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Category: Newsletter

September 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our September Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Checklist: What to do When Someone Dies’ and ‘5 Reasons to Start a Transition to Retirement (TTR) Pension’. Download a copy of our September Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an experienced…
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August 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our August Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Rental Properties – Repairs or Capital Expenses’, ‘What You Need to Know About Your Taxes in Retirement’, ‘Government Grants for Homebuyers’, ‘Insurance Premium Finance for WorkCover’ and ‘Our Extended Hours During Tax Season’. Download a copy of our August Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan,…
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July 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our July Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ’10 Signs You Won’t Run Out of Money in Retirement’, ‘If You Disagree with an ATO Decision’, ‘A Guide to Home Loan Refinancing’, ‘Insurance Premium Finance for WorkCover’, ‘Introducing Jadi Coe’ and ‘Our Extended Hours During Tax Season 2024’. Download a copy of our…
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June 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our June Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Claiming a Deduction for Personal Super Contributions’, ‘We’re Living Longer, so Is the 4% Rule a Safe Guide to Retirement Spending?’, ‘New Broker Market Share Milestone Reached’, ‘Our Extended Hours During Tax Season 2024’ and ‘Introducing Ben Johns’. Download a copy of our June…
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May 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our May Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Gifts and Donations’, ‘Pre-June 30th Vehicle & Equipment Finance’ and ‘Have You Thought About Retirement?’. Download a copy of our May Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an experienced team of Accountants…
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April 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our April Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Seven Ways COVID Changed Housing Trends’, ‘Using ATO Business Benchmarks to Improve Your Business’, ‘Government Grants for Home Buyers’ and ‘Bigger Bonus for Working Pensioners is Now Permanent’. Download a copy of our April Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in…
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March 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our March Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘ATO Mandated Courses for Taxpayers’, ‘Five Financial Moves to Make in Your 40s’, ‘Your Bank has asked for a Business Plan? Where to Start’ and ‘When Someone Dies – a Practical Guide for Family & Friends’. Download a copy of our March Newsletter below……
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February 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our February Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘How to Discover Your Perfect Retirement Age’, ‘ATO Sets Debt Collector Loose on 150,000 Taxpayers’ and ‘Interest Rate Watch’. Download a copy of our February Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an…
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January 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our January Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Mortgage Cliff – Factual or False’, ‘Changes in Reporting Requirements for Sporting Clubs’ and ‘Seniors Card Explained’. Download a copy of our January Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an experienced team…
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December 2023 Newsletter

Here’s our December Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘How to Maximise Your Investment Property Tax Deductions’, ‘The Pros and Cons of Granny Flat Living’ and ‘Buying a Property with Family or Friends’. Download a copy of our December Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for…
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Before You Start a Business

Tax, super and registration obligations you need to consider before you start a business. Are you in business? Before you register for an Australian business number (ABN), it is important you determine if you are in business and when your business starts. Knowing if you’re in business helps you know what records you need to keep, and…
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Holiday Homes

Find out about deductions and tax implications if you own a holiday home. Holiday Home – Not Rented Out If you own a holiday home and don’t rent out the property, you don’t include anything in your tax return until you sell it. When you sell the property, you will need to calculate your capital gain…
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Fixing BAS Mistakes or Making Adjustments

What to do if you need to fix a mistake in a previously lodged BAS or make an adjustment for a change. What are mistakes or adjustments Correcting a mistake made in an earlier business activity statement (BAS) is different to making an adjustment: When to fix a mistake Examples of mistakes you may have…
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Client-to-Agent Linking Steps

These steps help businesses use online services to nominate an agent. About client-to-agent linking steps Businesses can use the ATO’s online services to nominate an agent. These steps are for clients who need to nominate an agent. You only need to do this when you: Contact the ATO or your registered agent if you need guidance. Your…
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Grateful First Home Buyers

Mick’s guidance and advice throughout the entire process of buying our first home was beyond our expectations. From start to settlement he was there and made it feel easier and we felt we were in safe, experienced hands with our financial decisions. We learnt a great deal and saved so much time. We would not…
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Beware of SMSF Promoter Schemes

