The festive season is here again, and as with other years it is always brimming with the spirit of giving. The list of practical ways in which Australians spread goodwill is as endless as a Christmas wreath. The ATO also gets into the spirit of the season, but of course feels required to set some limits. When are donations deductible? A charitable donation is only tax deductible if it meets the requirements in the relevant legislation. In brief, the rules allow a taxpayer to claim…
There are tempting tax incentives for Australians to save for their retirement via the superannuation system, with an array of choice between superannuation funds that can manage your savings for you, but also the do-it-yourself option of a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF). Managing your own retirement savings however is a huge responsibility and one that should not be viewed lightly. How you live and how comfortable your life will be when you’re no longer earning an income will depend largely on your efforts of saving…
When you first went into business, either buying an established enterprise or starting from scratch, probably the last thing on your mind was the day you would close the door for the last time. Client calling time out business? The tips and traps But it’s no use ignoring the inevitable, as one day you will leave the business – whether through pursuing another career, retirement, or even due to health reasons. It’s important to know what’s involved, and having a succession or exit plan can…
While it might be a tough topic to broach, it is inevitable that someday you will leave your business. You can’t know whether you’ll sell up, retire or leave due to health reasons, so is important that you prepare yourself for any eventuality. A recent nationwide survey by the Australian Centre for Family Business at Bond University found more than 40% of family businesses are looking to transfer their wealth and operations to other people in the next five years. But the survey also found…
There is a classic saying that goes: “With great power comes great responsibility”. When it comes to life in the corporate world, that famous old quote rings true for company directors. Generally speaking, members of a company are commonly referred to as “shareholders”, and they own the company. Directors, on the other hand, are responsible for the management of the company’s business activities. As a director, you hold a high level of power when it comes to making these big decisions on behalf of the…
From poor business planning to dropping the ball on your cash flow forecasts, we reveal a range of common mistakes your new business needs to avoid. It’s a confronting fact that most new small businesses fail within the first five years. This, in large part, is due to a lack of proper planning, poor business structure and the absence of professional business advice. While it’s natural for new businesses to focus on creating a quality range of products or services in order to attract and…
If your accountant is just a tax-time paper pusher, you are missing out on a range of opportunities to grow your business. In addition to filing your tax return and BAS statements, your accountant should be acting as a trusted advisor, delivering valuable advice across business functions to help improve your profits, reduce your costs and streamline your business. Your accountant should be available to you year-round, know your business inside out, and offer regular advice that assists you to improve your profits and grow…
The advantages of an SMSF can be significant, but as your circumstances change an SMSF may no longer appropriate. David McKellar, Director of Allied Business Accountants, was recently interviewed by Alexandra Cain in relation to why and how SMSF’s are wound up. Her article, including comments by David, was published in the Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/money/super-and-funds/selfmanaged-super-can-be-more-work-than-its-worth-20140710-zsyy1.html
Superannuation is a highly tax effective environment, where income is taxed at a maximum tax rate of 15% and capital gains, where the asset has been held for over 12 months are only taxed at 10%. In circumstances where the fund is paying pensions to its members, both income and capital gains can be completely tax free. Further, business and certain individuals may be entitled to a tax deduction for contributions made to complying superannuation funds. As a result, superannuation is a significant tax planning…
Approaching the end of financial year presents a unique opportunity for small business owners to plan for and take action to minimise the income tax payable for that financial year. However, having said that, there are also many considerations that need to be taken into account to ensure that the decisions made are effective and have the desired impact As many small businesses operate using a company or trust structure, this article explores some of the considerations as well as some important requirements when making…