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Did you know Services Australia will begin contacting welfare recipients from November 2nd 2020?

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I am sure many people don’t.

The Government has outlined that Services Australia will begin contacting welfare recipients who they think have been paid too much, especially now that the government is ending the pause put into place due to the Pandemic.

The areas that still remain in a state of disaster such as Victoria will continue to be exempt.

Though Services Australia will not begin taking money from Australian’s until February 2021 and that the delay in this debt recovery will still allow people to plan for their future. It still provides enough time for people to consider their circumstances  and what options they have moving forward into 2021.

Services Australia will work with people to make sure the process is simple and that people will be able to commence repayments of their debt voluntarily.

It is something many people are not aware of and because of the Pandemic, Services Australia realizes this has put a financial and mental burden on many people who have lost their job or business.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

Are you behind in your Bookkeeping?

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Are you needing help?

Are you behind in your bookkeeping Lodgements?

Many times, I have what you call, RESCUE JOBS.

Rescue jobs are those clients who have come to me with more then three months work that is behind.

For example, if you are in the following situation, then you are a rescue job

  1. Behind in your tax return lodgements
  2. Behind in your Superannuation contributions
  3. You haven’t lodged any BAS for months or even years

If this is you, I can definitely help you.

Many business owners are fearful that because they have put off their lodgements that they fear they will receive a HUGE BILL from the ATO.

Unfortunately, even though you probably will have a huge bill to pay, you may also receive penalties on top of what you owe for every quarter overdue in you haven’t lodged every quarter.

It can really add up.

Don’t take the mental burden of being behind in your obligations and let me look after your reporting, your BAS and your Tax Returns and everything in between.

It just takes one phone call to 0429 363 047 to rescue you.

Call me today.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

 

Don’t be caught out underpaying staff

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Are you aware that changes are happening from the 1st November 2020 to Award Wages, if you don’t you need to read below?

Did you know that the award minimum wages for Group 2 Modern Awards has actually increased by 1.75% from 1st November 2020? The increase in this wage will have a flow on effect to all businesses with loading, penalties, allowance and also overtime payments.

So as a business owner, you should take the steps to ensure wages are compliant with the November 2020 Modern Award increase.

I’ve noticed sometimes businesses never deliberately underpay, so normally it’s a lack of attention or oversight.

Remember to also review any of your ‘all-inclusive’ pay arrangements for employees covered by this Group 2 Modern Award. It’s important to know that employees who receive an all-inclusive salary, that the increase to the minimum rate may affect that of the all-inclusive salary, so make sure you check by going through the employee’s awards entitlements by reference to their actual hours of work.

Now if that sounds all too confusing, please give me a call on 0429 363 047 to have a look through.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

 

The Budget 2020, what’s in it for SME’s?

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Check out this link for further info, but the Budget 2020 was an interesting one.

https://www.mybusiness.com.au/finance/7527-budget-2020-what-s-included-for-smes?utm_source=MyBusiness&utm_campaign=06_10_2020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1&utm_emailID=

There were a mixture of Tax Concessions, JobMaker hiring, whereby if a business hires a young job seeker aged 16-35 they will receive a JobMaker hiring credit of $200.00 per week for every new worker and $100.00 a week if they hire a new person aged 30 to 35 years. This is payable for the next 12 months, if that new person works at least 20 hours per week.

The other one I found particularly interesting was the $800m digital plan, to push businesses to adopt digital technologies post COVID.

Have a look at the link yourself and see what you think. Interesting times ahead for Australia.

Though if you are totally confused by it all, give me a call direct on 0429 363 047.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

maree punzet small and medium business bookkeeper at Maree's Mobile Bookkeeping

About Maree Punzet

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Hi, I’m Maree Punzet, a mother to two boys who like many other mums out there with teenagers, one is finishing his High School Certificate this year and it’s been a tough one, doing assessments and exams during COVID-19.

I live in Cobar NSW, a mining town, a small community, where most people who live in Cobar for a while know the locals by their first name. Country towns are like that, everyone knows everyone, everyone knows your husband, kids, heck even the family dog’s name.

When I finished School I started out at the local shire, doing accounts payable, then I got a job at the local travel agency one of my jobs there was to keep the books this was back in the hand written bookkeeping days that was well and truly over 20 years ago, the 10 years ago I decided to start my own business.

I love numbers, finance, anything to do with Bookkeeping I just love it, it’s in my blood, my mum was an accountant. I am a Qualified Bookkeeper & BAS Agent and also been doing my certification to become a Tax Agent, though I do work closely with a Tax Agent. I am a sole trader, I have many people who look after my marketing, my social media, blogs, because I feel marketing is so important.

