This month I'm looking at Spring Cleaning your finances, both business and personal, and I'm including a Home
Budget Spreadsheetto
help you keep on top of your personal finances.
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Attracting and retaining top talent is more challenging than ever. An employee share scheme (ESS) could be the answer for cash-poor,
growth-hungry businesses.
Read More…
Managing performance remotely presents some unique challenges. Adapt your approach with five tips and unlock the potential of your remote
workforce.
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Family comes first – until succession goes sour. Safeguard the future of your family business by learning how to manage a generational
shift.
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Received an ATO audit notice and don’t know what to do next? Transform your audit confusion into confidence with support from a tax audit
accountant.
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Expanding your business overseas poses some complex accounting challenges. Nail multi-jurisdictional compliance with international business
accounting advice.
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Measure your organisation’s customer experience (CX) in 2024 to meet growing customer expectations and identify new opportunities. Learn how
to measure CX to improve customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty.
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A business exit strategy is vital for every business owner. Learn how to plan an exit that rewards your efforts and maximises your return on
investment.
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In a tough economy, value creation is a powerful way to set your business apart. Discover why and how to do it for sustainable, long-term
success.
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Choosing the right business accountant is crucial to your business’s financial health. Streamline your procurement process with 5 carefully
considered steps.
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After talking to lots of psychologists about personal finance, I’ve found that Wills and Estate Planning are
almost always put into the “too hard” basket. It’s not an easy subject to think about, but it’s something that can really make a
difference for you and your family – your parents, siblings, partner, children and pets - if things were to go awry.
Read More…
This month’s newsletter continues on with the theme of Spring cleaning. Last month it was personal finance, this time it’s Spring
cleaning your business finances.
I’ll also give an outline of the Small Business Skills and Training Boost which , for those of you with employees, can give
you additional tax deductions on staff training.
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Teaming up can be a great business decision – or a costly failure. Make sure it’s the former by learning how to choose the right partner and
mitigate the risks.
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Knowledge is power and audits can uncover insights to put you on a path to success. Discover how your next audit can mitigate risk and drive
long-term growth.
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A successful journey requires a precise and purposeful roadmap. Learn how to write your business vision, mission and values to get where
you’re going faster.
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Contrary to common myths, SMSFs offer compelling benefits for those in the know. Discover if the pros outweigh the cons for self-employed
business owners.
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AI is transforming businesses in unexpected ways. Discover how this exciting tech can save you time, money, mistakes and deliver deep
insights to drive growth.
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Get across the costs and benefits of going green – and discover how a well-considered sustainability strategy can pay dividends for people,
planet and profit.
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Gross, net or operating? Profit margin calculation can be a complex process. Choose the right metric to steer your business in the right
direction.
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See how to optimise your tax position when including electric vehicles in your business fleet in 2023. Maximise efficiency and minimise EV
costs. Ask your accounting expert.
Read More…
Protect your company from business email compromise (BEC) and fraudulent transactions in 2023 by understanding the BEC threat. Ask your
accounting expert.
Read More…
Make some 2023 new financial year resolutions and develop a robust strategy for strategic budgeting and forecasting in challenging
conditions. Ask your accounting expert.
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The 2023 EOFY brings a crucial opportunity to optimise tax strategies and minimise liabilities as we face uncertain economic conditions and
changing tax laws. Ask your accounting expert.
Read More…
In 2023, directors face increasing scrutiny and penalties. Protect your position by understanding director ID numbers, director penalty
notices and more.
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When it comes to managing supply chain risk, information is power – and protection. Streamline the process and save time by creating a
supplier questionnaire.
Read More…
Do you know how well your business is performing? Discover the KPIs that underpin business success and how a trusted accountant can keep you
on track.
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For business owners, FBT 2023 might involve some complex calculations. Get across changing covid exemptions and keep your hybrid workforce
compliant.
Read More…
This month covers:
1. Claiming deductions related to attending a seminar, conference or training course
2. Year end reflection
3. End of year sales and tax deductions Read More…
Get support to manage rising business costs in 2023 with 7 strategies including forecasting, reviewing recurring expenses, and debt
consolidation.
Read More…
Selling your business is fraught with stress. We break it down into simple steps and outline how a business valuation accountant can set you
up for success.
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A cyber attack can end your business even if you aren’t the target. Get across cyber security standards and protection strategies to keep
your business covered.
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This month we cover 3 main topics:
1. Revisting your mortgage as the Reserve Bank continues to raise interest rates
2. GST for Psychologists
3. Practice Management Arrangements
Read More…
Operating reactively is a trap for busy small businesses. Discover how proactive tax planning can protect and grow your SME through
uncertain times.
Read More…
Keep your business cash flow moving through supply chain pressures, rising interest rates and inflation uncertainty. Make clear forecasts
with the right financial and accounting support.
Read More…
Managing a remote workforce in 2022? Get your employer deductions right to avoid paying more than you need to or unwanted attention from the
ATO.
