Lodging your business activity statement

Businesses that are registered for GST are required to lodge a business activity statement (BAS). These assist in the reporting and payment of: Goods and services tax (GST) Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments PAYG withholding tax Other tax obligations ATO will automatically send businesses who are registered for an ABN and GST a BAS…

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The skills necessary to be a business owner

As a business owner, you need to continually update various different skills. Improving these skills will enable you to improve all aspects of business operations.  Financial skills Being an owner means being able to manage finances. You should be able to effectively forecast your cash flow, monitor profit and loss, create budgets and make financial…

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Life insurance through your super

Over 70% of Australians have life insurance through their super fund. This acts as a financial safety net through your super if something unexpected happens.  There are 3 main types of life insurance that super funds usually provide:   Life cover: Also known as death cover, this type of insurance pays a lump sum or income…

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What do tax audits involve?

Tax audits are conducted when the ATO deems that a more extensive examination of an issue is necessary. These audits can be conducted on a fairly basic level or they can be much more in-depth and analytical. In most cases, there will be a review which then leads to an audit, but this isn’t always…

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Pros and cons of reverse mortgages

Reverse mortgages allow you to use the equity in your home as security to borrow money. The following are pros and cons of acquiring a reverse mortgage.  Pros You will be the owner of your home and can continue to live in it Some of the money you gain from it could be used to…

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Sustainable practices for your business

Adopting sustainable practices for your business is a great way to contribute positively to the environment. These changes won’t significantly impact business operations, but will effectively reduce the carbon footprint of your business. Office location: This is relevant if you are moving to a new location or are newly starting your business. Choose a location…

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Conditions to accessing your super

You may find that accessing your super is the best way to meet your financial needs in a given situation, for example in the early stages of the pandemic. Individuals are able to legally access the funds in their super earlier but there are conditions of release.  Common conditions of lease: Reaching your preservation age…

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How to reduce the tax you pay

There are various potential ways you can reduce the tax you pay. You may be entitled to tax deductions, offsets or you may choose to opt for salary packaging.  Tax deductions will reduce your taxable income amount. For example, potential tax deductions are work-related expenses, self-education expenses, charitable donations, the cost of managing your taxes.…

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