We are currently working on JobKeeper Subsidy payments for our various clients. If you need assistance, please contact us.
The latest information can be accessed on the ATO website:
https://www.ato.gov.au/general/jobkeeper-payment/
https://www.ato.gov.au/Newsroom/smallbusiness/Employers/Hiring-a-contractor-/
There’s no one deciding factor that makes a worker an employee or contractor for tax and super purposes. As an employer, it’s a decision you can only make accurately when you review the whole working arrangement.
The only way to get to the right answer is to ask the right questions. Answer these six questions before you hire a worker:
If the answer is no to some or all of these questions, you need to seek further information and advice before treating your worker as a contractor.
Find out about:
Need some assistance working out what you need to pay your new employee? Check out the Pay Calculator on the Fairwork website. Lots of other useful information available on their site as well. https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au/FindYourAward
From the end of March you won’t be able to use AUSkey to access the business portal, it is being replaced because it hasn’t kept up with modern technology. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.ato.gov.au/Newsroom/smallbusiness/General/Use-AUSkey-or-myGov-to-access-the-Business-Portal-/?sbnews20200129
We can assist with setting your business up on Xero so you are STP compliant. Single Touch Payroll (STP) is commencing for small businesses employing under 20 employees on 1 July 2019. Give us a call or send us an email through our contact form now to get started.
Options will depend on your number of employees:
Story: You get a phone call. The caller says they’re from the ATO. They want you to pay a debt (which you know nothing about), or are asking for your personal details.
But it doesn’t seem quite right. Maybe the caller:
Or maybe you have received an email or SMS offering you a tax refund or asking for personal details, but it just smells wrong.
What to do if you think it is a scam?
You need to check it out.
If you get a phone call, ask the caller for:
You can the ATO on 1800 008 540 to verify that the caller is from the ATO.
As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, it is important for small business owners to ensure their finances are in order. Proper preparation can help streamline the tax return process, maximize deductions, and set the business up for success in the new fiscal year. Here is a simple guide to help navigate this critical period.
First and foremost, accounts should be reviewed and reconciled. It should be ensured that all transactions are recorded correctly and that bank statements match accounting records. This step helps any errors that need fixing be found before filing the tax return.
Tip: Accounting software can be used to make this process easier and more accurate.
Next, financial documents should be gathered, including invoices, receipts, and expense records. By having organized and accessible records, tax preparation can be made smoother, and last-minute stress can be avoided.
Tip: Digital tools can be considered to keep documents organized and easily accessible.
Additionally, taxable income can be reduced by taking advantage of all possible tax deductions. Common deductions for small businesses include office supplies, equipment, business travel, and home office expenses. A tax professional should be consulted to ensure all eligible deductions are claimed.
Tip: Detailed records of all business-related expenses should be kept throughout the year to make this process easier.
Furthermore, the asset register should be reviewed and updated with any new purchases or disposals. It must be ensured that depreciation is recorded correctly for all assets. Proper asset management is crucial for calculating depreciation and claiming deductions.
Tip: Regular reviews of the asset register should be scheduled to keep it up to date.
If inventory is held by the business, a stocktake should be conducted to ensure records accurately reflect actual stock levels. Obsolete or damaged stock should be written off to reduce taxable income.
Tip: An inventory management system should be implemented to keep track of stock levels year-round.
Moreover, employee superannuation payments should be ensured to be up to date. Late payments may not be tax-deductible and could incur penalties. Planning ahead ensures compliance and maximizes tax benefits.
Tip: Reminders for superannuation payments should be set to avoid missing deadlines.
Additionally, consideration should be given to whether the current business structure is still the most tax-effective. Changes in revenue or business activities might warrant a different structure. A financial advisor should be consulted to explore options.
Tip: Regular reviews of the business structure should be part of annual financial planning.
Finally, the EOFY should be used as a chance to set goals and plan for the next financial year. A budget should be created, cash flow should be forecasted, and areas for growth and improvement should be identified. Strategic planning sets the business up for success.
Tip: An annual planning meeting with the team should be held to set goals and review financial strategies.
In conclusion, proper preparation for the end of the financial year can help small businesses save time and money. By following these essential tips, the tax obligations will be easier to handle and a strong foundation will be set for the upcoming financial year. For personalized advice, a tax professional or financial advisor should be consulted.
