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Are COVID-19 Tests Tax Deductible?

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The Government announced only on the 7th February 2022, that they will ensure COVID-19 testing expenses will be Tax Deductible.

This will mean FBT will not be incurred by employers to provide the tests to their employees, though this measure IS STILL NOT LAW.

Therefore, in the meantime if you are an employee/worker and have incurred the expenses for COVID-19 tests, you should keep a record of those expenses, especially since many workers have had to have testing done to attend their place of 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

The RAT tax could attract FBT for business owners

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With the current variant of COVID-19, this has caused many businesses to spend the first few weeks of 2022 adjusting to the new norm with masks for all employees and making sure they are safeguarding the employee’s health whilst they transition back into the workplace.

Many business owners are trying to cope with staff off sick and in addition to digital vaccine certificates and high vaccination rates, the access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) has been beneficial to businesses to help monitor and reduce the spread of the virus in their workplaces.

Despite the benefits of the free RATs to employees, employers / business owners need to be aware of the ramifications on their Fringe Benefits Tax obligations.

That’s right…handing out the Rapid Antigen Tests to employees/staff is a great way to keep your workplace safe, but……can also trigger tax ramifications that all employers/business owners need to be aware of.

The ATO’s view on COVID-19 testing and FBT is throughout the pandemic, the ATO realized ongoing guidance about how FBT impacts COVID-19 related expenses.

This information has been extracted from trong>https://www.myob.com/au/blog/rapid-antigen-tests-attract-fringe-benefits-tax/?fbclid=IwAR2SY3wVUFRQKvT4HMUi3q-qs73zDkGr6MvP29uuoWVKJhqvcyGSrqFq2hI
‘When it comes to offering COVID-19 testing options to employees for free, the ATO allows for an exemption from FBT if the both of the following two conditions are met:
1. The tests are administered by a medical or health care practitioner, and
2. The tests are offered to all employees equally.

The ATO also flags the ‘minor benefits exemption’, which removes any FBT obligations on benefits that are provided irregularly and whose cumulative value over the course of the FBT year is less than $300

RATs are tax deductible for employers and employees alike

While at this stage RATs are non-exempt from FBT, Accountants Daily highlights that, if an employer purchases them for their employees for work related matters, they can be considered business expenses and are therefore tax deductible.

So even if the ultimate position of the ATO is that RATs are to remain non-exempt from FBT, their tax deductibility should certainly be considered when the company prepares its income tax return at the end of its financial year.

Additionally, if an employee purchases as RAT for the purpose of attending the workplace or travelling for work, if the employer does not cover these costs, the testing kit would be a deductable expense for the employee themselves.

FBT and income tax calculations can be very complex, and as seen in the case of RATs, the rules and exemptions can be very nuanced, so always consider consulting a professional before making any tax-related decisions’

If this sounds all too confusing, then give me a call on 0429 363 047, I can take care of this for you and so much more.

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

Are you eligible for the 2021 COVID-19 business grant in NSW?

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https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2021-covid-19-business-grant

This info has been taken from the link above.

‘If you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation in NSW and you’ve been impacted by the recent COVID-19 restrictions, you may be eligible for a one-off grant of $7,500, $10,500 or $15,000.

The 2021 COVID-19 business grant provides support for businesses that experienced reduced demand or had to close due to the public health orders. It will support businesses with cash flow for the first 3 weeks of the Greater Sydney lockdown which started on 26 June 2021.

Eligible applicants across NSW can use the grant for business costs incurred from 1 June 2021, including:
• utilities, wages and rent
• financial, legal or other advice to support business continuity planning
• marketing and communications activities to develop the business
• the cost of perishable goods that can no longer be used
• other activities to support the operation of the business’

If this is you and you fit the criteria, I would definitely be applying today, if you need help, I am always happy to help any time.

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

Is COVID and shutdowns affecting your business?

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With the many businesses that I do bookkeeping for, some have been affected, but the majority haven’t, during COVID and the many shutdowns.
I think because many business owners have had to either pivot or look at different ways to operate their business, either by having staff work from home, or look at different options in the way they operate their business.

I am not taking it away that many hundreds of businesses have closed completely due to the lockdowns in Australia. But it does show the resilience we have in Australia and as Australians, that even a virus or shutdowns, won’t stop us from managing and operating our businesses.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts; how have you managed your business during all the lockdowns in Australia.
If you need any bookkeeping assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me 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

ATO is flipping the switch on debt recovery

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As you may or may not know, taxpayers in Australia are falling behind on tax debts and lodgement obligations.