Read More…
Getting sound financial and accounting advice from professionals you trust will help set your retirement up for success. We've put
together a list of things to consider to get your retirement planning organised.
Read More…
The 2022-23 Federal Budget is aimed at moving business into the digital era with both carrots and sticks in the budget. In this overview we
examine what the impact of the Federal Budget will have on individuals and businesses...
Read More…
With the upheaval experienced to all aspects of our lives due to the Covid pandemic, it is not surprising many people are questioning their
career choices and considering major changes. As a result, we are expecting to see a surge in business start-ups in 2022. New business
owners often focus on the product or service offering, financial aspects or other mechanics of start-up whilst neglecting their marketing
plan, instead of making it a priority…
Read More…
In part one and two of this series of articles we identified the fact that there is no secret formula or magic potion that guarantees
financial success in business, however, there are some key ingredients that successful businesses have in common. In part three we
look at the importance of building a great team, having a lead generation website (including video content) and building a customer
database...
Read More…
Wishing all our clients and their families the very best for the Festive Season and a safe & happy 2022. Please note our offices will be
closed from 11am Thursday 23rd December whilst we undergo renovations, limited staff will be available from Monday 10th January 2022 until
we fully re-open on Monday 24th January 2022.
In the meantime, and in case you missed it, check out our latest Business Accelerator Magazine, full of articles and news about growing and
nurturing your business. This edition includes our second article in a series on What are the Key Ingredients for a Successful Business? As
well as articles on the ATOs new Stapled Super Fund rules, an examination of why start-ups fail and info on the rules around the newly
introduced Company Director ID Number…
Read More…
Superannuation stapling came into effect from 1 November 2021 for new employees and employers will need to ensure their onboarding process
complies with the ATO’s new ‘super stapling’ requirements...
Read More…
Most people for one reason or another contemplate starting their own business. While there’s no magic potion or secret formula that
guarantees business success, highly successful businesses have some common characteristics that we will explore across a series of articles.
In this instalment, we look at the importance of marketing and systemisation...
Read More…
Are you a Company Director? The new Director ID regime is now law and existing company directors have until 30 November 2022 to apply but
new directors appointed as of 1st Nov 2021 have just 28 days from appointment to apply and directors appointed 5th April 2022
onwards must apply prior to appointment...
Read More…
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way we live, work and play. While the pandemic has posed a threat to lives and livelihoods,
there’s clear evidence that people have struggled to balance the hybrid work model particularly when combined with home schooling
duties. After 18 months of uncertainty people are doing a lot of soul-searching and a chunk of the population are re-evaluating various
parts of their lives including their employment and some are considering self-employment. In this article we examine the perils and
pitfalls of going out on your own, and importantly, how to avoid them...
It's an emotional moment when you finally make the decision that it's time to sell your business. All those long hours, customer dramas and
financial risks will loom large in your mind, but the buyer isn't interested in how much work you've put into your 'baby', they want to see
financial proof that the asking price is justified....
Read More…
Don’t miss our latest edition of the quarterly Business Accelerator Magazine, full of articles and news about growing and nurturing your
business. This edition includes the first part in our series on The Key Ingredients of Business Success as well as looking at whether
COVID-19 Grants are taxable and the ATO’s data-matching programme targeting lifestyle assets…
Read More…
Most people at some stage of their lives, for one reason or another, contemplate starting their own business. While there’s no magic
potion or secret formula that guarantees business success, highly successful businesses have some common characteristics that we will
explore across a series of articles...
Read More…
The Tax Office has now extended its lifestyle assets data-matching program for the 2020/21 financial year through to 2022/23 and expect to
identify around 300,000 individuals each year…
Read More…
The Victorian Government has announced the reintroduction of the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme. Businesses with an annual turnover of
less than $50 million and who have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more due to the pandemic will be eligible as well as most
ACNC registered charities that have experienced a decline in turnover of 15% or more…
Read More…
For small business owners, access to government support is a critical lifeline and there have been a lot of changes in the last month. So
for our Victorian clients we summarise them in this article ...
Read More…
Australian businesses are again feeling the pinch financially as the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold. Businesses
along the east coast particularly are in a state of uncertainty - going in and out of lockdown like a swinging door. As a result, the
Federal Government has expanded the range of financial support available...
Read More…
Attention all Company Directors - The Government has introduced a Director Identification Number (DIN) to provide greater transparency
around the background of company directors and combat illegal phoenixing leaving creditors unable to recover debts...
Read More…
The Australian Tax Office has indicated that several types of costs associated with working-from-home will not be eligible as a tax
deduction…
Read More…
For our Victorian Clients we would like to highlight:- Victorian Business Costs Assistance Program (Round Two) - with the
snap lockdown commencing Thursday 27th May the Victorian State Government has announced Round Two of the Business Costs Assistance program
which opened for applications today (Friday 4th June) and the Commonwealth Government has announced a Temporary COVID Disaster Payment for
employees...
