Tax Help for Startups

Advice How do I find a good accountant for my business?

In the early stages of a business formation, extra costs need to be considered carefully but it’s safe to say that you’ll need an accountant at some point.

Advice What are the tax pitfalls I should avoid?

Being mindful of the deadlines that are imposed upon you by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) is a simple but effective way of reducing your risk of falling foul of the tax man.

Advice What are the main taxes I have to consider?

The rate of tax you will have to pay as a business will fluctuate from year to year, but there are some basics you will need to be aware of in terms of your liability.

News Bowen calls Abbott's small business claims "hypocrisy and nonsense"

Thursday, 21 February 2013 | By Cara Waters

Small Business Minister Chris Bowen takes a shot at Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's small business credentials.

News Government backflips on plans to regulate SME access to credit

Thursday, 14 February 2013 | By Cara Waters

The federal government has backed down on draft legislation which proposed regulating small business credit after criticism it would make it harder for small business to get funding.

News Five reasons to be cheerful about the economy

Thursday, 14 February 2013 | By Yolanda Redrup

Economic news has been largely doom and gloom over the past few years, but there are five reasons the Australian economy is moving toward happier days.

Features Don’t ignore tax obligations if you are a company director

Thursday, 14 February 2013 | By Greg Hayes

Did you know that company directors can become personally liable for their company’s tax obligations? If you run a business, here are the key details you must be aware of. BY GREG HAYES.

News Deloitte and Norton Rose to press government on employee share options

Monday, 04 February 2013 | By Michelle Hammond

Deloitte has partnered with law firm Norton Rose to conduct a survey on employee share option plans in order to present the government with hard-and-fast data on the issues affecting start-ups.

News Business tax concessions under threat as election rhetoric heats up

Thursday, 31 January 2013 | By Michelle Hammond

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the Coalition will only release its policy costings after the government releases theirs, after the Prime Minister flagged a number of cost-saving measures to be considered ahead of the budget.

Mentors Do I charge my overseas clients GST on consulting services?

Thursday, 31 January 2013 | By Robert Krigsman

While you should discuss the specific details of your situation with a qualified tax professional, there are a few basic details of the GST you need to be aware of.

Taskmaster The one (election) day in September we want to remember

Thursday, 31 January 2013 | By Taskmaster

The 2013 federal election has been called for September 14. Old Taskmaster says it’s time for a little less conversation and a little more action.

Features Start-ups’ federal election wish list

Thursday, 31 January 2013 | By Oliver Milman

With an election coming up in September, both parties will be keen to win your vote. Here are five areas the major parties will need to focus on if they want to win the support of start-ups. BY OLIVER MILMAN.

News Businesses with dodgy bookkeepers should be penalised, says IPA

Wednesday, 30 January 2013 | By Michelle Hammond

Start-ups using dodgy bookkeepers to prepare GST returns would miss out on deductions under a proposal by the Institute of Public Accountants, which has released its pre-budget submission.

News Energy costs up 14.5% for start-ups after carbon tax: Report

Tuesday, 29 January 2013 | By Yolanda Redrup

Energy costs for businesses have risen on average by 14.5% since the introduction of the carbon tax, according to new figures from the Australian Industry Group.

News GST threshold change unlikely to impact overseas web purchases: Report

Wednesday, 23 January 2013 | By Michelle Hammond

Almost 80% of Australian consumers oppose reductions to the GST-free threshold on overseas online purchases, but any change will do little to quell their appetite to spend, new research reveals.

News Dymocks director’s super slip-up leads to $70,000 tax bill shock

Tuesday, 22 January 2013 | By Patrick Stafford

A recent tribunal ruling points to a need for directors to be careful about the timing of superannuation contributions.

News Start-ups urged to “sit out” of R&D program amid red tape concerns

Monday, 21 January 2013 | By Michelle Hammond

The government’s R&D Tax Incentive has attracted claims of excessive red tape, with one tax expert suggesting start-ups “sit out” until the recordkeeping requirements are made much clearer.

News Shoes of Prey founder flags share option woes for start-ups

Thursday, 17 January 2013 | By Michelle Hammond

Serial entrepreneur and StartupSmart mentor Michael Fox has outlined problems with employee share option plans (ESOPs) for start-ups, after being invited to meet with the federal government.

News Victoria revealed as the lowest taxing state for start-ups

Monday, 07 January 2013 | By Cara Waters

The Institute of Public Affairs' State Business Tax Calculator reveals Victoria is the place to be for the lowest businesses taxes.

News Businesses unfazed by surplus pledge backflip

Friday, 21 December 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

Business groups have downplayed the Federal Government’s concession the budget is unlikely to return to surplus in 2012-13, with one group describing the move as “neither here nor there”.

News Business belt tightening set to cut back staff Christmas parties

Thursday, 06 December 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

Start-ups can celebrate Christmas with their staff without breaking the bank, experts say, after it was revealed less than two thirds of employers will organise a staff Christmas party this year.

Features How divorce can cause a messy split in your business

Thursday, 06 December 2012 | By Greg Hayes

Despite the best intentions, many marriages don’t last “until death do us part”. However, the end of your marriage need not mean the end of your business. BY GREG HAYES.