Basics of Div 7A
As the owner of a private company, it’s normal – and completely legal – to borrow money from your business. However, thanks to Division 7A of the Tax Act, failing to properly record that loan could land you in some serious strife come tax time. Here’s how it works, and how to avoid its impact […]
Can the ATO wind me up?
Unpaid tax debts can lead to serious consequences for businesses that are having problems keeping up with their tax debt. When it comes to enforcing debt, the ATO has a number of options, including pursuing wind-up proceedings in court. While the ATO will not pursue the wind-up course of action if a company has repaid its […]
The Value of your Accountant
Many businesses, especially smaller businesses, aren’t committed to consulting their accountant on a regular basis. This can turn out to be a costly error over the longer time when in fact a trusted and competent accountant helps you understand what’s happening in your business. The advice that your accountant gives you can help you avoid […]
Allocating profits in a professional firm
Allocating Profits within Professional Firms The allocation of profits within Professional Firms, such as accounting, architectural, engineering, financial services, legal and medical professions, continues to be under close scrutiny by the ATO. In 2015 the ATO issued guidelines for practitioners outlining how its general anti-avoidance legislation could apply to professional firms that allocate profits from […]
Single touch payroll
Single Touch Payroll (STP) is an initiative being introduced by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to provide real time visibility over the accuracy and timeliness of organisations’ payroll processes. STP proposes to streamline the administration of employee payroll, tax and superannuation obligations for employers. What is STP? The ‘Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill 2016 – Single Touch […]
Dissolving a business partnership
A business partnership can break down for a number of reasons, but knowing what to do next, including your legal and financial obligations, is important. The termination of a partnership is referred to as a ‘dissolution’. If you’re looking to dissolve your business partnership, here’s everything you need to know, whether you have a partnership […]
Super guarantee health check
We thought it would be a good idea to remind employers of their obligation to pay superannuation guarantee contributions – currently at a minimum rate of 9.5% of ordinary time earnings on behalf of all eligible workers earning $450 or more before tax in a calendar month. Employees include company directors who receive payments in […]
Tax for compensation payments
How should compensation received for inappropriate advice be taxed? With the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry currently underway, many individuals may have received or may be about to receive compensation for inappropriate financial advice received from financial institutions (e.g. compensation for loss of investment, refund or reimbursement of […]
Debt review and analysis
What is debt review? Debt review aims to restructure the process of paying your debt. A professional will assess your outstanding debt and will implement a restructured debt repayment plan. This can be done by renegotiating interest rates with credit providers and extend your debt repayment terms. It is important that you are honest during […]
Cash flow management ideas
What is cash flow and why is it important? Cash flow is the total amount of money that you have coming in to your business from revenue and going out for expenses. Managing cash flow is an essential part of running a business. It is particularly important for new businesses because if you can’t manage […]