Read More…
As we approach the end of the 2021 financial year, tax planning has never been more important and as accountants, we believe our client
brief includes helping you minimise your tax liability within the framework of the Australian taxation system. Business planning is always
challenging but planning with a pandemic in the background is incredibly difficult given the uncertainty, so for many businesses, the number
one priority right now is cash flow...
Read More…
The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg released the Federal Budget on Tuesday May 11 and the focus is on recovery and investment to support job
creation to drive economic growth. In this article we examine the main changes proposed around personal and business taxation as well as
superannuation…
Read More…
In this fourth edition of our Recession Buster Newsletter we continue to examine the 4 Ways to Grow Your Business, specifically the 4th way –
Improving Your System & Processes. In other articles we explore the importance of having a website. Other articles include the 3rd part
of Ways to Turn Your Website into a Lead Generation Machine - this particular article looking at the importance of a good headline,
Live Chat function, Social Proof (Testimonials) & Social Media Links - and finally we look at mining your customer database for gold...
Read More…
The challenge for every business owner is to create a business that works independent of them. As an entrepreneur you need to be flexible
and multi-task but working ON the business can have a profound impact on your growth and profitability...
Read More…
There is an old saying, ‘The most fertile source of insight is hindsight’. That being the case, what can business owners learn from the
COVID-19 pandemic?
Read More…
Don’t miss our latest edition of the quarterly Business Accelerator Magazine, full of articles and news about growing and nurturing your
business...
Read More…
Every business owner wants to grow their business and their profits. While there’s no secret formula or recipe, the fact is, business growth
and improved profitability are outcomes achieved as a result of processes including marketing, your expertise, customer service and your
team’s performance.
Read More…
With the rollout of Australia’s coronavirus vaccine scheduled to commence in March there are some key things that every small business owner
needs to know.
Read More…
With the recent circuit breaker lockdown further impacting our Victorian business clients, we wish to draw your attention to the Victorian
State Government’s recent announcement of a further $143 million package to support those impacted by the recent snap lockdown...
Read More…
In this third edition of our Recession Buster Newsletter we continue to examine the 4 Ways to Grow Your Business, specifically the 3rd way -
Increasing the Average Sale Value. In other articles we explore the importance of measuring, monitoring & testing your business, Other
articles include the 2nd part of ways to turn your website into a lead generation machine - this particular article looking at the
importance of Lead Magnets & Calls to Action - and finally we examine the importance of goal setting and future planning...
Read More…
The JobMaker Hiring Credit system announced in the 2020-21 Federal Budget has now passed into law and if your business is eligible and you
hired additional younger employees from 7th October onwards, you can now claim the credit (quarterly in arrears) from the ATO
from 1 February 2021…
Read More…
With the media flooding us with COVID-19 information and governments around the world using vocabulary that is normally reserved for war
time we know we are living in unprecedented times. Historically, business start-ups tend to surge when there are high levels of unemployment
and middle management lose their jobs. Amongst all the uncertainty, is it the right time to start a business?
Read More…
As businesses reopen, we are being confronted with a new ‘normal’. More people are now working from home and increasingly, staff and
customer meetings are being conducted online rather than face to face. In the second edition we explore the 4 Ways to Grow a Business
with a focus on the second way - How to Get Your Customers to Buy More Often. In other articles we look at how to turn your ‘electronic
brochure’ style website into a lead generation machine and how to convert those leads into sales. Finally, we look at the importance of
giving your customers a guarantee...
Read More…
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning business owners about the latest JobKeeper email scam to do the rounds, reminding SMEs to be
wary of requests for their personal information...
Read More…
The COVID-19 pandemic not only triggered a global health crisis, it also plunged Australia into recession for the first time in three
decades. As such, a lot of business owners are in unfamiliar territory and we are here to help you navigate your way through this
extraordinary and challenging period...
Read More…
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg presented his second budget on October 6 in what was described as the, "most important budget since World War
II". As expected, there is massive expenditure to reboot and stimulate the economy after the economic devastation brought on by the
coronavirus pandemic...
Read More…
As business owners, we need to learn from experience because history has a habit of repeating itself. Going forward we need to have a
contingency plan in the event there is another virus outbreak or some other catastrophe …
Read More…
The Government’s Stimulus Packages have given thousands of businesses a lifeline during the Coronavirus crisis. Unfortunately, with many
businesses still in lockdown in Melbourne, the fallout will be felt all over the country and some businesses just won’t survive. As
accountants, our mission is to ensure your business survival, but if all avenues have been exhausted, and it’s the end of the road, there
are a number of things that need to happen to wind a business up…
Read More…
Don’t miss our September edition of the Business Accelerator Magazine full of articles and news about growing and nurturing your business & strategies for the current crisis...