There are many many bookkeepers in Australia. Competition is fierce, so you need to stand out from the crowd.

I am happily married to my wonderful husband who I met whilst I was still at school and  it was love at first sight. Sickening I know, but when you know, you just know.

In my spare time I love dancing and I dance with our local dance group doing classes in Jazz, tap and Musical theatre.

So that’s just a small glimpse about me, Maree Punzet – Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

Common mistakes people do with Bookkeeping Software

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Many business owners saying I don’t need a Bookkeeper, because the software is so easy it does it for me.

I see many times when a client comes to me who has been doing their own books and entering data into the software and being honest, have completed excuse the expression ‘stuffed things up’.

People are allocating bank feeds to the corresponding income or expense account and saying I have completed my bank reconciliation but this is not a bank reconciliation you need to physically match your bank feeds to your physical bank statement to make sure the software says you have the same amount in the bank as your statement, without doing this you could be getting into a big mess.

I see many people coding incorrectly.

You  need to code your GST correctly as not every transaction attracts GST. Not every expense you put through your business account is a deductable business expense.

Another common mistake is not differentially between employees and contractors.

This one is another mistake, not going over your financial statements, the amount of times I see this happen, astounds me.

Not keeping receipts for business purchases, a simple but yet common mistake, so therefore what you are entering into your bookkeeping software is incorrect and people will then try to just put an approximate value, which is wrong.

Recording transfers as income is another big no no. Doing this can obviously inflate your revenue which in turn will increase the taxes you pay.

That is why outsourcing to a professional Bookkeeper is the only way to do business.

Call me today and let me explain how I can help you.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

EOFY – Tips

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One of the main ones I see all the time is people not using a registered Tax Agent or Bookkeeper. Peter from Tax and Accounting services and myself have been working together for many years.

We are basically a one stop shop. So we provide both bookkeeping and tax and accounting advice in the one place. There is no need to go to other businesses as well work together for our clients. The beauty is many clients don’t have to ring around trying to find an Accountant or a separate bookkeeper.

We formed our business partnership many years ago and it has worked very well. Not only do we help each other with our client’s needs, but it has been great building a solid model for our businesses and our client database has expanded over the years.

We cover everything from data entry and reconciling to BAS Statements to Tax advice. It has become apparent the number of referrals we receive because of our fantastic partnership.

So if you are looking for a one stop shop and needing assistance at the end of the Financial year with completing bookkeeping, tax returns and also advice when planning for the new Financial year, then let us do the hard work for you.

Contact Peter or Maree

0429 363 047

You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, in-sourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket.

The benefits of using a Virtual (Mobile) Bookkeeper over an Employee

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Each day I receive enquiries from new clients asking me what the benefits are in utilising a Virtual Bookkeeper over an Employee. The simple answer to that question is YOU WILL SAVE MONEY.

Just imagine you are the client, you’re weighing up the options of which way to go, do I start advertising in the local paper, on seek.com or asking people for recommendations for a new staff member. Do I really want to go through the shortlisting, interviewing and ultimately in the end employ someone that may not work out. Then have to go through the whole process again to possibly be disappointed once again.

No Way..

As any small business owner would know, most are too busy to interview for staff and you need to consider expense in wages to pay for this employee?

I would much prefer to employ a Virtual Bookkeeper and these are the reasons why:

As a small business owner who is based at home, I don’t want someone onsite regularly coming into my home and family space, using a Virtual Bookkeeper is great, everything is done “Virtually” by email, phone, and cloud.
I don’t really have the space for a staff member. Nor do I have the money for a desk and office equipment, phone etc

That’s right the extra expense of paying sick leave, holiday leave and superannuation.

A Virtual Bookkeeper saves time, money and stress. Why would you consider an employee, it doesn’t make good economic sense?

So contact Maree from Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping today on Mobile: 0429 363 047

 

Bookkeeping is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get!!!!

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Oh, I so loved that movie with Forrest Gump, sitting on that park bench, talking to whoever wanted to listen.

How true, when it comes to Bookkeeping, you definitely do not know what you’re going to get.

Each client that I work for, come from different areas, backgrounds and industries. When I receive their paperwork, believe me, it is like a box of chocolates. Hand written notes on post-it’s, shoeboxes full of receipts, emails explaining different expenses.

It can be quite funny as many clients absolutely detest this part of their business, that is why they outsource to me.

I actually enjoy the anticipation when I open up an email or shoe box what sort of surprise I will receive because let me tell you, I have had many surprises. There never is a dull day when it comes to Bookkeeping.

So let me get your ‘chocolates’ in order and fix your bookkeeping today and if you want to send me an actual box of ‘chocolates’ I am ok with that too!

