Succeed in the workplace

Although workplaces require different skills and personality traits to fit into the role and culture of the business, there are some universal attributes that can help you succeed in the workplace. Consider the following: Effective communication skillsHaving effective communication skills is critical as it determines how well you get along with colleagues, management and other…

Topping up your super with downsizer payments

Due to new super measures introduced by the Government, Australians will now be able to contribute part of the proceeds of the sale of their home towards their superannuation. From 1 July 2018, where the exchange of contracts of sale for a ā€˜main residence’ home occurs on or after 1 July 2018, individuals will be…

Employing holiday makers on a visa

Employers can employ holiday makers on either a Working Visa (subclass 417) or a Working and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). Employees on either visa are taxed at 15 per cent from the first dollar earned, regardless of their residency. Working holiday makers cannot claim the tax free threshold and must provide their employer with their…

Should you use a personal loan?

A personal loan can come in handy if you need some extra cash to fund a purchase, but it may not always be your best option. Before you sign away, you will need to understand how personal loans work and if they are appropriate for your circumstances. A personal loan is when a person borrows…

Succeed in sales

Closing a sale is the end goal for many business owners but often knowing how to close the deal is a challenge. Here are three ways to improve your sales approach: Remove your agenda A sales prospect can usually identify when a salesperson is running off an agenda. The salesperson comes across as pushy, they…

How to catch out an illegal super scheme

When a super scheme seems too good to be true, it often is. Many illegal super schemes are operating in Australia, so it is crucial to understand the characteristics of such schemes. A popular illegal scheme is one whereby an individual is enticed by being told they can access their super early to pay off…

Changes to GST payments at settlement

Buyers of new residential premises or subdivisions of potential residential land will need to pay the GST component of the purchase price to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) as of 1 July 2018. The amount of GST will not change. This change does not affect the sales of existing residential properties or the sales of…

How to improve efficiency

Efficient businesses create more with less. They are driven by highly-motivated employees and inspirational leaders. They understand the power of time-management, organisation, and most importantly, managing their resources. To improve the efficiency in your small business, consider the following: ā€œEat the frogā€ Starting your day by ā€œeating the frog firstā€ helps to tick off the…

Staying ā€˜superā€™ compliant

Employers have a legal responsibility to pay eligible employees superannuation to provide for their retirement. And although most employers do the right thing, some do try to bend the rules which can see them facing hefty penalties. Employees are entitled to superannuation if they are paid $450 or more before tax in a calendar month,…

Fuel tax credit mistakes

Fuel tax credits are provided to businesses who acquire, manufacture, import or use fuel in part of running a business. These credits can greatly benefit business owners but it is important to get the claim right. The ATO sees common mistakes made when calculating and claiming fuel tax credits, including: Wrong calculationsA common error is…