Read More…
The ATO has announced a rise in the cents per kilometre deduction rate for motor vehicle expenses for the 2020/21 financial year. Effective
from July 1, 2020 it will be 72 cents per kilometre. The tax office is expecting to see a drop in work-related car expenses claims due to
the COVID-19 travel restrictions in the last quarter of the 2019/20 financial year ...
Read More…
The Government's JobKeeper Payment Scheme has been extended and the eligibility criteria has also changed. The purpose of this article is to
help you make a quick assessment of your eligibility.
Read More…
Whilst some businesses around the country are starting to emerge from lockdown, others (such as metropolitan Melbourne - stage 4) may be
closed under even tougher restrictions. One thing has become clear, it’s no longer ‘business as usual’ and things can change very quickly.
The world as we know it has changed and we have been forced to rethink our daily routines, spending habits, exercise regimes and social
interactions. Many businesses may well be in dire circumstances, but is this the time to be trimming your marketing, or just the opposite?
Read More…
The coronavirus has been labelled the biggest global crisis for three generations. The economy came down 50 floors in the ‘elevator’ and it
will be much slower and harder going back up via the staircase. To help your business survive and prepare for the period of regrowth we have
put together this list of items to consider
Read More…
To ensure you have the best tools to succeed we have introduced the Sheridans App, downloadable from Google Play or the Apple Store.
It offers a secure and fast way to view, store and sign documents along with other features...
Read More…
As part of the Government’s response to the coronavirus and its financial impact on individuals, there is still a temporary opportunity for
individuals to withdraw up to $10,000 from their superannuation funds before September 24th
Read More…
If you are one of the thousands currently working from home during the COVID-19 ‘shut down’, you may be able to claim a deduction for some
of the expenses for your ‘office’ area. There are two parts to this, those employees working from home and businesses where their principal
place of business is their home – effectively running their business from home.
Read More…
American business magnate, Warren Buffet said, “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” When the
economy is booming, we tend not to worry about our level of debt or expenditure on non-essential items. As the shock of the coronavirus
wears off, it’s time to move into the planning phase and develop a clear strategy. The following checklist serves as a useful action plan
...
Read More…
The 2019/20 financial year has been extraordinary and the number one priority for most business owners right now is cash flow, so tax
planning has never been more important. With June 30 fast approaching you need to act quickly to ensure that we help you minimise your tax
liability
Read More…
Pivoting is something business owners normally do when they sense the business needs a change of direction. The COVID-19 pandemic's arrival
with little or no warning has caused most Australian businesses, both big and small, to effectively go into hibernation. The question is,
could your business benefit from pivoting in the current environment?
Read More…
COVID-19 Help for Business
The coronavirus has been labelled the biggest global crisis for three generations and has stopped the economy in its tracks. Thousands of
businesses have gone into hibernation and self-isolation rules have changed the way we live. Business owners face never seen before
challenges and to help navigate your way we provide a checklist and other resources to help our clients
There is a lot of confusion about the JobKeeper enrolment process for employers. Last week some 800,000 employers lodged an expression of
interest for the JobKeeper Payment System, but this DOES NOT mean you are enrolled.
Read More…
The Government have announced a ‘Job Keeper’ Program that provides wage subsidy payments to Australian businesses who have seen their
turnover reduce significantly as a result of the coronavirus. Registered employers will receive a flat $1,500 each fortnight for each
eligible employee, including those that have been stood down or recently rehired.
Read More…
Our clients are looking for help as the COVID-19 pandemic tracks towards being the greatest social upheaval the world has seen since World
War II. The updates and announcements are coming at a breakneck speed. With some industries more severely impacted than others the question
is 'What to do next?' In response, we have put together this action plan checklist
Read More…
Business owners are facing unprecedented challenges with uncertainty surrounding the COVID 19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The pandemic will
eventually pass but the big question is, when and what can you do to minimise the damage?
Read More…
In light of the recent developments around the Coronavirus (or COVID-19) and the uncertainty we are all facing day to day, we felt it
important to email you to assure you that we expect no major interruptions to the services we provide to you.
The Federal Government has announced its Coronavirus Stimulus Package designed to bolster the Australian economy as the illness continues to
spread
Read More…
The Federal and State Governments have announced a range of relief benefits for small businesses impacted by the recent catastrophic
bushfires. Ranging from grant funding, concessional loans, financial support and other measures such as Land Tax relief in effected areas
Read More…
The Tax Office has lifestyle assets under the microscope, so if you’re in the enviable position of being able to purchase a luxury car, boat
or thoroughbred horse, be aware the ATO is data matching to keep track of these purchases
Read More…
Happy New Year. Not just the start of a new year, it’s the start of a whole new decade. Is this the time for you to finally make that big
change and buy that business you’ve been thinking about? Let’s examine the Five Phases of Buying a Business...
Read More…
Christmas time can be a make or break period for some types of businesses, retailers, accommodation, wholesalers & the information and
communication sectors for example experience their peak sales at this time. For other industries this can be an especially tough time of the
year with many business owners experiencing low demand, staff absences and supply disruptions...