Contact me today.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

If I had a little money, it’s a rich man’s world

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‘I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay
Ain’t it sad

And still there never seems to be a single penny left for me
That’s too bad’

Now, I’m not going to write all the lyrics of that famous ABBA song. Money, Money, Money, but I do want to talk about money. Why is it so important to small businesses? Money is ‘gold’ when it comes to small business, all businesses large or small need cash-flow.

Money does help to pay the bills, helps expand a business, pay’s the employees and also helps to pay for marketing and websites and a new CRM program or equipment and material for example. It is one thing we all need. Though when it comes to business, it is one thing we seem to not have a lot of, or we are always chasing clients for payment.

This is where a ‘bookkeeper’ comes in handy, making sure your income and expenses are entered into correctly, that you are aware of your profits and losses, how much tax you have to pay. Your incoming and outgoing expenses and just the general efficient running of the ‘money’ side of your business.

So why don’t all businesses utilize a ‘bookkeeper’?

It is the most important job to do for any business owner.

If you are out there making sales, getting work in only to not receive dividends of your hard work, then basically you are working for ‘fresh air’.

No one wants to work for ‘fresh air’ we work for ‘money’.

I hear you saying, but we do it for the love of it, deep down we all know we still do it for the money. That’s what business is about, it is difficult at times and some months are better than others, but don’t let this part of your business fail, because if it does, there won’t be a business.

Review your business model, look at utilizing a bookkeeper and know that you will have ‘money’ always in your account, not ‘fresh air’ and to add, it’s not a rich man’s world anymore!!!

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, in-sourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

Did you know that NSW Agriculture is facing significant labour shortage due to COVID-19?

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“The Help harvest NSW program is aimed at assisting residents find seasonal employment opportunities with farm producers and agribusiness during COVID-19. The NSW Government web hub has a range of jobs on offer including fruit picking, grain harvesting and working on a cattle station”

More information can be found clicking on this link below.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/help-harvest-nsw

It is sad to think that there is a labour shortage in this important area of agriculture, where so many people are looking for work.

Maybe people need to be more open to other forms of work, yes it involves physical work, heavy lifting and bending, but as a Country many people have had to pivot in what they may have done before. I have heard of Pilots who have been flying for 20 plus years, now doing cleaning.

For those in the Agricultural field that are looking for seasonal work, we cannot pick and choose what we want to do in this current climate, so hopefully they will find more people that will put their hand up and do this work.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping,
BUT WE DID

We are a full service, in-sourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

What is stopping you from outsourcing to a Bookkeeper?

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This question keeps coming up all the time in every social media group, forum and I think the big reason why businesses are stopping from outsourcing to a Bookkeeper is ‘fear’

Like anything that is new, because we feel safe doing things ourselves and yes when it comes to finance and paperwork related to a business, there is that element, will this Bookkeeper know what to do? They can se all my finances and what my business makes and what our profits are. I don’t like others knowing personal details about my business. Will they judge how I have been doing my own books? Will they laugh at me when I provide them receipts in a shoe box?

The answer is NO.

I’ve been a Bookkeeper for over 20 plus years. Confidentiality is the most important part of my job. I have never laughed or joked about a client’s business. I applaud when a client comes to me, because it’s at that time where they are throwing their hands in the air saying ‘could you just do all this’ I’m at my wits end and I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.

Now it’s brave to ask for help.

I understand that fear and bravery both come to mind when a client takes that initial step to outsource their bookkeeping to me.

It’s no different if I was outsourcing and sending my car to a mechanic. I don’t have any idea what goes on under that engine. Do I feel fear, anxiety when I take my car to the mechanic, NO…because my mechanic does this work every day, I trust him to look after my vehicle and get it working to its maximum potential?

That’s how you should feel when you outsource, confident, happy, not fearful or nervous.

If you want to have a 15-20-minute chat about outsourcing your bookkeeping to me, I am more than happy to speak to you anytime.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, in-sourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in
your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

Can you still get Job Keeper if you receive the Carers Pension?

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Now this question has come into debate recently. There is a link here stating you cannot obtain both.

The Job keeper payment will affect the amount of money you receive for the Carers Pension. If you do however submit for Job keeper, your Carer payment will either stop or be reduced. Once you do not receive the Job Keeper payment. Once the Job keeper payments stops, you can then reapply for your Carers Payment again. Therefore, after this 12-week period, you will need to reapply again from scratch for the Carers Pension.

So, the answer is NO. It is always wise to review the ATO website and also speak to your Bookkeeper in regards to what you can and can’t receive. This easy read fact sheet, states plainly very clearly what you can and can’t do.