The sole purpose of a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is to save up for your retirement savings. There are people promoting early access schemes which are illegal and could cost you more than your retirement savings. Be on the lookout for dodgy advice, don’t take up any offers without first checking if they are legal and learn…
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Not Entitled to Medicare Benefits

Find out about claiming an exemption from paying the Medicare levy if you were not entitled to Medicare benefits. 2023 Medicare Entitlement Statement (MES) processing delay If you applied to Services Australia for a 2023 MES and you’re waiting for it to be processed, you should still lodge your tax return by the due date.…
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Prohibited SMSF Loans

Loans to members continues to be the highest reported contravention of the superannuation laws that we see in auditor contravention reports (ACR) lodged by self-managed super fund (SMSF) auditors. These loans comprised 16% of all reported breaches for the 2019 to 2022 audit years. It’s important to remember SMSF trustees cannot loan money or provide other…
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November 2023 Newsletter

Here’s our November Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Guide to Tax Deductions in Australia’, ‘When Should You Make an Advance Health Plan’ and ‘Selling Your Home? Here Are the First Steps to Take’. Download a copy of our November Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for…
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Winding Up Your SMSF

If you find yourself in a position where you want or need to wind up your SMSF there are a number of key considerations and tasks involved. Before lodging your final SMSF return you need to dispose of assets and pay out (where a condition of release has been met) or rollover all member benefits (leaving an appropriate amount…
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Update Your ABN Details

When was the last time you checked your Australian business number (ABN) details on the Australian Business Register (ABR)? If you’re not sure, it’s time to check your details are up to date. Emergency services and government agencies use ABN details to identify businesses in areas affected by emergencies, so it’s important to check your…
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Be Cyber Wise, Don’t Compromise

Throughout 2021–22, one cybercrime was reported every 7 minutes to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Throughout Cyber Security Awareness Month (October) we encourage you to implement these 4 quick steps to help protect yourself and your clients. Step 1: Install updates for your devices and software Regular updates ensure you have the latest security…
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A Simple Guide to Car Depreciation and Minimising Tips

Business vehicle depreciation is a topic that new small business owners may be unfamiliar with, and calculating it can be challenging. However, understanding this deduction is crucial since it can result in significant tax savings. Admittedly, car depreciation can be a complicated subject. But, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your car’s value, it’s essential…
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October 2023 Newsletter

In this month’s edition we talk about ‘How to Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Business’, ‘The Difference a Decade Can Make to Your Retirement Savings’ and ‘The Benefits of Using Online Calculators’. Download a copy of our October Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost…
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Do You Know Your FBTs?

Attracting and retaining good staff is essential for your business. If you’ve given your employees perks and benefits such as car parking or gym memberships, you should consider the FBT implications. These extras can be a great bonus on top of salary and wages – but they can attract an FBT liability. What kinds of…
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Quarterly TBAR Lodgment Reminder

Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) must report certain events that affect members transfer balance account (TBA) quarterly using transfer balance account reporting (TBAR). These events must be reported even if the member’s total superannuation balance is less than $1 million. You must report and lodge within 28 days after the end of the quarter in which the event…
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Business Losses vs Non-Commercial Losses

If you’re in business, it’s important to know the difference between business losses and non-commercial losses. When it comes to business losses, you generally make a business tax loss when the total deductions you can claim for an income year exceed the total of your assessable and net exempt income for the year. If your business makes a…
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Business Income: It’s Not Just Cash

Clothing, jewellery, gaming products, flights and crypto assets are just some of the things you might have to account for in your tax return as part of your business income. If you received these or any other non-cash benefits instead of money for your goods or services, or as a tip or gift – you must…
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PAYG Instalments for Business and Investment Income

Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments are regular prepayments of tax on your business and investment income. By paying regular instalments throughout the year, you should not have a large tax bill when you lodge your tax return. PAYG instalments are reassessed after you lodge your tax return. If you have higher or lower business and…
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Too Many Businesses Roll the Dice on Tax Debt