Read More…
Have you fallen behind on your Superannation Guarantee obligations? Legislation enabling the Superannuation Guarantee amnesty that was
proposed back in May 2018 is before Parliament right now and if enacted, will apply from the original amnesty announcement ...
Read More…
There have been some much publicised, high-profile cases in the media recently regarding the underpayment of staff. How can this happen and
how can you make sure your business doesn't join this “Rogue’s Gallery”?
Read More…
Businesses fail for a multitude of reasons. Lack of sales and cash flow, inadequate capital and failing to adapt to change can all
contribute to the collapse of a business. Let's explore some of the major reasons why business start-ups fail.
Read More…
Consumer behaviour has changed and your website is now your marketing hub. In this article we look at three key website issues that confront
most business owners - not enough website traffic, poor conversion of leads to sales and a lack of strategy…
Read More…
We know we can’t please all of the people all of the time but with 72% of consumers reporting trusting online reviews as much as personal
recommendations it can feel really damaging to receive a poor online review. Despite your instinct to try and get it deleted there are other
courses of action open to you...
Read More…
With the end of financial year now behind us let’s look at a couple of things to address to tidy up last financial year and plan for
2019/20. Namely - Single Touch Payroll and the Immediate Asset Write-Off Changes.
Read More…
The Tax Office has introduced a Whistle Blower Hotline encouraging people to 'dob in' business owners they suspect are operating in the
black economy. The Hot Line went live on the 1st July 2019.
Read More…
No business can afford to get complacent. If you are adopting the SALY (Same As Last Year) approach, you may discover your business is ripe
and rotting, not green and growing….
Read More…
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has identified specific locations as ‘risk areas’ in each state to target small business looking for
evidence of black economy activity. Is your business likely to be one of them?
Read More…
Creating wealth through an investment property is a well-established practice in Australia. Of the approximate 9 million residential
dwellings in this country, almost 25% are rental properties. Read on for our renovation tax tips
Read More…
Don’t miss our latest newsletter which is chockablock full of articles on:-
Tax Planning & Tax Return Checklists
The Federal Budget Round Up
Buyer Beware! – Before You Buy a Business
Thinking of Renovating Your Investment Property?
The Importance of Local Search for Small Business Owners
ATO to visit 1,800 Businesses in a Black Economy Blitz
And don’t forget, Single Touch Payroll becomes mandatory for all Australian employers from today – watch our short webinar in a previous
blog to bring you up to speed….
Read More…
In this recorded webinar, Karen, one of our bookkeepers at Sheridans Accountants & Financial Planners discusses what every employer
needs to know about the introduction of Single Touch Payroll in Australia.
Read More…
As the end of another financial year approaches we have created a Tax Planning Guide for 2019 which highlights some end of year tax planning
opportunities to help you minimise tax and take action on any items required pre June 30.
Read More…
Starting a new business seems a daunting task. But take our advice, don’t be scared – be prepared. Here’s some guidelines in what you need
to do when it comes time to let people know your new business exists.
Read More…
If you’re looking for a local business or product the first thing you’re going to do is Google it. And if you’re doing this, so are your
customers. In this article and FREE Webinar we look at how businesses can harness the power of local search marketing…
Read More…
In ‘the biggest compliance issue since GST’ small employers (less than 20 employees) need to get on board with the ATO’s Single Touch
Payroll system from 1st July 2019 to report employee’s superannuation and tax withholding on a pay by pay basis. Find out what
you need to do now….
Read More…
Starting a Business is an exciting time, but there are so many things to consider it's hard to know where to start. In this Free 30 minute
Webinar we examine the processes and pitfalls when Starting Your Own Business....
Read More…
For a business start-up, your marketing could be the difference between boom, gloom and doom. In the digital and social age your website is
the hub of all your marketing …
Read More…
For a business start-up, your marketing plan could be the difference between boom, gloom and doom. Let’s look at the marketing essentials
to get you off to a flying start.
Read More…
Bookkeeping may not be everybody’s idea of fun, but it is an essential and unavoidable task in the success of your business. We look at 6
common bookkeeping mistakes and how to avoid them….
Read More…
The staff at Sheridans wish you every success for 2019 and we'll be full steam ahead from the 7th January. In the meantime, wherever the
road takes you financially this year we’ll be there to support you. Dream big. And if those dreams include Starting or Buying a
Business this year, we’ll help you every step of the way....
Read More…
Running your own business can be rewarding. You get to follow your passion, choose who you work with and potentially make more money. It
sounds irresistible with the flexibility, independence and freedom, however, there is a catch. There are risks but there are also
strategies to help reduce those risks…
Read More…
As Christmas approaches we’re writing to you about the increased scams we are all facing at present. Make sure you are not caught out this holiday season.
Read More…
Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s coming up to the Holiday Season and you might be thinking of throwing an office break up party or providing your staff with Christmas presents. Without being The Grinch, there are Fringe Benefits Tax implications for both of these scenarios that you need to be aware of.