With JobKeeper coming to an end on the 28th March 2021, the program is officially over. The Tax Office has confirmed that it will now resume pursuing and enforcing debt recovery.

It has come to this stage because the ATO had been sending out letters to taxpayers in February to warn them of potential action, but many taxpayers have failed to make good on their obligations.

The debt is growing and many bookkeepers and accountants have predicted that the ATO would turn to stronger enforcement, once the JobKeeper program finished.
Even though Australia has had to ensure, bushfires, floods, COVID-19, has had a significant impact on taxpayers. What is required is for people now to get their paperwork in order and that is where I come in.

The last thing you want is the ATO on your case, we as bookkeepers and accountants have been urged from the ATO office to ensure our clients continue to lodge even if they are unable to pay, with tailored payment plans as this is still available to them.

Don’t ignore the letters from the ATO, if you are worried, please give me a call.

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 and saves you time to work in/on your business this makes good financial sense!!

The COVID Rebound

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Can you believe it’s been 12 months already of the 1st case of COVID. In Australia we faired pretty well compared to the rest of the world.

We are definitely in rebound mode, for many business owners, it’s survival. Some have been able to grow leaps and bounds, pivot, while others have relied on the Jobkeeper payments and still could close.

But the outlook looks to be that Australia business is on the rebound.

There has been new consumer confidence in the market, people seem to have more money, they are spending on homes, cars, holidays locally and interstate because they can’t spend that money on overseas holidays.

So there are a couple of things to think about with this rebound which is:

1.Cashflow
Look at your business and review exactly how much it needs to survive and what timeline.

2. Documentation
Document everything, if you are not already, look at streamlining your processes. Start reviewing your costs in pre-crisis revenue and margin to post crisis.

3. Inventory
As Australia is starting to reopen borders, early movers building inventory soon may benefit from pre-surge prices.

4. Prepare to Hire
I know that sounds crazy, but can you afford to add staff now or not. Do you have a HR person to help, look at identifying job descriptions, start dates.

5. Work with the best Bookkeeper
Now this one is a given, you need to talk to me. A good bookkeeper will save you a lot of $$$.

So remember, we are coming out of this pandemic and it’s exciting to see Australia rebound and show the rest of the world, how tough and resilient we truly are.

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 and saves you time to work in/on your business this makes good financial sense!!

What can we learn from 2020?

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That is the million-dollar question right there.

What have we learned from 2020? The year that brought Australia and the world to a stop. A global pandemic that brought businesses to a standstill, many hundreds and thousands of deaths across the world, not only in Australia but all countries because of COVID-19.

We all wanted a slower pace of life, the old saying, there is no place like home.

And home is what we got.

Hundreds and thousands of people, children, families had to stay home because of this pandemic. It made us all look and review how we live our lives, it gave us time to reflect on what we have, our health, our families.

What is most important to us.

Personally, what I learnt from 2020 was I had more time with my two boys and my husband. I was able to see what my boys were learning through school and find out their weaknesses first hand and was able to support and help them. Especially my eldest boy who finished Year 12 this year. I am glad I was able to support him during this time.

I was there for my dad more and helping him with errands and my husband. So for me what I learned was life is precious, family is precious. Business is not the most important thing in life, family, love and our health is.

I truly feel many people probably think along the same lines as I do, but that is what I learnt in 2020.

I hope we all as a community, as a country pulls through this together and 2021 is a better year for us all, but that we don’t forget the precious things in life, which is are families.

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 NSW Government hands down the 2020-21 Budget

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I have to applaud the NSW Government during COVID-19, this year has been tough for so many both personally and professionally.

Recently the NSW Government announced it’s $1 billion Working for NSW Fund, which will help sustain businesses and create much needed cash flow and help businesses retain employees across government and non-government businesses.

They also announced that over $6 billion, that’s right $6 billion dollars will go towards waiving or deferring taxes, levies and fees, which includes payroll tax and licensing and registration fees to support businesses.

Due to the impact of COVID-19 on certain industries in NSW, the Government announced assistance for the following

$50million for arts rescue and restart, $27.3 million for sports and $11.6 million to support the taxi industry.

That is an incredible amount of money and the Government has advised the will also extend funding of $39.3 million for the Business Connect Program, which assist businesses in need of advice with those facing the multitude of challenges of COVID-19.

