SMSFs, contrasting them with retail and industry super funds, and revealing the unique power they offer individuals to take control of their financial future.
What does it take to turn a modest property portfolio into a self-sufficient powerhouse? In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit invites you into the fascinating journey of property investment, revealing the key steps, strategies, and mindset shifts that can transform two properties into a thriving, cash flow-neutral portfolio.
The Government’s big moment in the 2025-26 Federal Budget was the personal income tax cuts. Income tax cuts are a dazzling headline but in reality they deliver a tax saving of up to $268 in the 2026-27 year, with a tax saving of up to $536 from the 2027-28 year.
Paying off your mortgage is a significant financial milestone, but once you’ve reached the halfway mark, what’s the best next step? Should you continue aggressively paying it down, start investing, or focus on building your superannuation?
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to finance your wedding, the answer is yes. A wedding loan could help cover your expenses while allowing you to spread the cost over time.
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer Australians greater control over their retirement savings, and property investment is one way people can take advantage of this flexibility.
The Federal Budget, delivered on the night of May 12 2026, was one of the most significant in years. We know you will have questions — and we have put together this document to answer the ones we are hearing most.
The 2026–27 Federal Budget brings major changes to CGT, negative gearing, trusts and super. Find out what it means for you and your business.
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