Running a successful business requires careful attention to many aspects, and one of the most critical areas is financial management. Keeping your finances organized and recorded is essential for the smooth operation and growth of your business. However, for many business owners, it can be challenging to keep up with bookkeeping tasks while handling other responsibilities. This is where a bookkeeper can be a valuable asset to your business. In this article, we will explore the various ways a bookkeeper can help your business succeed.
One of the primary roles of a bookkeeper is to ensure that your accounts are accurate and up-to-date. By maintaining accurate records, you can make informed financial decisions based on past performance. Bookkeepers ensure that all your financial data is organized and easily accessible whenever you need it, whether it’s for making predictions or pulling up specific information.
In addition to keeping your accounts in order, bookkeepers also play a crucial role in monitoring your cash flow. Your cash flow is a key indicator of your business’s financial health. Bookkeepers can help you keep track of the money coming in and going out of your business, allowing you to quickly identify any potential issues or opportunities. By staying on top of your cash flow, you can make more informed decisions to keep your business financially stable.
Bookkeepers are responsible for managing your invoicing system. They ensure that invoices are sent promptly, track payments, and send reminders for overdue invoices. By efficiently managing your invoicing process, bookkeepers can help you maintain a healthy cash flow by ensuring timely payments from your customers. They can also handle accounts receivable, ensuring that your records are accurate and preventing any delays in receiving necessary funds.
While bookkeepers are not tax professionals, they often have a good understanding of tax regulations and can help you identify potential deductions. By examining your expenses and financial records, a bookkeeper can highlight deductions that may reduce your tax liabilities. While the final decision rests with you, having a bookkeeper who can guide you through the process can be immensely helpful in optimizing your tax strategy.
Tax season can be stressful for many business owners who may not have their financial records readily available. However, with a bookkeeper by your side, you can be well-prepared when tax season arrives. By maintaining accurate and organized records throughout the year, bookkeepers can assist you in gathering all the necessary data and documents required for filing your taxes. This relieves much of the stress associated with tax season, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
One of the most significant benefits of having a bookkeeper is the freedom it provides to focus on the activities that directly contribute to your business’s revenue. As a business owner, your time and energy are valuable resources, and spending too much time on administrative tasks like bookkeeping can detract from your ability to grow your business. By delegating bookkeeping responsibilities to a professional, you can concentrate on the work that generates income and drives your business forward.
Considering the advantages mentioned above, it’s worth evaluating whether a bookkeeper can benefit your business. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with financial tasks or need assistance in managing your cash flow and taxes, hiring a bookkeeper can be a wise decision. They can save you time and money by ensuring accurate financial records, helping you make informed financial decisions, and reducing the stress associated with tax season.
If you’re in need of bookkeeping services for your business, consider reaching out to Northern Beaches Bookkeeping Solutions. We specialize in Xero bookkeeping and training services, helping businesses like yours save time and money. Contact us today for more information.
In the world of business, bookkeeping and accounting are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. While they both deal with financial transactions and numbers, there are crucial differences that set them apart. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the dissimilarities between bookkeeping and accounting, exploring their unique functions, responsibilities, and the benefits they bring to businesses. So, let’s unravel the distinctions between these two essential components of financial management.
Bookkeeping is primarily concerned with accurately recording and organizing financial transactions. It involves a systematic process of documenting all incoming and outgoing payments, ensuring that the information is up-to-date and presented in a logical, organized manner. Bookkeepers play a vital role in maintaining the books and preparing the necessary information for accountants. Their main objective is to keep a chronological record of transactions, providing a solid foundation for further financial analysis.
Accounting, on the other hand, goes beyond the realm of bookkeeping. It involves using the information provided by bookkeepers to analyze, evaluate, summarize, and interpret the financial situation of an individual or a business. Accountants possess advanced training and additional qualifications that equip them with a broader range of skills. They leverage their expertise to create reports and communications that provide clients with accurate insights into their financial status. Accountants can offer tailored advice based on a client’s finances, prepare and file tax returns, and provide a comprehensive consulting service.
While bookkeeping and accounting have distinct roles, there are instances where the line between the two can blur. Many businesses employ bookkeepers who go beyond recording payments and updating books. Similarly, accountants may also be involved in managing accounts, analyzing data, and providing financial advice. Both bookkeepers and accountants possess skills to work with figures, but accountants have additional training and qualifications that enable them to offer a more diverse range of services.
Accounting encompasses a broader field compared to bookkeeping. While accountants have experience in bookkeeping, they possess a wider range of skills that enable them to analyze, evaluate, and interpret financial data. Unlike bookkeepers who primarily focus on recording data, accountants can create comprehensive reports, offer strategic advice, prepare tax returns, and provide a range of consulting services. Bookkeepers lay the foundations by preparing accurate financial information, which accountants then utilize to take the next step in providing valuable insights and recommendations.
