“Building a Better Tax system” What does this mean for you?
The Australian government has launched the Better Tax campaign in order to help inform the public of tax reforms coming into effect. Designed to “better Australia”, here is a look at what…
Continue readingPayday loan apps and websites; the pros and cons
Personal loans have become a fast-growing financing option for consumers, with payday apps and websites gaining popularity. For aid between paychecks, payday loans can be very helpful for the pay cycle lull.…
Continue readingSocial media issue vs crisis: know the difference
With so much information on social media and everyone having access, some mistakes and road bumps are bound to come up. When presenting your business online, you need to be aware of…
Continue readingCreating a positive business culture
Business culture is a reflection of what your company stands for, it’s your voice. Employee relations are what establishes this voice and can always be improved. A work environment that everyone enjoys…
Continue readingSuperannuation tips for each stage of your working life
A 2018 study revealed that almost 40% of Australians think they won’t have enough money to retire on – and that number is on the rise. Managing your superannuation fund can be…
Continue readingProfessional phone and e-mail etiquette
Maintaining a professional voice when communicating in the workplace is crucial, especially when corresponding with superiors or new clients or colleagues. Use of e-mail and phone calls greatly enhance our communication reach…
Continue readingWhat we can learn from ‘introverted’ people
Most of us fall somewhere in between the introvert-extrovert spectrum but our concept of a great leader often looks to someone who exudes characteristics we often associate with ‘extroverts’ – including being…
Continue readingDidn’t pay your employees’ super on time?
How to reduce the hassle of missing your employee’s super payment. The Super Guarantee Charge (SGC):The SGC may apply to employers who do not pay the minimum super guarantee (SG) to their…
Continue readingTravel allowance and expenses
On the occasion that you are required to travel overnight for work, you may be eligible to receive a travel allowance from your employer for accommodation, food, drink or incidental expenses. The…
Continue readingInstagram for business
You may think that Instagram is only for millennials obsessed with photographing themselves or their lunch but really it is a whole new area of marketing and business opportunities to explore. Instagram…
Continue readingInstant asset write-off for small businesses to be extended and increased
As of 29 January 2019, the Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme will be extended to 30 June 2020 for assets purchased under $25,000. The Instant Asset Write-Off affects small businesses with a turnover…
Continue readingBenefits of podcasting
The digital space becoming more collaborative every day and the need for audience interaction is ever growing. Businesses need to have conversations with their clients in order to improve relations and customer…
Continue readingSwitching banks for your business
Businesses need to access finance with ease in order to sustain and develop themselves. Is your current bank still cutting it? Here are some indicators and tips to effectively assess your business’…
Continue readingHow to get out of a SMSF
Sometimes a self-managed super fund (SMSF) isn’t for you. While that is ok, getting out of a SMSF can be a tricky and complicated process. Before starting down this path, you need…
Continue readingHow the ATO is teaching our kids about tax
Having a good knowledge of the Australian tax and super systems is important, this is why The School Education Program works with parents and teachers to help educate students. Tax, Super +…
Continue readingWhat you need to know about Gender Identity Laws
Gender identity can be a sensitive subject but the need for awareness is ever growing. In Australia, sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status are all protected under The Sex Discrimination Act…
Continue readingEffective Team Performance
Teams, like workplaces, are becoming increasingly diverse, dynamic and digital. But the principle behind managing teams effectively remains the same. Are you providing the right conditions for your team to thrive? Here…
Continue readingSuperStream to be extended to SMSF rollovers
First introduced in 2015, SuperStream is a government standard for processing superannuation payments electronically in a streamlined manner. Currently, SuperStream can only process rollovers between two APRA funds electronically but a change…
Continue readingImproving office communication
Communication between co-workers is vital but a growing reliance on social media to converse threatens to distract workers. If you need to contact someone and you use social media messaging, you run…
Continue readingAreas of investment you might not have considered
People and internal processesArguably one of the best forms of investment is in the employees you hire, and the talent, experiences and skills that come with them. Take the time to reflect…
Continue readingSingle Touch Payroll to include all businesses in 2019
On 1 July 2018, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) rolled out Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting. This changed the way employers with 20 or more employees reported their employees’ tax and super…
Continue readingChallenging the use of country as a proxy for culture
Business managers are required to work in increasingly diverse environments, facing issues that are increasingly dynamic, complex and uncertain in the face of global economic, social, and technological shifts. The behaviours used…
Continue readingSuperannuation for Women
It’s no secret that the median super balance for Australian women at the time of retirement is significantly lower than that of their male counterparts. The Australian Commission & Investments Commission (ASIC)…
Continue readingGet your invoices paid on time
Allowing late invoice payments can set a harmful precedent for your business. Keep your cash-flow steady and avoid wasting time chasing up invoices by following these tips. Have a written agreement of…
Continue readingHiring high potential staff
Your business is only as good as your staff, which is why you want to hire high potential employees. You may find it hard to spot a high potential candidate in an…