If you have any questions in relation to Jobkeeper or the Carers Pension, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime on 0429 363 047.

https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2020/dss-carer-payment-jobkeeper-payment-easy-read-fact-sheet.pdf

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in
your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

My clients refer me, so will you!

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In 2020, testimonials or if you want to call them reviews or referrals are GOLD. With the current COVID pandemic and economic crisis in Australia, the last thing you would think you would receive are testimonials from your clients, but this is exactly how my clients feel about me and I couldn’t be more thankful for their continued support over the years.

I enjoy what I do as a Bookkeeper and this is just icing on the cake, when you receive testimonials. Many of my clients have reached out to me since the beginning of COVID probably more so, then ever before, but that’s what I am here for, to support, to provide advice and guidance and to make sure that their business is running smoothly.

Here are just a few recent testimonials from clients.

I am very happy with Maree’s professionalism and service. She is very reliable. Her fees are very affordable. 

Gabe Martin | Lawyer | Nightcliff NT

Maree has taken all of the stress out of my bookwork and I would highly recommend her services are truly good value for money

Graeme | Mix It Concrete | Trangie NSW

So, if you don’t believe me, visit my website and you will see more testimonials from clients. Better still why don’t you call me and let’s chat.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in
your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring.   When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

 

 

Virtually insource your PAYROLL, no need for an onsite Bookkeeper!

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Since COVID started in 2020, the world as we know it and how we do business has become very different.

As a Bookkeeper I have spent years working with clients all around Australia, so COVID didn’t impact my business at all.

Many people who were making the long trip into work are now working from home.

With border closures, states in lockdown, second waves and the virus still spreading, why would you take the chance and have an onsite Bookkeeper?

For your own safety and that of your family, there is absolutely no need in 2020 and into the future, utilizing an onsite Bookkeeper.

Since COVID, my inquiry has increased because many businesses didn’t know about virtual bookkeeping. I have been in this business for over 20 years and 99.9% of all my clients I have looked after, I have never met in person face to face, because it’s all virtual.

Virtual is the new word of 2020.

I can email, I have Zoom meetings with my clients, I can pick up the phone and call a client or visa-versa if there are any questions, PM, DM, social media.

At the end of the day, the client is safe, I am safe, our families are safe, there is no spread of any virus, because I work virtually. All work is completed in the same manner, if I was physically onsite.

So if you are a business give me a call and give me 10 minutes of your time, because I know by the end of the conversation, you will never use an onsite Bookkeeper again.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID!!!

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring. When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!!

Will you still be eligible for JobKeeper after September 2020?

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Recently the Prime Minister and the Treasurer have indicated what the JobKeeper program will look like moving forward after September 2020 through to 20th March 2021.

For those that are currently on JobKeeper, the current arrangements will be staying in place to September 25th, that’s when things are changing.

Beyond September 25th 2020 until March 20th 2021, the Government has brought out the new two tier system at a lower rate for businesses who may be eligible. The reason they are doing this as they know many businesses are doing it tough, but not to completely cut off funding, they have reduced and brought in this system, which personally I feel is extremely generous, as the Government could have stopped the payments after September 2020.

1. But who is eligible?

If you need assistance and not sure, this is where I can assist and help you.

To apply for JobKeeper 2.0 support for the quarter ending 27th December 2020, a business will need to meet the required downturn (30% or more) for both the June 2020 and September 2020 quarters.

To apply for the following quarter, ending 28th March 2021, a business will need to meet the downturn (30% or more) for each of the June 2020, September 2020 and December 2020 quarters.

2. So will the JobKeeper payments be reduced?

The answer is YES.

After September 25th 2020, the current rate of $1500.00 per employee payments will no longer apply. In the next phases there will be two tiers of payments and reductions each quarter.
The first level will be for people working 20 hours or more a week.

The payments for these employees will be reduced to $1200 per fortnight for the Dec 2020 quarter and further reduced to $1000 per fortnight for the Mar 2021 quarter
The second level will be for people working less than 20 hours a week.

The payments for these employees will be reduced to $750 per fortnight for the Dec 2020 quarter and further reduced to $650 per fortnight for the Mar 2021 quarter.

This is in line with new changes to the JobSeeker payments.

The exact details around these changes are of course still to be legislated, and as a result subject to change, but this is what we know now.

Of course, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Maree Punzet | Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | 0429 363 047
You didn’t go into business to do your Payroll and Bookkeeping, BUT WE DID

We are a full service, insourced Payroll and Bookkeeping business that puts money back in your pocket. Our team works like a full-time employee and part of your business when it comes to processing your Payroll and bookkeeping, but without the cost or other concerns full time employees bring. When compared to a full-time employee, we give you all the benefits and more but save you around $60,000 a year in costs, makes good financial sense!!