In any business, financial management is crucial for success. Bookkeepers play a pivotal role in ensuring that the books are orderly and up-to-date from the outset. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that all financial transactions are accurately recorded, minimizing the risk of errors or discrepancies. On the other hand, accountants utilize the information provided by bookkeepers to offer a wide array of services that can significantly impact a business’s growth and profitability. From completing tax returns to providing financial advice, accountants help businesses navigate complex financial landscapes and make informed decisions.
With the advent of technology, bookkeeping has undergone significant changes. Traditionally, businesses would employ bookkeepers or utilize manual bookkeeping techniques. However, many businesses now opt to use software programs for their bookkeeping needs. Software like Xero bookkeeping offers automated features that streamline the recording of transactions, reducing both time and costs. By leveraging bookkeeping software, businesses can access real-time financial data and customize settings to suit their specific needs. Additionally, modern bookkeepers and accountants now create records and reports that are easily accessible online, providing business owners with up-to-date information at their fingertips.
Although bookkeeping and accounting share similarities, it is crucial to understand their respective roles and functions. While bookkeeping focuses on recording and organizing financial transactions, accounting takes a more in-depth approach by analyzing and interpreting financial data. Bookkeepers lay the groundwork for accountants to provide valuable insights, prepare reports, and offer strategic advice. By recognizing these distinctions, businesses can ensure they utilize both bookkeeping and accounting effectively, maximizing their financial management capabilities.
The benefits of having dedicated bookkeepers and accountants cannot be overstated. By having a bookkeeper, businesses can ensure that their financial records are accurate, up-to-date, and well-organized. This foundational step is essential for businesses to operate smoothly and make informed financial decisions. Once the books are in order, accountants can leverage the data to offer a wide range of services that benefit businesses. From analyzing financial information to preparing tax returns, employing an accountant eliminates stress, reduces the risk of errors, and enables business owners to focus on core tasks. Additionally, accountants’ expertise and guidance can help businesses optimize expenses, maximize profits, and navigate tax obligations.
In summary, while bookkeeping and accounting share some similarities, they are distinct functions within financial management. Bookkeeping is primarily concerned with accurately recording and organizing financial transactions, while accounting involves analyzing and interpreting financial data to provide valuable insights and recommendations. By recognizing the differences between bookkeeping and accounting and leveraging the expertise of both professionals, businesses can effectively manage their finances, make informed decisions, and achieve their goals. So, whether you’re a small business owner or a self-employed individual, understanding the importance of bookkeeping and accounting can pave the way for financial success.
Xero accounting software is a great new software program designed to make bookkeeping easy for small or mid size businesses in Australia and all around the world. The problem is not everyone has the time to code off and reconcile their transactions in Xero on a regular basis, especially small business owners who are working in their business all day. The last thing they need is to do bookkeeping at night. Bookkeepers can help relieve that stress, they can code off and reconcile your accounts on a regular basis, making sure the ledger account and GST are correct, then use this information to prepare and lodge your monthly or quarterly Business Activity Statement or BAS accurately and on time.
Everybody uses a bookkeeper to take care of their finances and to lodge quarterly BAS, year end income tax returns, payroll processing, superannuation calculation and STP reporting. It may be the business owner, the wife or partner, an in-house bookkeeper or a contract bookkeeper or tax agent or accountant.
As a tradie, builder or small business owner, you would probably prefer to work in your business rather than on your accounts.
The last thing you want to do is come home from a hard day on the tools to a pile of receipts and other bookkeeping issues that need your urgent attention.
Builders and tradesmen also need to be aware of if and when they need to register for GST, how much money needs to be put aside for the GST, PAYG and income tax liability accruing whilst they go about their business earning money. No one likes a huge tax bill so it is best to be on top of your bookkeeping so you can see these figures very clearly on a current basis.
If you choose to use a contract bookkeeper like Northern Beaches Bookkeeping Solutions, they can set you up with an easy system to gather your paperwork and receipts. They will contact you when your quarterly BAS is due, request any other information they may need so they can prepare your BAS accurately and efficiently and on time. They will also let you know how much you need to pay and when so you are all up to date and fully compliant with no risk of any penalties or late fees.
A good bookkeeper is an investment in your business and an integral part of your business growth and success.