Profitable companies that choose to relegate their tax and super obligations will be a focus of the ATO’s crackdown on collectable debt, Commissioner says. Too many businesses “roll the dice” on tax liabilities and treat them like a free loan, ATO Commissioner Chris Jordan says. He said small business owed more than its share of…
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Get Your Rental Right This Tax Time

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reminding rental property owners and their tax agents to take care when lodging their tax return this tax time. ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh explained that the ATO’s review of income tax returns show 9 in 10 rental property owners are getting their return wrong. ‘Landlords and their registered tax agents…
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Urgent Message: Escalation in Tax Office Penalties

The Pandemic saw the ATO take a much softer stance across a number of fronts: Since the pandemic has passed we had seen, until now, a gradual return by the ATO to situation normal. In recent weeks we have however seen the ATO take a far more aggressive approach – particularly with regard to PAYG…
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September 2023 Newsletter

In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Crypto Tax: 5 Crucial Areas to Get Right’, ‘How Your Retirement Payments are Taxed and what is Exempt’ and ‘Understanding the Home Loan Process’. Download a copy of our September Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: –…
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Positioning Your Small Business For Growth: Essential Tips For The New Financial Year

The start of a new financial year brings fresh opportunities for small and medium businesses to set their sights on further success. It’s a great time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Whatever your industry, we’ve collated some valuable tips that will help you position your business for growth in the coming…
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ATO: Need a Helping Hand this Tax Time?

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is continuing to provide dedicated support to taxpayers this tax time. Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh acknowledged that for some, tax can seem overwhelming. ‘The ATO is here to help with the support you need to get it right this tax time.’ Tax Help The Tax Help program is a free…
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Are You a Super Expert?

The ATO have released a series of videos to help you understand your super obligations as an employer. As a small business employer, you can find out about: Remember, registered tax and BAS agents can help you with your tax and super. Source: ATO Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds…
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Scam Alerts

Find information and examples on the latest tax and super-related ATO impersonation scams. Scam advice Be wary of emails, phone calls and text messages claiming to be from the ATO. If you think a phone call, SMS, voicemail, email or interaction on social media claiming to be from the ATO is not genuine, do not…
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Did You Miss the Super Guarantee Due Date?

Super guarantee contributions for the quarter ending 30 June were due to eligible workers by 28 July. If you missed the due date, didn’t pay the right amount, or didn’t pay to the right super fund, you’ll need to: The SGC statement can help you calculate the SGC. If you don’t lodge your SGC statement by the…
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Claiming the R&D Tax Incentive this Tax Time

Consider these key points about the R&D tax incentive before you lodge your company tax return this year. If you engage in research and development (R&D) activities and are eligible for the R&D tax incentive, you must lodge an R&D tax incentive schedule when you lodge your company tax return. Before lodging your 2023 company tax return and the…
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Top Tips For Sole Traders

Tax time for a sole trader can be stressful, however with a little planning you don’t need to dread doing your tax return. Take Benzi for example. Benzi is a self-employed professional tiler whose total gross business income is $82,000 per annum. Benzi knows that he’ll have a tax bill at the end of the…
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Your Guide For Claiming Business Expenses

You can claim tax deductions for expenses you incur while running your business if they’re directly related to earning business income (also known as assessable income). Take Rubi for example. Rubi is a sole trader who works as an IT consultant. As part of her work, she travels to deliver seminars and workshops. Rubi follows…
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Common Business Mistakes You Can Avoid This New Financial Year

As we forge ahead into a new financial year, it’s essential to look back at the previous year’s performance and plan strategies for improved outcomes. While analysing your successes is important, reflecting on your mistakes can often offer even more valuable insights. Accordingly, as a small business owner, avoiding common financial missteps can significantly enhance your operational…
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Appointing an SMSF Auditor

You need to appoint an approved self-managed super fund (SMSF) auditor for each income year, no later than 45 days before you need to lodge your SMSF annual return (SAR). Your SMSF’s audit must be finalised before you lodge, as you’ll need some information from the audit report to complete the SAR. You must ensure the correct auditor details…
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Did You Engage in Research and Development Activities Last Year?