Read More…
With Christmas and the holiday season fast approaching, businesses may find their cash flow suffering particularly if current invoices don't get paid until February next year. This can be catastrophic for seasonal businesses so let’s look at some ways to help improve your cash flow.
Read More…
The Tax Office has deployed what they refer to as "mobile strike teams" to uncover business owners attempting to avoid tax, especially to target the cash economy. With plans to visit some 10,000 small businesses in the 2019 financial year nationwide, this follows on from their earlier successful blitz of cash-centric suburbs around Australia, including the Adelaide CBD. To this end we outline some of the common mistakes the ATO has recently observed.
Read More…
One of the most challenging aspects of starting a new business is sourcing finance. Once you know how much funding you require it’s time to explore your finance options and there are 6 sources of funding available.
Read More…
Starting a New Business is a stressful time with numerous issues to consider. In this article we examine one of those important issues; the need for legal advice and guidance with various factors including contracts, leases and other legal matters.
Read More…
Facebook remains every marketer's dream, with access to around 15 million users Australia wide. Advertising on Facebook may provide your business with the opportunity to expand your customer base without costing an arm and a leg.
Read More…
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, recently passed intestate (no Will) leaving a purported estate worth $108 million. A number of claims have already lodged been lodged which highlights the importance of having a Will. Let’s look at the administrative taxation process involved when you’re left to deal with a loved one’s estate.
Read More…
The ATO has indicated they are casting a wider net when it comes to claims for home office expenses, work-related expenses and ride-sharing income. Find out what’s under the microscope this financial year.
Read More…
As a business owner and employer there are a number of legislative changes that came into effect on July 1, 2018 which you need to be aware of including Single Touch Payroll, the continuation of the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amnesty, increased Minimum Wage Rates as well as changes to Penalty Rates and the Unfair Dismissal Threshold.
Read More…
The rate for work-related car expenses has increased for the income year starting 1 July 2018. It is now 68 cents per kilometre.
This applies if you have chosen to use the cents per kilometre method for calculating work-related car expenses and will remain in place until the Commissioner decides it should be varied.
If you are paying your employees a car allowance in excess of 68 cents per kilometre, you need to withhold tax on the amount you pay over 68 cents.
Read More…
Eureka! You’ve had that brilliant idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and one of those important issues is having a Business Plan and Cash Flow Budget.
Read More…
The Tax Office warns individuals and business owners not to claim ‘stock standard’ deductions on their tax returns this tax time. Taxpayers mistakenly claim expenses not directly related to their work.
Read More…
In this fourth article in our 8-part series on Starting a New Business, we help you navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is making the right decision on what business insurances you will require.
Read More…
It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and you’re hit with an idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you must navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those importance issues is making sure you carry out the right business registrations.
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In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of Headlines, a Live Chat feature, Testimonials & Social Media Links. .
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Profit is the way we keep score in business. It is achieved through making the right management decisions and it impacts on your business valuation. You simply can't afford to leave any profit on the table.
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The Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, handed down his third Budget on the evening of Tuesday May 8th. We provide a round-up of the changes that may impact you or your business.
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It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors there are numerous issues to consider and you have to navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is the right accounting and bookkeeping software.
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The end of another financial year is fast approaching. Our 2018 Tax Planning Guide for the end of the 2017/18 financial year highlights some end of year tax planning opportunities which you may wish to consider before June 30, 2018.
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In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of Calls to Action and Lead Magnets.
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It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and you’re hit with an idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you must navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is the right business structure.
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In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of blogs, mobile responsiveness and video content.
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All employers need to perform a headcount as at 1 April 2018 to determine when they need to implement the latest ATO digital initiative - Single Touch Payroll. Employers with 20 or more employees will need to start reporting through Single Touch Payroll from 1 July 2018. Let’s look at what employers need to be doing right NOW.
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Can’t I use my superannuation? This is a very common question we get asked and in this post we look at what the government restrictions are on accessing your super and the impact of preservation age.
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According to a recent Telstra survey, only 50% of Australian small businesses have a website. Surely this can't be true! With the same report finding that 62% of customers will stop considering a small business if they can't find information about it online - there can be no doubt that having a website is a fundamental weapon in your marketing arsenal.
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The ATO recently conducted a blitz in specific suburbs around the country, including Glenelg and Adelaide where it identified suburbs as having 'high cash economy risk behaviours'. Due to its success, the Tax Office will maintain its audit focus on cash-based businesses. Could yours be next?
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Franchising is big business in this country and while buying into a franchise can often be promoted as a ‘gold mine’, the reality is, franchises can also fail. Let’s examine some of the most important things you need in place when buying a franchise.
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Cash is King, make no mistake, but managing cash flow remains a constant challenge for today's small business owners. In this article we examine the differences between cash flow and profit and the importance of understanding your numbers to maintain a positive cash flow.