The Fair Work Ombudsman is prioritizing COVID-19 workplace disruptions which include the Job keeper payment compliance

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What that means is over the next 12 months, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) are reviewing any underpayments in large corporations.

‘Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker has confirmed that Aussie workplaces can expect a degree of flexibility in the FWO’s enforcement approach in the new financial year, especially those sectors heavily impacted by the coronavirus crisis’

There have been many sectors within the Australian economy that have been seriously impacted by COVID-19. The FWO will enforce workplaces of their financial positions and review the challenges each are facing whilst recovering from the health disruption. The FWO are trying to uphold the integrity of the Jobkeeper scheme through these appropriate compliance activities.

“Due to the impact of COVID-19 on Australian workplaces, the number of employers and employees seeking our assistance has grown significantly,” Ms Parker said.

“More than 60 businesses have come forward to self-disclose workplace law breaches, with a total of half a billion dollars owed to workers — and that’s just what we know about,” Ms Parker said’

In other words, many large organisations in Australia need to prioritise and review workplace relations systems to ensure their paying workers are receiving the entitlements. Areas such as the fast food industry, cafes, restaurants, horticulture sector, franchisors and sham contracting.

‘Ms Parker did, however, explain that the agency will provide education, advice, tools and resources to small business and those hardest hit by COVID-19’

The FWO will take into account those businesses and their financial circumstances.

Excerpts taken from https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/2020-media-releases/july-2020/20200713-media-release-2020-21-priorities

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me direct on 0429 363 047.

Maree Puznet
Marees Mobile Bookkeeping
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

Watch Out!!! The ATO is chasing those Job Keeper cheaters

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https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/how-jobkeeper-cheats-will-get-caught-by-atos-allseeing-eye/news-story/ad0f088e04a423634100f21028ea5aa6

It makes you wonder how many businesses out there that are doing the wrong thing and so many are really in financial hardship.

Stories of people turning down business, claiming for payment for family members who don’t actually work within the business or full time workers who have not lost any hours, but still are claiming the Job keeper illegally.

It makes you think how this is going to affect our country, not only now, but years and years down the track. This money has to be repaid back, it’s not just the taxpayers, but our children and grandchildren who will suffer.

I just hope the ATO are able to chase the cheaters.

But if you yourself are not 100% sure that your legally entitled to Job keeper, then please contact me and we can go through everything, or if you know of anyone that is reporting illegally, the ATO have a Tip Off line on 1800 060 062.

Otherwise, call me on 0429 363 047 and we can go through this together.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

 

ATO to begin Debt Collection in September 2020

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Don’t get too excited as the ATO has cautioned that it has its eyes out and will be starting the debt collection restart.

The ATO are looking at recommencing the debt and lodgement intervention in September after it hit a pause earlier this year due to COVID-19

It will be a bit of a cliff-hanger if the government stimulus package such as Job Keeper comes to an end. They are calling it the September ‘cliff’

The ATO are focusing on small business which is currently the majority of tax debts, which hit $16.5 billion in the 2018-2019 financial year.

Did you know that almost one in five small businesses entered into a payment plan with the ATO during this time?

If you are needing assistance and need to get on top of your books before the ATO comes knocking, then contact Maree today.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

What’s your thoughts on the minimum wage rise?

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https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/minimum-wage-up-13-a-week-despite-coronavirus-recession-20200619-p55471.html

This excerpt is from the Sydney Morning Herald

‘Workers on the minimum wage will earn $753.80 a week, or $19.84 an hour after the rise, but employees in the sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus, including tourism and aviation, will have their wage increase delayed until February. Healthcare and other essential workers will get their rise in July while the rest of the workforce will have a pay boost in November. The wage increase also affects 2.2 million employees on industry awards tied to the minimum wage’

These are the industries that the minimum wage will affect.

Minimum wage increases by industry

From July 1 — frontline worker:

    • Frontline health care and social assistance
    • Teaching and child care
    • Other essential services
  • From November 1 — most industries:
    • Construction
    • Manufacturing
    • Most other industries
  • From February 1, 2021 — hardest-hit industries:
    • Accommodation
    • Arts and recreation
    • Aviation
    • Retail
    • Tourism

Does this affect you as a business owner and do you have a business in any of these industries?

If you are not sure if you are paying the correct rates or paying your employees the correct award, let Maree help you today.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

You had me at Hello!

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Did I get your attention?

Have you considered outsourcing your Bookkeeping and Accounting Functions, but not really sure what you exactly need?

Well…

Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping has introduced the best thing possible…a Free Questionnaire.

