Picture this: It’s mid-July, and Sarah from the local café calls you in a panic. “My accountant says I should have finalised something called STP weeks ago, and now my staff can’t lodge their tax returns!” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of Albury Wodonga business owners find themselves scrambling through Single Touch … Read more
Running a family business or building wealth through investments comes with its own tax challenges and opportunities. The ATO is watching these areas more closely than ever, but there are still plenty of legitimate ways to structure your affairs to minimise tax – you just need to know the rules and play by them. What’s … Read more
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
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
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
As of 1 January 2025, Australian businesses will face significant changes to wage theft legislation. Employers who deliberately underpay workers or fail to meet their obligations under Fair Work laws could face severe penalties, including fines up to $7.8 million and jail time of up to 10 years. These reforms mark a major shift in … Read more