If your business conducted research and development (R&D) activities, you may be eligible to claim a tax offset under the R&D tax incentive. If you’re eligible, you can claim the R&D tax incentive by completing the R&D tax incentive schedule and lodging it with your company tax return. See the R&D schedule instructions for information on how to complete the schedule. You…
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ATO: Paying Super Guarantee Late

“Hi, I’m Rebecca, director for Superannuation and Employer Obligations at the ATO. We understand that as employers you play a vital role in Australia’s tax and super system, and paying super is a very important responsibility. It’s important that you make super contributions for your eligible employees and contractors on time, in full and to…
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Super for Employers

As an employer you play a vital role in Australia’s superannuation system. But being an employer also means you have superannuation obligations you need to meet. So let’s walk through these super obligations so you can avoid additional paperwork, charges or penalties. When hiring a new employee, you must offer them a choice of super…
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Insurance Premium Finance for WorkCover

Accountplan can help you manage your cash flow this WorkCover season with Insurance Premium Finance which can spread out the payment of your WorkCover expenses over the year. Most current outgoings, such as salaries, rent, leases, phone and power are generally paid in manageable instalments. However, when it comes to business insurance and WorkCover premiums,…
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August 2023 Newsletter

In this month’s edition we talk about ‘ATO – Rental Properties 2023’, ‘Four Retirement Questions to Consider’, ‘Government Grants for Home Buyers’ and ‘Our Extended Hours During Tax Season 2023’. Download a copy of our August Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an…
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Your Guide To Tax Time

The tax time toolkit for 2023 is now live, with updated links to useful information, tools, calculators, learning resources and other support and services. This toolkit is your one-stop shop for help during tax time and throughout the year. You’ll also find updated fact sheets on: In addition, there is expense-related information for primary producers on: If…
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Get Ready For Your TPAR

With the new financial year upon us, it’s time to check if your business needs to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) for payments made to contractors providing the following services: TPARs are due on 28 August each year and penalties may apply if they’re not lodged on time. You can help prepare for your…
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Capital Gains Tax

Certain capital losses, disposals and small business CGT concession claims attract the ATO’s attention. Capital Losses Situations that attract the ATO’s attention include: Capital Gains Tax – Disposal Situations that attract the ATO’s attention include: Small business CGT concessions The ATO want to ensure entities genuinely meet the eligibility criteria when claiming small business CGT concessions.…
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When Bank Impersonators Go Phishing

Are you sure that person contacting you is really from the bank? Scammers have found a lucrative phishing spot impersonating bank staff and bank communications. They stole $20 million in 2022. Australians lost more than $20 million to bank impersonation scams in 2022, according to Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).…
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Work Related Travel Expenses and Deductions

If you are required to travel as part of your job, then you likely incur various costs. Whether making a short trip to attend a meeting or taking an overseas trip for an extended period, you can deduct your travel expenses. However, the laws surrounding travel expenses are complicated, and the Australia Taxation Office (ATO)…
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Offsets and Rebates for Businesses

Find out about tax offsets (or rebates) available to eligible businesses. About tax offsets Tax offsets (also referred to as rebates) directly reduce the amount of tax payable on your taxable income. Offsets can reduce your tax payable to zero but can’t get you a refund unless they are refundable tax offsets. Small business income…
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Finding it Hard to Meet Your Tax Obligations?

The Commonwealth penalty unit amount increased to $313 on 1 July for infringements occurring on or after that date. Failure to meet a tax obligation, such as not lodging on time, may result in a penalty. The ATO understands there may be occasions when businesses experience financial difficulties and can’t pay on time. Even if you can’t pay,…
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July 2023 Newsletter

In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Upcoming Changes to the Centrelink Age Pension’, ‘Superannuation Guarantee Changes’, ‘New Identification Requirements for Accounting Firm Clients’, ‘Insurance Premium Finance for WorkCover’ and ‘Our Extended Hours During Tax Season’. Download a copy of our July Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds…
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ATO: Helping Employers Get It Right This Tax Time

As tax time approaches, you should start preparing to meet your annual tax and super obligations. We’ve kick-started the process by pulling together a list of key hints to help you keep on top of things: Check out the various resources and tools available for employers on our website. Remember, registered tax agents can help you with…
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Excessive Claims for Holiday Homes in the ATO’s Firing Line

