The government is applying a   20% reduction to all eligible student and training debts that existed on 1 June 2025. If you have multiple loans, each one will receive its own 20 percent cut.  Why the Government Is Doing This   The reduction is part of a national effort to ease cost of living pressures. It aims to support Australians who are still repaying study loans, especially younger people who are managing major life costs such as careers, renting, starting families or sa

As the year winds down, many small business owners are preparing for a well deserved Christmas break. But before you switch off and enjoy some time with family, there are a few important tasks that can make your January return smoother and less stressful.  Preparing early helps you:  Protect your cash flow   Avoid compliance headaches  Stay visible even while you are away  Reduce last minute stress and rushed decisions  Step into the new year organised    Tighten Your Cash Fl

The holiday season is one of the busiest periods for Australian businesses, not just with customers but with payroll. With annual leave requests coming in, public holidays approaching and bonuses to process, employers often find themselves overwhelmed. A clear payroll plan helps you stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes and keep your team happy over Christmas and New Year.   Payroll errors often increase during the holidays, and the consequences can be expensive. Incorrect le

Running a small business means managing sales, cash flow ,expenses and  bookkeeping  tasks every single day. Choosing the right accounting software is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your business.  Many small business owners choose software based on price alone or pick whatever their friends are using. This often leads to frustration because the system does not match the way their business works.  Here is why choosing the right accounting software is worth yo

Many business owners assume they are already claiming every deduction available, but every year the ATO updates rules, thresholds and allowable expenses. Missing even a few deductions can cost your business thousands of dollars.  Understanding what you can and should claim in 2025 helps you:  Reduce your tax bill legally  Improve cash flow  Stay compliant with updated ATO expectations  Avoid red flags that trigger audits  Plan for better financial management  A common mistak

Tax differences   As a sole trader, your profit is taxed at your personal marginal tax rate. A company, on the other hand, is taxed at a fixed rate of around twenty five percent, which becomes more beneficial as your plumbing business earns more.  Liability also differs. A sole trader is personally responsible for all business risks, which means your personal assets can be exposed. A company is a separate legal entity, giving you an added layer of protection, especially usefu

When an NDIS Provider Needs an ABN     1. If You Are Operating as a Business   If you plan to operate as a business even as a sole trader, you need an ABN. This applies whether you are working part time, full time or alongside other work.  Example: You provide support work to NDIS participants and issue invoices for your time. This is considered running a business so you should have an ABN before you send your first invoice.    2. Before You Invoice or Receive Payment   Norma

As the year wraps up, it is easy to get caught up in the festive season and forget about your business goals. Before you switch into holiday mode, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on how your business is currently performing and what you can do to start the New Year off strong.  A quick end of year check in can help you understand how your business is going and if you’re on track to be hitting your targets that were set at the start of 2025/26.  1. Book a Business Adviso

Buying a commercial or investment property through a discretionary trust (also known as a family trust) is a commonly used strategy in Australia. This structure can provide genuine advantages in areas such as asset protection, tax management and estate planning.  However, while the flexibility of a discretionary trust appeals to many investors, it is not without its complexities. From land tax surcharges to borrowing restrictions and ongoing compliance, there are several prac

The federal government announced amendments to its proposed superannuation tax changes. The original proposals (including one under Division 296) had raised concerns because they would have imposed higher tax burdens on large super balances and certain earnings, especially impacting high net worth individuals.  Initially, the proposal was for individuals whose superannuation balance exceeded $3 million. An extra tax of 15% (raising the tax rate from 15%, to 30%) would apply. 

After years of concern about delayed or unpaid superannuation contributions, the federal government has introduced the “Payday Super” legislation, a reform many in the industry say is long overdue.  What is Payday Super?   From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as wages or salary payments, rather than on the current quarterly basis.      Key details:   Super contributions must be received by the employe

Taking on commercial clients can mean more money, more consistent projects and a stronger reputation. But with that comes more paperwork, stricter compliance and a different level of professionalism.  Many tradies miss out on these opportunities not because of their skills, but because their business is not structured properly. Without the right foundation, you risk being overlooked for big contracts even if you are the best person for the job.    Choose the Right Business St

Thinking of selling your investment property? Capital Gains Tax (CGT) can take a significant portion of your profit if you’re not prepared.    Many property owners overlook the impact of a depreciation schedule when selling. While it's commonly used for claiming deductions while you own the property, it also affects how much tax you pay at the time of sale. Understanding how these two work together can help you avoid surprises and make smarter decisions.    Understanding Capi

Getting a deposit or part-payment feels great, especially when you’re juggling multiple jobs. But if you don’t set aside the tax portion right away, it can catch up with you fast.  Many small business owners, especially tradies, make the mistake of treating deposits as extra spending money. The problem? That money still counts as income, which means it’s taxable. Ignoring that fact can lead to:  Unexpected tax bills  Penalties from the ATO  Cash flow headaches when it’s time

As a tradie running your own business, staying on top of your taxes means understanding that getting it wrong can lead to fines or lost income, but getting it right, means you stay compliant, avoid unnecessary costs and are setting yourself up for growth.   There can be a lot of confusion around GST. Some people think it’s optional if you’re just starting out and others worry about registering too early. Let’s clear things up.  1. What Is GST and When Does It Apply   GST (Goo

Many dental practice owners focus solely on patient numbers or revenue without looking deeper into what is driving success. The right KPIs give you a clearer picture of your business health. They help you identify what is working, where you can improve and how to plan for growth. Without tracking these numbers, you might miss warning signs that could affect your profitability or patient satisfaction.    1. Patient Retention Rate   Your current patients are your most asset. Tr

In the construction industry, cash flow can be unpredictable. One month you’re flat out, the next, you can have a rainy month and things slow right down.  If you’re not prepared, those quiet periods can put serious pressure on your business and eat into your personal finances.  Managing cash flow well means you’ll have the funds to cover wages, bills and suppliers even when work slows down for a while. It also gives you peace of mind and keeps your business moving forward. 

Running a medical clinic is not just about patient care. To grow and stay financially strong, you need to understand how the business is performing. That’s where KPIs (key performance indicators) come in.  Many practice owners rely on gut feel, the bank balance or basic reports. But without tracking the right numbers, it’s easy to miss red flags or miss out on opportunities to improve. With the right KPIs, you can manage your team better, make smarter decisions, and build a c

Choosing the right software is a game-changer for General Practitioners. It improves workflow, reduces admin time, supports Medicare compliance, and enhances patient care. On the other hand, using the wrong system can lead to delays, billing issues, and unhappy patients.  Many General Practitioners feel unsure about which system fits best, especially when starting out or upgrading. This blog gives you a clear starting point.  Top 3 Common Practice Management Softwares for Gen

Hiring an apprentice is not just about giving someone a go on site. It involves employment contracts, payroll, super, workers compensation and more. The wrong structure could expose you to unnecessary risk and can be more difficult to change later down the track.    When you hire staff there comes many risks. Risk of the staff member getting hurt, risk that the staff member could cause mistakes, risks that staff member could become disgruntled for legitimate and non-legitimat