Superannuation is still one of the best legal tax shelters we have in Australia. The problem is, most small business owners either ignore it completely or make expensive mistakes because the rules keep changing. Let’s cut through the complexity and focus on what actually works for Australian business owners in 2025. The Big Super Changes … Read more
Clayton
Clayton Wood
Clayton has run Business Edge Advisors since 2013. The practice has been on the border since 1988, and he took it over with the same idea it started with: a business owner should be able to ring their accountant and get a straight answer.
Most of his week goes on trade and small business owners around Albury and Wodonga, working through the things that actually decide whether a year went well. What structure to be in, what to do before 30 June, and whether the numbers on the screen mean what the owner thinks they mean. He writes here about the questions that come up most often, in the same words he would use across the desk.
Registered Tax Agent 20651000. Level 1, 561 Olive Street, Albury NSW 2640.
What he writes about
- Tax, which is mostly what you can claim, what gets knocked back, and what changed this year.
- Xero and bookkeeping, for owners who would rather the software did the work.
- Business planning, being the part that happens before the numbers are already bad.
- Individual returns, because a lot of business clients started as a personal return.
June is crunch time for Australian small business owners. With 30 June around the corner, there are genuine opportunities to reduce your tax bill legally – but only if you act fast. The ATO has changed the rules on several key areas this year, so let’s cut through the jargon and focus on what actually … Read more
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is actively targeting trusts and how trusts distribute income to beneficiaries. A number of clients have requested a review of their structures to ensure that they are in the best possible position in the future. We want to help you achieve the best result. ATO’s Top 5 Trust Checklist for … Read more
Strategies to Maximise Deductions and Minimise Risk Before 30 June As the end of the financial year approaches, small business owners have a unique opportunity to strengthen their financial position. Whether your goal is to reduce your tax bill, invest in assets, or tighten up your bookkeeping, there are critical strategies worth considering — and … Read more
If you run a small business — whether it’s a café, gym, festival, or you’re a tradie hiring subcontractors — you might be surprised to learn that you could be legally required to pay superannuation (Super Guarantee or SG) to people you don’t consider traditional employees. That’s because the SG rules use a much broader … Read more
For small and micro business owners, keeping on top of your Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) obligations isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s a crucial strategy to limit your future audit risks and secure your business’s financial health. Even if you believe your FBT liability is nil, lodging an FBT return can protect you from the … Read more
The Federal Budget 2025-26 has arrived with a range of promises—tax cuts, energy bill relief, and measures aimed at boosting the economy. But not everything made it across the line. A key small-business measure, the $20,000 instant asset write-off, remains stalled in Parliament, leaving many entrepreneurs unsure about their next move. In this post, we’ll … Read more
The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year ends on 31 March 2025, and there are key updates for employers and employees. Here’s what you need to know. FBT Exemption for Electric Cars If your business provides an electric vehicle (EV) to an employee, you may qualify for an FBT exemption if: The car is a zero … Read more
The Full Federal Court has ruled in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15, confirming that unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) owed to corporate beneficiaries are not loans for Division 7A purposes. This decision has significant implications for trust structures and tax planning, potentially overturning the ATO’s long-standing position. What Was the Issue? Since December … Read more
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is making changes that will impact small businesses that have a history of non-compliance with their GST reporting. From 1 April 2025, the ATO will transition certain small business taxpayers from quarterly to monthly GST reporting. This shift will apply to businesses with a track record of late payments, missed … Read more