The ATO will be closely scrutinising deductions claimed for short-term rental properties. In this year’s federal budget, the government announced a huge injection of funding for the ATO to expand the scope of its personal tax compliance program to address emerging areas of risk. The government’s announcement makes it clear that one of these emerging…
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ATO: Get Ready For Tax Time

As we head towards the end of another financial year, here are some things you can do to prepare for tax time. Before 30 June, check if there are any tax-deductible items your business may need, or any concessions you can access. You could be eligible for simplified depreciation rules, the small business income tax offset, immediate…
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ATO: Important Information 2023

The following provides important information and instructions to complete and lodge your tax return. Who can complete your tax return? You can get someone else to complete your tax return for you: Whoever helps you: Lodge your tax return by 31 October 2023 If you’re lodging your own tax return, you need to lodge it…
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ATO Lodgment Penalty Amnesty Program

As part of the 2023–24 Budget, the government announced a lodgment penalty amnesty program for small businesses. For lodgments eligible for the amnesty, failure to lodge (FTL) penalties will be remitted, without the need for you to apply. You might see an FTL penalty on your account for a period of time, but we will remit it.…
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Super Health Check

Use this checklist to review the health of your super in 5 easy steps. Why you should review your super Your super is one of the biggest assets you’ll accumulate in your lifetime. However, many Australians think they don’t need to worry about their super until retirement. Some don’t think about it at all. It’s…
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Commercial SMSF Loan – Thank You

Dear Mick, We want to take a moment to personally thank you. When we came to you earlier in the year asking if you could help us determine if the purchase of a residential investment property would be viable using our SMSF, the costs and what our financier options would be, you didn’t shy away…
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June 2023 Newsletter

Download a copy of our June Newsletter… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an experienced team of Accountants providing Tax & Business Advisory services– Bookkeepers to help you with BAS, IAS & Payroll– Financial Planning advice around Wealth Creation, Super & Aged Care Strategies– Mortgage…
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4 Things Investors Should Consider As The Economy Slows

The economy is facing headwinds this year, which will be unfamiliar to many after an almost 30-year run of growth and a post-pandemic boom. Here we explain what you might expect in the months ahead, and what history has taught us about economic highs and lows. What’s in store for the rest of the year?  The Australian economy is forecast to follow many…
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Everything You Need For Business, Personal and Investment

My experience with Mick Doyle from Accountplan is that he is not only friendly but also very professional. His help has been integral in growing my business and investment portfolio over the last year or so. Mick and the team at Mark Accountants Caloundra helped me to set up an SMSF that went on to…
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Be Cyber Safe This EOFY

Cyber criminals will be hunting more than just money this end of financial year (EOFY) – remember to keep your guard up. As Australia approaches the EOFY, brokers, individuals, organisations and their employees should stay alert to phishing, smishing (SMS phishing) and vishing (phone call phishing) scams. Cyber criminals attempt to take advantage of this…
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Supporting Your Small Business

Tax time essentials, learning resources, tools and services to support small business. Tax time essentials The ATO offer a range of tools and services to make it easier for you to get your tax and superannuation right. They want to help you manage and grow your business and get back on track if you need…
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May 2023 Newsletter

Download a copy of our May Newsletter… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an experienced team of Accountants providing Tax & Business Advisory services– Bookkeepers to help you with BAS, IAS & Payroll– Financial Planning advice around Wealth Creation, Super & Aged Care Strategies– Mortgage…
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Is Your Content Creating You Income?

