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

As a medical professional, you're often juggling clinical duties, continuing education, and the day-to-day demands of running or working...

Understanding your financial reports helps you run your business with confidence. It’s not just about compliance. These reports show you how your business is performing, help you manage cash flow , and support smarter decisions. Many business owners either ignore their reports or feel overwhelmed by the numbers. The truth is you don’t need to be an accountant to read your reports. You just need to know which ones to focus on and what to look for. Profit and Loss Report A

Running a business means keeping track of a lot of moving parts, and tax compliance is one of the big ones. One of the most important forms for Australian businesses is the BAS or Business Activity Statement. If you’re registered for GST or pay Wages, you’ll need to lodge a BAS regularly. But many business owners find it confusing or stressful, especially when juggling everything else. This guide will help break it down clearly. Whether you're new to business or just need a

Your Business Activity Statement (BAS) is how you report your GST, PAYG and other taxes to the ATO. Reporting incorrectly can lead to...

If you’re a doctor working as a contractor, sole trader, or through a company or trust, you may be earning what the ATO calls Personal...

If you’re registered for GST, lodging a Business Activity Statement (BAS) is part of running your business. But let’s be honest, BAS can feel confusing if you’re not exactly sure what needs to go in it. Your BAS tells the ATO how much tax you’ve collected and what you need to pay. It helps you stay on top of GST, employee tax, and other reporting requirements that may apply to your business. Submitting the wrong information or missing key details can lead to penalties and u