58 Klingner Rd, Redcliffe QLD 4020
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Articles

February 2025 Newsletter

Here’s our February Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Cash Flow Driver Articles’, ‘Cash Flow Drivers #3 – Stock Turnover Days’, ‘Retirees Reveal What They Wish They Knew About Retirement’ and ‘How to Lodge and Pay PAYG Instalments’. Download a copy of our February Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community…
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January 2025 Newsletter

Here’s our January Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Cash Flow Driver Articles’, ‘Cash Flow Drivers #2 – Creditor Days’, Financial Advice Can Help Ensure a Comfortable Retirement’ and ‘Sole Trader Vs Company: What Are The Key Differences?’. Download a copy of our January Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community…
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December 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our December Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Cash Flow Driver Articles’, ‘Senior Card Explained’, ‘Don’t Use Your SMSF for Bills or Presents this Christmas’ and ‘Introducing Demara Gates’. Download a copy of our December Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with:…
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Welcome to Demara Gates

It is with great pleasure we introduce you to Demara Gates who joined the Accountplan team in recently in a bookkeeping role. Prior to doing so Demara had accumulated nearly 6 years of bookkeeping experience in the SME sector, including that undertaken for her family owned electrical contracting business. Demara, who is currently completing studies…
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myGovID is Now Called myID

The Australian Government’s Digital ID app myGovID is now called myID. The Australian Government’s Digital ID app myGovID is now called myID. The updated app is being rolled out in app stores from 13–17 November 2024. During this time, you might see both myID and myGovID when using your app to log in to participating…
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We Can Help With Your Tax Debt

The ATO continues to become increasingly aggressive in it’s debt collection activities, as an example, in the 8 months to 31st March they disclosed over 31000 business tax debts to Credit Reporting agencies. This disclosure can have a devastating effect on a business: Accountplan has access to a range of lenders who happily assist businesses…
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November 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our November Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘Borrowing to Invest via an SMSF’, ‘Why it’s Worth Checking Your Pension Eligibility Again’, ‘Eligibility for Compassionate Release of Super’ and ‘Introducing Qi Campbell’. Download a copy of our November Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for…
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Small Business Tax Guide – Australia

Small businesses are Australia’s largest employers, generating over 5 million jobs. According to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), there are around four million small businesses in the country, representing about 87 percent of all business taxes paid.  What Is Considered A Small Business?  From a tax perspective, a business is generally classified as a small business when the annual turnover…
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Introducing Qi Campbell

We are incredibly pleased to announce that Qi (pronounced Chee) Campbell has joined our team in a bookkeeping role. Prior to joining Accountplan, Qi has had over 10 years’ experience working as an accountant in both mid-tier public practice and commercial industry settings.  Her expertise in the bookkeeping area includes but is not limited to:…
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Varying Your PAYG Instalments

Find out about reviewing your pay as you go (PAYG) instalments to reflect your expected end-of-year tax. If you’re a pay as you go (PAYG) instalment amount payer, your instalments have been increased by the gross domestic product (GDP) adjustment factor. For the 2024–25 income year, the GDP adjustment factor is 6%. We’ll use the…
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October 2024 Newsletter

Here’s our October Newsletter! In this month’s edition we talk about ‘What Residential Aged Care Changes Could Mean for You’ and ‘A Guide for Those in Their First Year of Business’. Download a copy of our October Newsletter below… Welcome to Accountplan, proudly assisting the community in Redcliffe and surrounds for almost 40yrs with: –…
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myGovID is Changing its Name to myID

Soon, myGovID will have a new name and new look – but you’ll continue to use it in the same way. The change from myGovID to myID, aims to reduce the confusion between the myGovID app and myGov. myID reflects the community’s understanding of Digital ID and demonstrates how a whole-of-government ID provider can help…
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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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Trusts – Registering and Reporting for Tax