Posting make-up tutorials to social media? Writing for a blog or streaming gaming for others to see? Congratulations, you’re a content creator! If you start making money from your online content, you’ll have income to declare, and you’ll need to consider whether you’re in business. If you are, or you want to start your own business, it’s…
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You Have Options To Resolve Your Dispute

If you disagree with a decision the ATO have made about your tax affairs, you may be able to use one of their free options for resolving disputes. You can use their in-house facilitation service for tax and super matters at any stage from audit up to litigation, where appropriate. It’s a free mediation service where an independent accredited ATO…
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How You Can Help Employees With A Study Loan

Don’t let rising indexation on study and training loans catch you or your employees unaware. Earn that ‘World’s greatest boss’ mug by informing and advising your employees of the following key points. The compulsory repayment threshold for the 2022–23 financial year is $48,361. If you have employees with a study loan who earn more than…
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April 2023 Newsletter

Download a copy of our April Newsletter… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: – an experienced team of Accountants providing Tax & Business Advisory services– Bookkeepers to help you with BAS, IAS & Payroll– Financial Planning advice around Wealth Creation, Super & Aged Care Strategies– Mortgage…
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15 Pro Tips To Improve Cash Flow Management

Many small businesses struggle with cash collections, and finding enough cash to operate each month can be a challenge. Speeding up cash collections, even by a day or two, can have a meaningful impact on your finances. If you could receive customer payments faster, how would your business improve? To understand your cash inflows and…
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40% Of FHBs To Rely On Family Support

Research conducted by AHURI has found that a large number of young homeowner hopefuls are expected to rely on the bank of mum and dad. The research entitled, Pathways to home ownership in an age of uncertainty, was undertaken by The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) researchers from the University of Sydney and Curtin…
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It’s 2023 Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Time!

If you’ve provided fringe benefits to your employees or their associates between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023, it’s now time to lodge and pay your 2023 fringe benefits tax (FBT) returns. Make sure you note the following in your calendars: While it’s important to lodge and pay on time, we understand there may be circumstances…
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Lodging Your SAR Through Your Tax Professional?

If you registered your self-managed super fund (SMSF) during the 2022 income year and you have a tax professional, your SMSF annual return (SAR) was due on 28 February 2023. If your return has not been lodged, you should do so immediately to avoid penalties. If you registered your SMSF prior to the 2022 income year…
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Taking Care Of Small Business

Have you ever wanted to help deliver the tax system of the future for small business? If so, our Small Business Stewardship Group (SBSG) might be for you. The SBSG is a part of our commitment to consultation. We aim to co-design our administration of the tax and super systems in partnership with those across…
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Does Personal Services Income Apply To You?

If over half the income you’ve received from a contract is a reward for your personal efforts or skills (rather than from the use of assets, the sale of goods, or from a business structure), then your income is classified as personal services income (PSI). You can receive PSI in almost any industry, trade or…
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4 Tips To Help Nail Your Record Keeping

Good record keeping helps you manage your business and cash flow, and ensures you get the right outcome with your tax return. Check you’re setting yourself up for success with these top 4 tips:  Remember, registered tax agents can help advise you on your record keeping requirements. Source: ATO Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community…
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Pre-June 30 Vehicle & Equipment Finance

The ATO’s generous Instant Asset Write-Off comes to an end as at the 30th of June this year. So there may not be a better opportunity for those who are self-employed to buy vehicles or equipment for their business than there is right now. Accountplan has a large number of lenders on our Vehicle &…
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End Of Rate Hikes In Sight: RBA

Following its 10th consecutive interest rate hike, the Reserve Bank of Australia has hinted that the end could be near. Speaking at the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Business Summit on Wednesday (8 March), Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe reflected on this week’s 25-bp rate increase. “At our Board meeting yesterday, we discussed the lags in…
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Lodging Your FBT Return And Paying

How to lodge an FBT return, the due date for lodging and paying, and what to do if you pay by quarterly instalments. Do you need to lodge a return? You must lodge a fringe benefits tax (FBT) return if, for the FBT year (1 April to 31 March), you either: If you paid FBT instalments and…
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March 2023 Newsletter

Download a copy of our March Newsletter…

Check Your myGov Account For Your Share Of $16 Billion In Lost And Unclaimed Super

There is $16 billion in lost and unclaimed super across Australia, new data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reveals. This is an increase of $2.1 billion since last financial year and the ATO is urging Australians to check their account to see if some of the money is theirs. Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig said finding lost…
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Most Taxpayers ‘Will Be In The Dark’ About WFH Changes