Just fill in – it takes only 1 minute…

Click here below

https://www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au/bookkeeping-questionnaire/

For your chance to win a Bookkeeping Package to the value of $500.00

Drawn 1st July 2020

Have you accessed your Superannuation during this COVID-19 Crisis?

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For many business owners, both large and small, during the COVID-19 Crisis, many have accessed their Superannuation during the COVID-19 Crisis.

It has actually been a necessity for many to help them keep their cashflow going and keep the business and their staff afloat so they can continue.

Even though on both sides of parliament, they were not happy for the Government to allow the access of $10,000 in the current Financial Year and another $10,000 in the New Financial year to be accessible, but it truly has been a bonus for many businesses who are trying to keep staff on, keep stock coming in to sell and for others, just to purely survive.

If you are one of those businesses out there, you are not alone.

Personally, I do hope businesses are using that superannuation to good use and they are able to obtain a ROI if and when they access and use this money.

In the large scheme of things, we normally are never allowed to touch this money until retirement, but in the current economic climate we are in, I can see why the Government has allowed this and tax free too for those that have funds available to access and use.

Not that I am a financial planner, but if you have any questions relating to access to your superannuation or want to know more how you can use this money effectively and efficiently when it comes to Bookkeeping, then please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

Don’t market yourself as a Bookkeeper, unless you are qualified

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As a qualified Bookkeeper, with over 20 plus years’ experience and also a qualified BAS agent, it makes it difficult to see so many business people market themselves as a Bookkeeper, when they are not qualified.

Firstly, it’s false advertising and I see many Virtual Assistants and Consultants that advertise as another service they provide is bookkeeping. Bookkeeping isn’t just a side service offered to clients. Bookkeepers in this profession have spent years crafting their business, years of study, years of completing courses and updating their skills on a yearly basis, this is all part of the Bookkeeping Industry.

We cannot just advertise and never do anymore study on a yearly basis, because in this industry, you must keep up with the ever-changing rules and regulations and new software.

When I see people advertise they do bookkeeping, it’s not just data entry we do and that’s it, there is so much more and way more behind the scenes work we do.

So if you do outsource your work to someone that mentions they do Bookkeeping, make sure you actually see their qualifications because I would hate to see business owners learning down the track that an amateur, someone that hasn’t a clue about the ins and outs of the bookkeeping industry to be looking at your books, paying your staff, because as the old saying goes, ‘you pay peanuts, you get monkeys’.

If you are looking for a Bookkeeper that is highly experienced and easy to work with, then please give me a call, my details are below.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

What does the future hold moving forward after COVID-19 and how it will affect your business?

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Many businesses are going through so much turmoil at the moment and because many feel that after this crisis finishes that Bookkeeping may not be a high priority, that is definitely the opposite you should be thinking.

During this crisis, I have received at least 30 calls per day from those with employees, sole traders, large companies, you name it, I’ve had lots of different calls, because put it simply, people are confused.

Now more than ever.

What my job is as a Bookkeeper and BAS agent is to keep up to date with everything that is happening, not just at a bookkeeper level. I have read all the stimulus package information and all relevant documentation and as I am part of the Bookkeeper Association, information is also provided to give me the tools and resources at hand, that the average employer, employee or sole trader would not see or read.

So how will this affect your business once this virus passes?

It will be a slow and sometimes painful journey once everything starts moving again, but it doesn’t have to be. For anyone that is confused or even a little panicked about all of the information that is out in the media, then please email or pick up the phone or call me.

I am only a phone call away and this is the best time to have an experienced bookkeeper by your side once this crisis finishes.

Maree Punzet

Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping

www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

0429 363 047

 

 

COVID-19 Crisis – 10K grant has been announced for those living in NSW

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This information has been taken from the following website

 https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-small-businesses/grants-loans-and-financial-assistance

Small business support grant

The NSW small business COVID-19 support grant of up to $10,000 is available to eligible NSW small business owners.

To be eligible, businesses will need to:

  • have between 1-19 employees and a turnover of more than $75,000
  • Have a downturn of 75% turn over
  • a payroll below the NSW Government 2019-20 payroll tax threshold of $900,000
  • have an Australian Business Number as at 1 March 2020, be based in NSW and employ staff as at 1 March 2020
  • be highly impacted by the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 issued on 30 March 2020
  • use the funding for unavoidable business costs such as utilities, overheads, legal costs and financial advice
  • provide appropriate documentation upon application.

Highly Impacted Industries

Eligible industries are those that have been subject to closure or are highly impacted by NSW Government health directions in relation to COVID-19 and include:

  • Retail trade
  • Accommodation and food service
  • Rental, hiring and real estate services
  • Administrative and support services
  • Arts and recreation services.

For further eligibility criteria and the application form, visit Apply for the small business COVID-19 support grant.

