Are you directing or leading…

Silhouettes of people jumping and celebrating on a hill against a sunset sky

Did you know that every business has one thing in common? There are 10 departments in every business, no matter how small. These are: Shareholder. Director. Leadership. Product / Service Development. Operations. Marketing. Sales. Finance. Admin / IT. HR. Many business owners control multiple departments and where many if not all of them. Now imagine … Read more

When you want to simplify payroll, the simple choice is Xero

A person holds an iPad displaying a dashboard while their other hand points to the screen in a busy shop

If it’s time to (start using/switch to more powerful) online payroll software, I recommend Xero payroll for many reasons. We have listed a few of the reasons below on why Xero Payroll makes for one of the best choices for running payroll in your business. Simplicity – With just a few clicks you can choose how … Read more

Avoid the scammers

A pair of glasses resting on a keyboard in front of a computer screen displaying lines of code

You’ve been scammed, hacked or breached! Another year, another scam. While data-driven crime is more sophisticated and difficult to address than ever, human error and judgement remain one of the major problems. The latest data breach report from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is surprising for the simplicity of the problems – … Read more

Working from home: What deductions can you claim?

A laptop displaying a photo gallery sits on a desk next to books and a notebook in a sunlit room

For a while now, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been concerned about tax deductions individuals have been claiming for a whole host of expenses. The latest on their ‘hit list’ are home office expenses.  We guide you through what you can and can’t claim if you work from home.  Last financial year, 6.7 million … Read more

Single Touch Payroll: what you need to know

A hand points to a box within a complex flowchart diagram drawn in white chalk on a black background

Single Touch Payroll (STP) – the direct reporting of salary and wages, PAYG withholding and superannuation contribution information to the ATO – comes into effect from 1 July 2018. For employers Employers with 20 or more employees at 1 April 2018 must use standard business reporting-enabled software from 1 July 2018. The head count for … Read more

What is a downsizer super contribution?

A large two-storey stone house with a brown tiled roof and a paved walkway leading to the front door

The downsizer super contribution rules introduced by the Government were one of a number of measures introduced to help reduce pressure on housing affordability. But it can also help people top up their ability to live more comfortably and affordably. From 1 July 2018, individuals over 65 years of age may be eligible to contribute … Read more

The ATO needs to know MORE about your SMSF

Tailor's mannequin draped in pinstripe fabric and wrapped in a measuring tape

The ATO is constantly changing various aspects about what you need to disclose and 2018 is no different. When you lodge this year you need to report more data than ever and ensure your SMSF is in top shape going forward. From the 1st July 2017 superannuation reforms introduced a new reporting regime for funds. Funds now need … Read more