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Sheridans first 2018 Business Breakfast will be held Tuesday 20th February 2018 with Special Guest Speaker Natasha Hemmerling (Director/Partner of Clarke Hemmerling Lawyers, Chairperson of the Master Plumbers Association & Board Member of the Construction Industry Training Board).
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Your marketing could be the difference between Gloom, Doom or Boom in 2018. We outline 4 Website Essentials you need if you're looking for new customers.
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Cash flow is the life blood of any business. In fact, it can be the difference between success and failure with a lot of business owners walking a tightrope. Let’s briefly examine some of the most common causes of a cash flow crisis.
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The highest expense claiming industry claimed three times more than average... This variation in work related expenses is significant and supports the fact that every industry is different.
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There has been a fundamental shift in the way consumers make their purchasing decisions. The availability of free, high-quality information online has changed the way consumers buy and Inbound marketing has replaced traditional Outbound marketing methods.
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As a savvy business owner, it’s important to use email marketing. The benefits of Email Marketing almost sound too good to be true – a 4300% ROI for starters! This article will guide you through the first step – how to build your email marketing subscriber list.
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Video is no longer an option for businesses looking to grow, it’s essential. These are the video marketing trends that you need to be aware of in 2017 to stay ahead of your competitors.
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Over the past five years, claims for uniform and laundry tax deductions have increased. The ATO had sat up and take notice. The ATO AC, Kath
Anderson has stated that too many taxpayers’ beliefs around how to claim clothing deductions are wrong. Here, we provide helpful advice and
tactics to ensure you're getting your tax deductions right.
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Over the past five years, claims for uniform and laundry tax deductions have increased. The ATO had sat up and take notice. The ATO AC, Kath Anderson has stated that too many taxpayers’ beliefs around how to claim clothing deductions are wrong. Here, we provide helpful advice and tactics to ensure you're getting your tax deductions right.
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You might be surprised to know the range of assets you can actually finance. While cars, trucks and equipment are items commonly financed, it is possible to finance boats, buses, planes, computers, dental chairs and office fit outs.
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Australians claimed about $23 billion of work-related expense deductions in 2015/16, however, the ATO believe a significant proportion of this amount is the result of over claiming of expenses. As a result, the ATO have stated that they will be monitoring higher than expected claims. These are the areas you should brush up on to keep your work related expenses clear.
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Your website looks good, but it’s not getting visitors, generating leads and converting to sales. The primary difference is that the brochure style websites are all about the company, while lead generation websites are all about the customer. Let’s examine the seven must-have online marketing tools that can help you turn your old website into a lead generation machine.
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Over 400 SMEs are about to receive a visit from the ATO as part of a crackdown on cash based businesses. Here are some ways to avoid attention.
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Uber is looking for more drivers and Airbnb is seeking more hosts, but what are the implications of becoming part of this new 'sharing economy'?
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There is clear evidence that business owners continue to struggle to complete their Business Activity Statements (BAS). To help you we have identified three common errors...
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It wasn’t that long ago that most websites were simply electronic brochures. They simply listed the who, what and where of the business but times have changed.
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Starting a business can be a maze of research, registrations and red tape. No amount of passion can guarantee your business success but the proverb, ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’ serves as both great advice and a warning for new entrepreneurs.
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When Google displays its search engine results page they display three different types of results including organic, pay per click and local search results. Let’s explore how they all work.
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In the digital age your online presence could make or break your business. While your website should be at the hub, your digital presence needs to extend beyond a website.
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Over the years, negative gearing has become a specialist service in the firm and for that reason we have identified some common areas where property investors often trip up including claiming interest on loans.
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Starting a business can be a mine field and the risks are high which explains why so many budding entrepreneurs look to buy an existing business or franchise operation rather than start from ‘scratch’.
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As any entrepreneur will tell you, starting or buying a business involves research, risk, passion and planning. To be successful you need to make the right opening moves and ...
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That ‘light bulb’ moment and idea for your new business is exciting but it's only the beginning of the journey for an entrepreneur. The moment of truth comes when start to list all the costs and ...
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When you're investigating buying a business it's important to do a detailed review of the business's operations, finances, reputation and industry as part of what is called the ‘due diligence’ process.
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As accountants, the number one thing our business clients want is advice to help them grow their business. In the digital age we believe the secret to growth is marketing and it could be the difference between boom and gloom for any business.
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In this final post in the series we look at the fourth way to grow your business - increase the effectiveness of each process in your business.
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Every entrepreneur wants to grow their business but there's no simple formula that guarantees success. In this series of posts we are up to the third way to grow your business, how to increase the value of each sale.
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Clearly, everyone wants to grow their business. Unfortunately there is no magic potion or silver bullet but we do know there are only four ways to grow a business. In this blog we examine the second method, how to increase the number of times a customer comes back and buys from you.
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Franchising is big business in Australia and the perception is, it's a licence to print money. However, recent media reports suggest this may not be the case.