The ATO should have postponed its revisions to the work-from-home claims  regime until next financial year, says H&R Block. Most taxpayers will fail to notice the ATO publicity campaign about changes to work-from-home deductions and will learn about them when they do their tax return after July, says the director of tax communications at H&R…
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Some Observations On Home Loan Interest Rates

There is a staggering 800,000 Australian fixed rate home loans coming due during the 2023 year, that’s right 800,000.  That means 800,000 mortgage holders having to make a decision whether to re-fix or allow their loan to convert to variable. Either way it is going to involve a significant increase in the cost of an…
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What You Need To Know About Varying PAYG Instalments

Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments allow you to make regular prepayments of tax on your business and investment income throughout the financial year. Paying the right PAYG instalments can help you maintain a healthy cash flow and avoid a large tax bill when you lodge your tax return. If you think your current PAYG instalments…
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Do You Need To Vary PAYG Instalments?

Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments allow you to make regular prepayments of tax on your business and investment income throughout the financial year. Paying the right PAYG instalments can help you manage a healthy cash flow and avoid a large tax bill when you lodge your tax return. If you think your current PAYG instalments…
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Concessions For Your Small Business

We’re here to provide you with information to help you identify concessions you might be eligible for. There are many types of concessions available. The ones you can qualify for will depend on factors such as your company structure, the industry you’re in and your annual turnover. There’s lots to know about small business concessions; but…
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Inflation, Interest Rates And Recession: Understand The Cycle

There are echoes of the past as rising inflation and interest rates threaten to push Australia and other developed economies into recession, but what is recession, exactly? How can inflation and interest rates interact to trigger a recession? Former Australian prime minister and treasurer Paul Keating infamously stated in 1990, following the release of data…
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How To Help Protect Your Business

Good cyber security is closer and easier than you think. Here are 4 easy steps you can take right now that can help make your business security stronger. 1. Get your passwords in shape How? You can use a Password Manager to set and save passwords. Also consider switching from passwords to passphrases, which are…
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Verify Or Report A Scam

Check or report an ATO impersonation scam and get to know some warning signs of phone, email and SMS tax scams. Verify a scam Scams trick you into paying money or giving out your personal information. Scammers often pretend to be from trusted organisations like the ATO. We will sometimes contact you by phone, email,…
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Non-Bank Funding Replaces COVID-19 Stimulus Measures For SMEs

Small businesses have replaced COVID-19 stimulus and support programs with non-bank funding to help them ride out the economic downturn. According to the latest round of ScotPac’s biannual SMW Growth report, around one in five SMEs plan to divest or merge operations and a quarter added non-bank funding facilities in 2022 — more than double…
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February 2023 Newsletter

Download a copy of our February Newsletter…

Received A Business Support Grant?

You may have received a business support grant recently to help your business through tough times. Remember, when it comes to tax time, it’s important to check if you need to include the payment in your assessable income. Grants are generally treated as assessable income. However, some grants are formally declared non-assessable non-exempt (NANE) income.…
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Illegal Early Access To Super

When running your self-managed super fund (SMSF) it’s important to know that accessing your super can be illegal at times. You should also be wary of people, known as ‘promoters’ who want to help you set up an SMSF for the purpose of illegally accessing your super. As a trustee of a SMSF it is…
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Businesses Must Account For Family & Domestic Violence Leave

The additional respite category commences in February with firms warned to prepare for the added classification. Businesses must account for the government’s added family and domestic violence leave as it becomes available from 1 February.  The additional leave, which was announced by Employment Minister Tony Burke in October last year, entitles full-time, part-time and casual…
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How To Start A Business In 15 Steps: Guide, Checklist, And Canvas

You’re ready to take the leap and start a business. Congratulations! Making that decision might feel risky, but it’s a good thing. In fact, 74% of small and medium business owners are willing to take big risks to ensure they succeed. “Fortune,” as the saying goes, “favours the bold.” Still, you should also consider ……
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What And When To Report

What events self-managed super funds (SMSFs) must report by certain dates and what happens if reporting is late. Events you need to report An SMSF must report events that affect a member’s transfer balance account. Common events are: Where the death benefit income stream is paid to a reversionary beneficiary, the start date will be…
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