The trustee must manage the trust’s tax affairs including registering and reporting for tax. Trustees and beneficiaries The trustee is responsible for managing the trust’s tax affairs, including registering the trust in the tax system, lodging trust tax returns and paying some tax liabilities. The beneficiaries include their share of the trust’s net income in their tax returns and…
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Trusts, Trustees and Beneficiaries

An overview of the role of trusts, trustees and beneficiaries. Trusts Trusts are widely used for investment and business purposes. A trust is an obligation imposed on a person or other entity to hold property for the benefit of beneficiaries. While in legal terms a trust is a relationship not a legal entity, trusts are…
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Changing, Pausing, Closing, Selling, or Winding Up a Business

Find out what you need to do when you plan to change, pause, sell or close your business. If you are changing, pausing, closing, selling or winding up a business, you should: If you registered a business but haven’t started If you have registered a business but didn’t start the business, and have now decided…
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Registration Obligations For Businesses

If you’re in business, you may need an Australian business number (ABN) and to register for tax and super obligations. If you’re starting a new business, you may need an Australian business number (ABN). Not everyone is entitled to an ABN, so the registration process will ask specific questions to determine your entitlement to an…
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Are You in Business?

Work out whether you’re in business and when your business starts for tax purposes. What is a business? Generally, a business involves a set of continuous and repeated activities you do for the purpose of making a profit. Profit can be in money, but it can also be made through other means, like being paid…
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What is a Micro Business?

Micro businesses represent around 25% of all businesses in Australia – a pretty hefty chunk of our business landscape when you think about it. So, what are micro business and how are they different to simply being small? Let’s take a look. What’s the difference between a micro business and a small business? In Australia, a small…
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Noticed the myGovID Login Screen Looks Different?

The myGovID login screen has been updated to improve your experience when accessing government online services. The next time you access government online services like Online services for business, Access Manager or Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM), you’ll notice some changes to the myGovID login screen. These changes improve and modernise the login experience but do…
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Keep Your Super Obligations on Track

If you missed the latest SG due date, you need to get your super obligations back on track and lodge an SGC statement. Employers play a critical role in ensuring the future financial security of employees through paying Super Guarantee (SG) contributions to the right fund and at the correct rate. The most recent due…
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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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How do Tax Deductions Work in Australia?

During the year, you may have to pay some expenses for work purposes. When the end of the financial year comes, you’re entitled to claim these expenses as tax deductions. This will help you lower the total amount of taxable income and the amount of tax you have to pay. In Australia, the Australian Taxation…
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Avoid Common Errors When Lodging Your 2024 Annual Return

The ATO have now released the 2024 SMSF annual return and instructions, when lodging avoid these common errors. The SMSF annual return is more than a tax return. You are required to report regulatory information for your SMSF, member contributions and pay the SMSF supervisory levy. The SMSF annual return and SMSF annual return instructions for 2024 are now…
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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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Using Business Money and Assets

This information will help you if you are involved in running a business through a company or a trust and you are receiving financial or other benefits through the business. Key Points How to Record and Report the Use of Business Money or Assets There are different ways to take or use money or assets…
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Travel Expenses

This information will help you if you are a small business owner claiming a deduction for expenses you incur when travelling for your business. Key Points Types of Expenses As the owner of a small business, you can claim a deduction for expenses that you incur when you travel for your business. Common expenses include:…
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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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Stay on Top of Your Employer Obligations

Avoid penalties and interest. The ATO are here to help you meet your tax and super obligations as an employer. Their resources can help you with: It’s important to stay on top of your reporting, lodgment and payment due dates. If you don’t, it could cost you more money in penalties and interest. Source: ATO…
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Final Pay and Superannuation for Employees

Find out information on your employees final pay and superannuation when you close a business. When you Close or Sell Your Business Your business must continue to meet its obligations until it is either closed or sold to the new owners. If you are an employer, it is important for you to consider finalising important tax…
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Consider the Costs, Time and Skills

As a trustee you need to have time and skills to set up an SMSF. You need to have the time and skills to manage your Self managed super fund, and there are ongoing running costs. As a trustee of an SMSF you’ll be responsible for operating your fund within the law. If you don’t,…
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Upcoming Changes in the Small Business Super Clearing House

What to do if you receive an error message in the Small Business Super Clearing House. On the 15th of March the ATO’s Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH) will roll out self-managed super funds (SMSF) bank account validation. This checks that your employee’s SMSF bank account details match their SMSF records. If there is a mismatch,…
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Is Your Business Eligible for Concessions?

