10 predictions for small businesses in 2026 (and what to do about them)
2026 will reward small businesses that run lean, protect their customers, and adopt practical tech. Here are ten predictions – and simple steps – you can take to set your business up for a stronger, safer year. 1) AI moves from buzzword to everyday helper AI will be embedded in the tools you already use […]
Holiday cashflow for your small business
Are you heading away for a break from the business this year? This time of year can be hard on small business. Your expenses continue and your cashflow can suffer when your debtors go on holiday. Leading up to the holiday period, is your business cash flow in good health to carry you through? With […]
ATO gets serious on penalties: Why this is a wake up call
The ATO has recently signaled it’s taking a much firmer stance on compliance—no more leniency, fewer remissions, and tougher consequences for what it deems non-compliance. A well-publicised case involving a $9,000 penalty for a dormant business reinforces this message loud and clear to small-business owners and tax professionals alike. The Case in Point: Dormant Doesn’t […]
NEWS: ATO moves to close costly WFH rent deduction loophole
A recent decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)—backed by radio presenter Ned Hall—has thrown Australia’s working-from-home deductions into the spotlight. Hall successfully claimed $5,878 in rent for a spare bedroom he used exclusively as a home office during the COVID-19 pandemic. What the AAT Decision Means By agreeing that his second bedroom qualified as […]
5 challenges for small business – and how to beat them!
Starting, building and growing your own small business is a hugely rewarding experience for many entrepreneurs. But the road ahead isn’t always smooth. There are common challenges that crop up and ongoing issues that need to be factored into your business plan, your strategy and your own personal thinking. So, what can you do to […]
Payday Super Just Passed Parliament – Here’s What It Means for Small Businesses
Australia made history this week as the Payday Super legislation officially passed Parliament, ushering in a major shift in superannuation practices. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay 12% super on the same day as wages, whether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Contributions need to reach employee super funds within seven business days, with penalties of up to 60% […]
Does your Aussie small business have a succession plan?
New research by the accounting software provider MYOB has found that nearly half of Baby Boomer SME business owners and operators plan to exit their business in the next one to five years – but with many having no succession plan to guide this exit. Without a clear exit strategy, the handover from an experienced, […]
Measuring the health of your business with ratio measures
When you’re running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activity and lose sight of the big picture. Taking stock of the health of your business is important. Knowing where you are allows for more effective planning, early warning about any issues, and the chance to better chart a course for […]
Are You Ignoring Your Super? One in Three Australians Are – And It Could Cost Them
A recent study has revealed a concerning trend: 33% of Australians don’t know their superannuation balance, and one in nine have never checked it. This lack of awareness could have serious consequences for retirement planning, especially as the cost of living continues to rise and the age pension alone may not be enough to support […]
Should you buy or lease your assets?
There are certain items of equipment, machinery and hardware that are essential to the operation of your business – whether it’s the delivery van you use to run your home-delivery food service, or the high-end digital printer to run your print business. But when a critical business asset is required, should you buy this item […]