If you need any further assistance or just want to ask questions in relation to the stimulus packages, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime on 0429 363 047

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

Job Keeper Applications are now ‘live’

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So what is Job Keeper?

It’s a payment of $1500 per Fortnight to help you keep your staff employed. It is also applicable to sole traders, one Beneficiary of a trust or one partner in a partnership.  The business needs to apply through the ATO, this can be done either through the business Portal or through your Tax Professional such as Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping.

These are the steps involved.

Step 1. Work out if the business is eligible to be eligible the business you must

– on 1 March 2020, have carried on a business in Australia or were a not-for-profit organisation that operated in Australia.

-Have employed at least one eligible employee on 1 March 2020 or been active in your own business.

– Your eligible employees are currently employed by your business for the fortnights you start to claim for, and continue to claim for (including those who are stood down or re-hired)

– your business has faced a

  • 30% fall in turnover (if their aggregated turnover is $1 billion or less)
  • 50% fall in turnover (if their aggregated turnover is more than $1 billion), or
  • 15% fall in turnover including donations and gifts (if they are an ACNC-registered charity and not a university or school)

Once you have determined your business meets the eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Identify your eligible employees

They are eligible if the employees:

  • are currently employed by the eligible Business (including those stood down or re-hired)
  • are either
    • permanent full-time or part-time employees of your Business or another entity in your wholly owned group) who were employees as at 1 March 2020
    • casually employed by you (or another entity in your wholly owned group) on a regular and systematic basis for at least 12 months as at 1 March 2020 and not a permanent employee of any other employer,
  • were at least 16 years of age as at 1 March 2020
  • were an Australian resident as at 1 March 2020 within the meaning of the Social Security Act 1991, which requires that they reside in Australia, and are one of an Australian citizen, the holder of a permanent visa, a Protected Special Category Visa Holder
    • the employee can also be an Australian tax resident who is a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa Holder
  • we’re not in receipt of any of these payments during the Job Keeper fortnight
    • government parental leave or Dad and partner pay
    • a payment in accordance with Australian worker compensation law for an individual’s total incapacity for work
  • have not agreed with any other employer to be nominated as an eligible employee for the Job Keeper payment
  • complete the Job Keeper employee nomination notice.

Step 3: Pay your employees the min $1500 gross ie before tax per fortnight

  (starting with the fortnight 30 March – 12 April) to claim the Job Keeper payment for that fortnight.

  you need to continue to pay employees that you are claiming for either

  • every subsequent fortnight until 27 September 2020
  • until their employees stop being eligible or you opt out.

  For the first two fortnights (30 March – 12 April and 13 April – 26 April), The ATO will accept the minimum $1,500 payment before tax has been paid for each fortnight even if it has been paid late, provided it is paid by the end of April. This means that they can make two fortnightly payments of at least $1,500 per fortnight before the end of April, or a combined payment of at least $3,000 before the end of April.

Eg: employer has casuals and they have been paid $300 a week as that is what they have worked up to last pay week in april so over that 3 weeks they have been paid $900 then they need to make sure that week 4 they pay them $2100 to make the $3K for the month ie the equivalent of the $1500 per fortnight

  • The Job Keeper payment is a reimbursement from the ATO to your business and cannot be paid in advance.

All Job Keeper payments are assessable income of the business that is eligible to receive the payments. The normal rules for deductibility apply in respect of the amounts a business pays to its employees where those amounts are subsidized by the Job Keeper payment.

The Job Keeper payment is not subject to GST.

You can enrol for the Job Keeper package from 20th April, if you don’t meet the 30% Drop in March or April but do in  May you can enrol in the program once you meet the eligibility.

You must have the nominations forms filled out by all eligible employees before you apply for the job keeper.

If you need help in this area, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

Maree Punzet

Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping

0429 363 047

PAYG rebate

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This extract has been taken from this link below.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Business-activity-statements-(BAS)/In-detail/Boosting-cash-flow-for-employers/?fbclid=IwAR3HA9t0JC_3mwvXgFFEoyZ94h2m8rYdBn9uiH-9eH3vXAJ-GmckAWMYeKE#Creditamount

‘Legislation has been enacted to provide temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations that employ staff during the economic downturn associated with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). This will be done through two sets of cash flow boosts delivered from 28 April 2020 to support employers to retain employees.  Min is 10K Max 50K

If you are eligible, you do not need to separately apply and upon lodgement of your activity statement, your first amount will automatically be credited to your account but no earlier than 28 April 2020.

The cash flow boosts will be made from the Government’s announced date of 28 April 2020. If you lodge early, you will not receive the cash flow boost before this date.

But also, you must be up to date with your lodgements to be receive so if you are behind now is the time to catch up.