As a small business owner, you may be eligible for concessions on the amount of tax you pay. This depends on your business structure, your industry and your annual turnover. If you have an aggregated turnover less than:  Check your eligibility each year before you apply for a concession. You’ll generally need to keep records…
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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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How Fringe Benefits Tax Works

An overview of FBT. Find out how FBT applies, what you need to do as an employer, and what deductions you can claim. What is fringe benefits tax? Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is a tax paid by employers on certain benefits provided to their employees, or to their employees’ family or other associates. FBT is…
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Individual Income Tax Rates and Threshold Changes

Changes to Individual income tax rates and thresholds from 1 July 2024. On 25 January 2024, the government announced proposed changes to Individual income tax rates and thresholds from 1 July 2024. These changes are not yet law. From 1 July 2024, the proposed tax cuts will: For more information see Tax cuts to help with the cost of…
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From 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

Check fuel tax credit rates from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. Fuel tax credit rates The following tables contain the fuel tax credit rates for businesses from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. The fuel tax credit calculator includes the latest rates and is simple, quick and easy to use. You can use it to…
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What is Capital Gains Tax?

How capital gains tax (CGT) works, and how you report and pay tax on capital gains when you sell assets. Capital gains tax (CGT) is the tax you pay on profits from disposing of assets including investments, such as property, shares and crypto assets. Although it is referred to as ‘capital gains tax’, it’s part of your…
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Lost or Stolen TFN

Find your tax file number online with ATO online services. Tell the ATO as soon as possible if your TFN is stolen or misused. Find your TFN online You will need your tax file number (TFN) when: If you already have a TFN and don’t remember the number, you can find it online in ATO online…
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What is Super

If you’re new to Australia’s superannuation system for retirement saving, find out how it works and how to benefit. Super is an Investment in Your Future Australia’s superannuation system is the main way most people save for their retirement. Superannuation (super for short) is a long-term investment that grows over time. The more you contribute…
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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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Tax Support For Businesses and Not For Profits

How to get help if your business or not for profit can’t pay tax or super on time. When can you access help? If your business is having financial difficulties and can’t pay tax or super on time, support is available. Financial difficulties can occur from many situations, including: Support for your situation Depending on…
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A Beginners Guide to Income Tax

Australian residents are subject to income tax from their domestic and foreign income.  There may be exceptions for temporary residents and temporary residents who earn foreign income. Non-residents are liable for Australian income tax on their assessable income derived from Australian sources. Understanding Income Tax  When an individual earns money, they have to pay income…
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7 Tips to Help You Manage Your Holiday Closure

Ready for a well-earned break? These tips will help you prioritise which loose ends to tie off before shutting down for the year. With the holidays on the horizon, business operators need to decide whether to shut up shop and, if so, for how long. Communicating that news to customers and suppliers is also really…
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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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Business Structures – Key Tax Obligations

See your key tax obligations for a sole trader, partnership, company or trust business structure. Types of business structures A business structure: There are 4 commonly used business structures in Australia: Information about other business structures is available on business.gov.au If you’re unsure which business structure to choose, talk to your registered tax agent, or trusted business…
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What Is a Tax File Number?

Find out why you need a TFN, where to find it and how to keep your TFN and personal details safe. About your TFN A tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems. It is free to apply for a TFN. Your TFN is: Where to find your TFN If you…
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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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