Picking the right business location

The decision of where the headquarters of your business should be will have a significant hand in determining your profitability and productivity. Consider the following checklist to ensure you make the right choice. Will you buy or lease?First, you need to decide whether you will buy or rent. Entering a lease is less of a…

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ATO update: Check for $17.5 billion in lost super

The ATO’s new data revealed that although the total amount of lost and unclaimed super reduced by $420 million in 2017-2018, there is still $17.5 billion left to be found. The ATO has prioritised reuniting people with their lost super spread across over 6.2 million accounts. In the past financial year, the ATO was successful…

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When can the ATO issue a default assessment for overdue lodgements

A default assessment is an assessment of taxable income for overdue tax returns or the net amount or assessable amount-for late activity statements. Although the ATO’s preferred approach is to work with taxpayers to help them meet their lodgement obligations, a default assessment will be issued if this collaborative approach fails. PenaltyThe administrative penalty of…

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Event-based reporting framework for SMSFs

The event-based reporting (EBR) framework for self-managed super funds (SMSFs) commenced on 1 July 2018. The initiative allows for the administration of the Transfer balance cap (TBC). Under the EBR framework, you need to report to the ATO, when the first member of your SMSF begins a retirement phase income stream. The SMSF annual return…

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ATO reminder: fuel tax credit rates have increased

Fuel tax credit rates have increased on 1 August. The ATO reminds you to use the new rates to calculate claims on your next business activity statement (BAS). How to simplify fuel tax credit claimsIf you claim less than $10,000 in fuel tax credits each year, you can use the ATO’s simplified methods to keep…

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Competitive business strategies

Competition is part of the business. Getting that edge is make or break regarding getting your business up and running and promoting its future growth. Consider these strategies to implement to come out on top of your business’ rivals: DifferentiateEstablishing your point of difference is vital in business. When executing this strategy, it may not…

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Managing risk in your SMSF

SMSFs provide the trustee autonomy and an increased opportunity to maximise your retirement savings. However, an investment strategy must be accompanied by a risk management plan should some of your investments come up short. Consider the following risk management strategies: DiversificationDiversification reduces risk by investing in many different assets including property, annuities and equities. By…

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ATO announces $20,000 instant asset write-off

The ATO has extended the $20,000 threshold to 30 June 2019. If you buy an asset and it costs less than $20,000, you may write off the business portion in your tax return. To be eligible to use the simplified depreciation rules and claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of each asset costing…

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