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Everyone wants to grow their business, however, there is no 'magic marketing bullet'. Fundamentally there are only four ways to grow a business including, increase the number of customers of the type you want.
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I must admit I don’t watch a lot of television but I did enjoy the latest Australian season of Shark Tank where budding entrepreneurs seek funding from a panel of wealthy investors (the sharks). While it’s another form of reality TV the show does provide business owners with some valuable business lessons. In this edition we ask the question, should you swim with sharks?
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I must admit I don’t watch a lot of television but I did enjoy the latest Australian season of Shark Tank where budding entrepreneurs seek funding from a panel of wealthy investors (the sharks). While it’s another form of reality TV the show does provide business owners with some valuable business lessons including the importance of knowing your numbers.
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I must admit I don’t watch a lot of television but I did enjoy the latest Australian season of Shark Tank where budding entrepreneurs seek funding from a panel of wealthy investors (the sharks). While it’s another form of reality TV the show does provide business owners with some valuable business lessons including the importance of business planning.
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We have been inundated with queries regarding the accelerated depreciation write-off for assets up to $20,000 acquired by small businesses since it was announced in the May budget.
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Last night the Treasurer Joe Hockey handed down the federal budget and stated, “Our future growth will come from growing small business into big business” There is no doubt that small business was front and centre in this budget that according to the Treasurer, “empowers small business to invest, grow and create jobs.”
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At the start of 2013 we noticed about 10% of our website traffic was coming from hand held mobile devices. By late 2013 this figure had jumped to about 15% but in 2015 we find close to 25% of our website visitors are using mobile devices. Why is this important you might ask?
In this blog I’m going to discuss the seven features your website needs to stand out in the crowd. These features have the potential to give your business a serious competitive edge in your industry.
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Thinking of Starting a Trades Business?
In this blog we will going to examine the 4 things every builder, plumber, electrician or tradesman needs to know before they start their own business.
In this blog we will explain what a Self-Managed Super Fund is and some of the advantages and disadvantages of having your own Self-Managed Super Fund.
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In this blog we are going to look at what you need to know before you select an accounting software program to use in your business. We will then look at specific software programs on the market including MYOB, Xero, Reckon, Saasu and Cashflow Manager.
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Starting a business is a bit like a game of chess, to succeed you need to make the right opening moves. Let’s look at five opening moves you need to address before you launch your new business.
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The types of business registrations you will require will depend on a number of issues including your type of business structure, your anticipated turnover and whether you also intend to employ staff.
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In this blog we are going to examine some of the most popular business structures used in Australia. Let me say upfront, it’s almost impossible to recommend a particular type of business structure without an understanding of your business, your industry, your family structure and your personal financial situation.
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When it comes to business structures, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, your choice of tax structure is a key part of your business foundations …
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When it comes to accounting software, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, your choice of accounting software is a key part of your business foundations and one size does not fit all …
When it comes to business registrations, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, the right business registrations is a key part of your business foundations and you can’t afford to miss one …
When starting a business, failing to plan is planning to fail. Having a business plan and blueprint for the future is a key part of your business foundations …
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When it comes to insurance, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, your choice of insurance is a key part of your business foundations. For business start-ups, insurance can seem like just another expense in a long line of costs, however …
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Marketing and consumer behaviour has changed. You can now buy almost anything online and for most businesses, your website is your silent sales person working 24/7 to generate leads and sales.
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In the last few years consumer behaviour has changed. We now buy books, music, electronics, shoes and clothing online. In fact, you can buy almost anything online and people even buy professional services online including accountancy services.
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Video is now a critical part of the marketing landscape and YouTube is the second biggest search engine behind Google. Online video content is 'white hot' and it is important not to ignore this shift in consumer behaviour.
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Once you have had that ‘light bulb moment’ and come up with that brilliant idea for your new business you want to get started in a hurry. However, before you make any big financial commitment you want to make sure the concept has ‘legs’. Your choice of business structure is a critical decision ...
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The first taxable payments annual report for clients in the building and construction industry are due with the ATO by August 25 if you are lodging through our office. For other businesses who pay contractors for building and construction services in the 2012/2013 financial year the due date of this report was July 21, 2013.
Over the years we have assisted numerous clients looking to start a business. In fact we are recognised as start-up specialists and along the way we have identified some of the key issues that every budding entrepreneur needs to address in the start-up phase. The press sometimes over simplify the issues but it may come as a surprise to learn that they extend way beyond your choice of business structure, accounting software selection and various business registrations. Before you pull the trigger on your business start up consider this ...
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Just as evolution in animals dictates that only the fittest survive, in a recession it is generally survival of the smartest.
In this country we seem to have a recession-like economy happening every seven to nine years and almost 75,000 Australian businesses were wiped out in the last downturn. To survive business owners must find a way to plan their way past potential threats including rising interest rates and fuel prices plus declining consumer confidence.