Blog

Waiting for the ATO to Enrol You Many sole traders think PAYG is automatic, but you don’t need to wait. Voluntarily opting in can prevent a nasty surprise at tax time.   Choosing the Wrong Instalment Method If your income is unpredictable, the fixed amount method could leave you short. Instead, use the instalment rate […]

What Are PAYG Instalments? PAYG instalments are prepayments towards your annual income tax. Think of them as breaking a big tax bill into smaller, more manageable pieces. Paid quarterly (or annually if eligible). Different from PAYG withholding, which applies to employees. As a sole trader, no one deducts tax for you, so instalments help keep […]

Key FBT Dates Every Small Business Must Know Just like income tax, FBT follows its own deadlines. Missing these can result in penalties, so keep these dates in mind: FBT Year Ends: 31 March FBT Return Due Date: 21 May (if self-lodging) Payment Due Date: 28 May (for most employers) 👉 Pro Tip: Automate reminders […]

Understanding how FBT works is essential to avoid penalties and ensure you’re managing staff perks effectively. Here’s what every small business owner should know.   What is Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)? Fringe Benefits Tax is a separate tax applied to certain non-cash benefits that employers provide to employees or their associates. Unlike income tax, which […]

Scam emails are getting harder to detect. They often look like messages from trusted organisations, using official logos, urgent language, and even fake email addresses to trick you. But falling for these email scams can lead to stolen money or personal data.   Common Signs of a Scam Email Be on alert if the email: […]

This guide is specifically for Australian sole traders and bookkeepers looking to take well-earned leave while keeping their business on track.   Holiday Planning Tips for Sole Traders Give Clients Plenty of Notice Inform your clients about your planned leave at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Be clear about: Your last working day […]

Starting a business as a sole trader in Australia is one of the simplest ways to become your own boss, but it still requires smart planning, legal awareness, and ongoing management. Whether you’re just starting or already established, this checklist will help you stay compliant, organised, and ready for growth. Here’s your complete Sole Trader […]

Being a sole trader comes with the freedom of running your own business, but it also means you’re the bookkeeper, accountant, and financial strategist. To thrive long-term, you need more than just great service. You need solid financial systems. Here’s how to keep your finances sharp, stable, and ready for growth.   Understand Your Income […]

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about claiming work-related tax deductions, including record-keeping requirements and common expenses you can claim. What Makes an Expense Work-Related? To legally claim a deduction for a work-related expense, all of the following conditions must be met: You paid for the expense yourself and weren’t […]