Continue readingA guide to consolidating your super
Merging your super is vital to maximising your retirement savings. Changing jobs over the years will put you at risk of losing some of your super if your previous employers have set…
Continue readingClaiming deductions for business travel expenses
You can claim tax deductions for expenses related to business travel provided you follow the ATO’s rules. Eligibility requirementsYou must fulfil certain eligibility requirements for your tax deduction claims to be valid.…
Continue readingOffering great customer service through social media
Social media is an opportunity for you to build your business brand by delivering excellent customer service. You should view social media as an open channel to the needs and insights of…
Continue readingKeep your staff social media savvy
Your staff are representatives of your business, and their online profiles can do a lot of good or inflict damage on your brand’s image. Enforce a social media policy and educate your…
Continue readingThe ins and outs of prenuptial agreements
A prenuptial agreement may be the last thing on your mind when you are getting married. Although it may not be a very romantic discussion, have this conversation with your partner so…
Continue readingConflict resolution tips for leaders
Workplace conflict is inevitable, which is why you must manage arguments between your staff to keep your office environment professional and productive. Establish office rules of engagementYour code of conduct and workplace…
Continue readingImproving cash flow for your business
Cash flow can be an issue for small businesses, especially if you have peak and low periods. Follow these tips to improve your cash flow and avoid running into a tight financial…
Continue readingPersonalising your business brand
Personalising your business brand attracts new customers by establishing authenticity and a point of difference. Follow these tips to improve your marketing and create a unique brand true to yourself. Put a…
Continue readingAuthority for super complaints introduced
The new Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) will make it easier for individuals and small businesses to make complaints about their superannuation financial firms. The Coalition government has responded to criticisms of…
Continue readingAvoid these small business tax errors
Unwanted attention and penalties from the ATO can jeopardise your small business. Protect your business by avoiding these common small business tax errors. Not using an accountantTax laws frequently change, and compliance…
Continue readingCelebrating Xmas at the office on a budget
Christmas is a great time to reward your employees but the celebrations you plan do not have to break your bank. You can have a frugal and fun Christmas at your office…
Continue readingReducing your bounce rate
If customers are quick to jump off your landing page before you have even had the opportunity to convert them, your website has a problem. A high bounce rate can jeopardise your…
Continue readingHow small business can compete with major corporations
Small businesses should not feel intimidated by their corporate competitors as they have many unique advantages that can help them gain a sizeable market share. Small business owners should focus on specific…
Continue readingEmployer SuperStream checklist
Employers must make superannuation contributions on behalf of their employees. SuperStream is the ATO’s electronic and standardised solution that streamlines the super payment process. Using SuperStream for employers means: You can use…
Continue readingGetting to know the ATO Business Portal
The ATO has introduced the Business Portal to allow small business owners to manage their tax affairs online at their convenience. Connect your ABN to your myGov account or a compatible AUSkey…
Continue readingBenefits of competitor website analysis
Gaining an edge on your business rivals is vital to your commercial success. When you conduct competitor analysis do not forget to include their websites in this assessment otherwise you will miss…
Continue readingEmployer’s legal responsibilities regarding sexual harassment
An employer can be held vicariously liable if they fail to take all reasonable steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment. Implement a sexual harassment policy consistent with discrimination legislation to avoid legal…
Continue readingStaff bonding tips
A tight-knit staff will work more effectively as a team and provide a positive impact on your workplace. Encourage your employees to bond with each other through a range of activities so…
Continue readingCredit card do’s and don’ts
Credit cards are useful financial tools that can help you manage cash flow but can run you into debt if you are not careful. Before you swipe your first credit card consider…
Continue readingMental health tips for small business owners
Small business owners are constantly under stress and pressure, which is why it is important they look after their mental health. The following tips will help you manage your mental health as…
Continue readingATO warns of illegal early super release
The ATO has issued a warning to the public regarding illegal early release of super schemes, which are subject to severe penalties. There are strict rules around when you can access your…
Continue readingATO update: Tax deduction rules on travel to rental properties
The ATO has enforced strict guidelines on tax deductions for rental property owner’s travel expenses. As a rental property owner you are not able to claim deductions for travel expenses relating to…
Continue readingHow website colour can increase conversions
Web design is a crucial aspect of boosting your online conversion numbers. Your professionalism, brand polish and brand message can be conveyed through colour. Follow these tips to use colour to your…
Continue readingCut marketing costs
Marketing is necessary to increasing your customer traffic and boosting your bottom line but comes at a significant cost. You can reduce your marketing expenses without decreasing the quality of your marketing…
Continue readingBenefits and problems of niche marketing
Business owners thinking about specialising their products and services to target a niche market should know the benefits and risks of this business strategy. Niche marketing is the business strategy of targeting…
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