Small Business Tax Blog by Fletcher Tax Accountants

Clients often worry why their refunds are not as high last year. Of course we all love receiving tax refunds, but what are the common reasons your refund isn’t as high?

A common query my office gets asked – Why do I need to pay PAYG if I am not employing anyone? Firstly, you need to decipher which PAYG the ATO wishes you to pay; PAYG Instalments or Withholding.

Accountants often seem to abbreviate their thought process in their speech or written words, often leaving clients second guessing meanings. No more! – Have a look at the most common abbreviations and their usage. Browse the common abbreviations accountants and bookkeepers use in their daily interaction. [...]

Common question: “Why am I paying Medicare Levy if I have private health insurance?”
Click in to find the answer and know how you can save yourself and/or your family – an additional 1% of tax!

On the hunt for an accountant? The ”Must Ask” questions when considering a new accountant.

Do you hate keeping your books upto date? You know you need to, but you don’t want to? Enter (drum roll): a bookkeeper. A professional bookkeeper can work wonders for your efficiency and productivity levels.

Have a read of what they can do for YOU (and how you can help them!) [...]

A common situation I find on forums, and shamed to admit – with my own clients (sometimes!), is that they are scared to ask questions as and when they come up.

What’s your view? Do you contact your accountant as the need arises, or worse – when the transaction/event has already happened and nothing can be done?! [...]

Time and time again I hear (and witness) clients simply signing off on a Return their accountant has sent them. Big mistake! Surprisingly, accountants are only human. Some tips for you to check and look out for when you receive your Business Activity Statements or Tax Returns for any entity type.

Alicia: Hi, this is Alicia from the Australian Taxation Office calling for Mr John Smith.
John Smith: This is he
Alicia: I’m calling regarding the Activity Statement you have recently lodged for the June quarter.
John Smith: Ummm ….. yes!?
Alicia: It has come up for review and I was hoping to ask you a few questions.

John’s heart begins to pounce at 200 km’s per hour. He fears interrogation. What could they possibly ask? What if his answers are incorrect?

Despite the heart pumping harder that usual – following some simple proactive and reactive strategies will keep your heart attack at bay! [...]

One reader asked if I could step back and explain the basics of some of the lingo within setting up a ‘Trust’.

In any type of trust (discretionary, unit, fixed, hybrid etc) – common elements are present. Hopefully I can explain them in as simple terms as possible. But please make sure you understand these more thoroughly if you’re pursuing a Trust structure. [...]