You will be eligible to receive the cash flow boost if you are a small or medium business entity, including not-for-profit organisations, sole traders, partnership, company or trust that:

  • held an ABN on 12 March 2020 and continues to be active
  • has an aggregated annual turnover under $50 million (generally based on prior year turnover)
  • made eligible payments you are required to withhold from (even if the amount you need to withhold is zero).

In addition, you must also have either:

  • derived business income in the 2018–19 income year and lodged your 2019 tax return on or before 12 March 2020
  • made GST taxable, GST-free or input-taxed sales in a previous tax period (since 1 July 2018) and lodged the relevant activity statement on or before 12 March 2020.

Eg say you withheld 12,000 in PAYG for the Quarter ending 30th March 2020. You will be entitled to the cash flow boost of $12,000 after the 28th April once your March BAS is lodged

Followed by an additional $24,000 after the 28th July once your June BAS is lodged

Followed by final payment of $12,000 after 28th Oct for your Sept BAS

This is a total cash flow Boost of $48,000

Please note this is a credit on your activity statement, if your cash flow boost (Rebate) is more than your activity statement balance you can get a refund into your bank account’

If you need more clarity about the link above, do not hesitate to contact me.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 CRISIS What the banks are really offering!

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So earlier in the week the reserve bank cut rates and banks are now looking at deferring loan repayments, including mortgages, waiving of merchant fees, overdraft fees etc.

So where will this leave an individual?

Though all banks are facing the same challenges with the uncertainty of the Coronavirus, we as a nation are still in a strong and stable financial system and though the economy is heading towards massive unemployment and a recession, the banks are at least providing assistance where it is needed in these trouble times.

At time of writing this blog post, changes are still being updated by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Check out this link where the banks are offering consumers support during this time. https://www.nab.com.au/personal/customer-support/covid19-help/business-support

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

COVID-19 CRISIS, remember there are other things to consider!

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Apart from making sure you are healthy and in self-isolation and following good hygiene practices, when it comes to your business, there are a few important things to consider.

  1. Superannuation is still payable and due, so consider paying superannuation each pay run, or monthly to ensure better cashflow
  2. Ensure your supplier payments are all paid and up to date
  3. If you can, pre-pay your electricity, rent, mortgages and phone bills, whilst you can for at least 3 months in advance
  4. Talk to your staff daily, ease their mind, plan for the now and the future. Organise staff to work from home if possible.
  5. If you have staff in the office, make sure that staff are practicing good hygiene habits
  6. Review what you have in the bank to pay your liabilities at least for 2 months including wages
  7. Ensure to review staff entitlements if they do need to self-isolate
  8. Diversify your business, it may be easier than you think! What can you do differently but still operate your business? What other services can you offer
  9. Talk to your Finance Providers. What deferrals or loan reductions could they put in place for you today?
  10. Get the right information from the ATO Link, Fair Work and Department of Health
  11. Minimise as much as possible customer contact
  12. Review your business insurance and make sure you are covered
  13. Seek other suppliers within Australia if you have been sourcing previously from overseas.
  14. Review your Business insurance to see what you are and are not covered for.

Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping can assist in the following areas

  1. Provide assistance with communicating with the ATO – assistance with payment plans, deferrals
  2. Help communicating with suppliers about deferring payments or putting payment plans in place
  3. Review your expenses
  4. Chase outstanding debts
  5. cash flow analysis planning know what’s coming in and out
  6. Understanding HR obligations
  7. Bookkeeping and BAS requirements
  8. Stay on top of your bookkeeping is now more important than ever before

If you need any help with any of the above or anything else my contact details are below.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping | Over 20 years Bookkeeping experience | Qualified BAS Agent
M: 0429 363 047
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

Superannuation Guarantee and what that means for you

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The Government has given employers a deadline of until 7 September 2020 to disclose any superannuation guarantee shortfalls before increased penalties apply.

You can also check the ATO’s website  to find out more what employers are required to complete.

‘The amnesty allows employers to claim tax deductions for payments of SG charge or contributions made during the amnesty period to offset SG charge, as well as remove the administrative component and the Part 7 penalty that may otherwise apply in relation to SG non-compliance’.

‘Around 7,000 employers have since come forward to voluntarily disclose historical unpaid super since the amnesty was first announced on 24 May 2018.

Treasury estimates an additional 7,000 employers will come forward during the six-month amnesty period, returning $230 million of superannuation to employees who may have otherwise completely missed out’

Now if this sounds confusing, then give me a call directly on 0429 363 047.

Maree Punzet
Maree’s Mobile Bookkeeping
0429 363 047
Qualified BAS agent with over 20 years Bookkeeping experience
www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au