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 […]
Understanding your revenue drivers
For your business to make money, you need to generate revenue. You produce revenue through your usual business activity, by making sales, getting your invoices paid, or taking cash from paying customers. So, the better you are at selling your products/services and bringing money into the business, the higher your revenue levels will be. But […]
The 7 biggest challenges facing small businesses in 2025
Running a small business in 2025 comes with a unique set of challenges. From rising costs to evolving compliance requirements, Australian SMEs are navigating a complex landscape. Here are seven of the most pressing issues—and practical strategies to help overcome them. 💸 Rising Wage and Employment Costs With the Superannuation Guarantee increasing to 12% from […]
ATO Debt Crackdown: $105 Billion Owed and Tougher Measures in 2025
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has significantly intensified its debt recovery efforts in 2025, responding to a record-breaking surge in outstanding tax liabilities. As of this year, the ATO’s debt book has ballooned to over $105 billion, with $46.4 billion considered collectible. This figure now represents more than 16% of the Commonwealth’s total revenue, prompting urgent action […]