Let’s face it, the NSW Government are trying to serve and support local and small business, because as we know, we are the backbone of the country. If you didn’t have the local and small business, NSW / Australia wouldn’t function, pure and simple.

I support the NSW Government as they hand down the budget and we all know the future is uncertain, but this will definitely help many for a more positive 2021.

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!!

Does your business comply in a COVID-19 World?

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Every business has a duty of care and especially now Post COVID. It has never been a more important time to businesses to stay on top of the ever-changing compliance obligations.

If you have staff, you need to consider and review the following

  1. The changing employment laws in Australia ie Awards
  2. Those returning to the workplace, if they have been working from home during lockdown
  3. If your staff are remaining working from home on a full time or part-time basis
  4. Payments and leave entitlements
  5. Reviewing your staff working hours, location and duties
  6. Standing down employees or ending their employment due to COVID

There is so much to consider during and post COVID-19. We in Australia are not out of the woods yet, we could get more waves of COVID in different states, business will never ever go back to what it used to be and I personally think, that is a good thing.

But be vigilant, stay on top of compliance and if you need me to look at these things for you, please do not hesitate to give me a call 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!!

ASIC is extremely wary of phoenixing on the rise

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‘The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns within the corporate regulator that companies facing financial burdens may use the pandemic as a mask (or excuse) for engaging in phoenixing.

 As well as drawing on the policing assets of the ATO, ASIC says it is looking at cracking down on examples of illegal phoenixing that it finds’

What phoenixing means in layman terms is:
When a new company is created to continue the business of a company that has been deliberately liquidated to avoid paying debts, taxes, creditors, employee entitlements.

Because of COVID-19, the ATO are noticing an increase of many companies doing this and this will have a huge impact in Australia and will cost the country money.

If you know of a business that is doing this, the ATO need to be informed straight away so they can investigate further. You can always make an anonymous call to the ATO if you fear of any retribution.

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!!

 

Job Keeper Payment changes effective 3 August 2020

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With all the recent changes, we now have confirmation of the following, this has been taken from the ATO Website.

“JobKeeper Payment changes

The government has introduced changes to the JobKeeper Payment, making it easier for you and your business clients to qualify. The new rules have now been registered and are effective from 3 August 2020.

The changes to these rules include:

  • employees’ eligibility for the JobKeeper Payment can now be assessed from 1 July 2020, rather than 1 March 2020
  • employees can now be nominated by new employers if their employment has changed since the JobKeeper Payment began. However, they can still only be nominated by one employer at any given time
  • employers have until 31 August 2020 to meet the wage condition for new eligible employees under the 1 July eligibility test for:
    • Fortnight 10 – commencing on 3 August, and
    • Fortnight 11 – commencing 17 August 2020.

Businesses can claim reimbursement for their new eligible employees between 1 and 14 September 2020, when they lodge their August monthly declaration.

Your eligible business and not-for-profit clients can still enrol at any time until the program closes”

So, what does this all mean?

In simple terms:

Originally you had to be a permanent employee or a long-term casual from the 1st March 2020, but the Government has changed it if you have been a permanent employee or long-term casual from 1st July 2020.

A couple of examples to give you that makes it simpler to understand.

  1. As long as the business you work did have a downturn in their business and was getting Job keeper since the start of the Health Crisis, if the business puts on an Employee in April 2020 for example, they can also apply and get Job keeper for that employee.
  2. If you have a long-term casual who celebrated 12 months or more working in your business in April 2020, you can now get Job Keeper for them.

If you are still confused and not sure about all these changes, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime 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!!

Businesses have survived COVID-19 with the help of a Bookkeeper

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There has been so much negativity in the news in Australia about businesses closing, people losing their jobs. But there have been many businesses that have thrived and survived during COVID because of the help of a Bookkeeper.

Not one of my present clients have had to cease my services, to be honest, my clients have contacted me during this time, to help them with all the changes of the Job Keeper, Job seeker and EOFY, so it’s been quite the opposite.

The clients I look after range from all different industries and all have survived this health pandemic and economic uncertainty. It proves that many businesses did not have to lay off staff, some have pivoted and looked at other ways to sell their products or services.

As a Bookkeeper and BAS agent, my work has probably increased a little due to more discussions on the phone, face time, emails with questions, but that is part of my job and I love helping my clients.

If you feel that it’s time to look at obtaining a Bookkeeper to help guide you through the COVID crisis, then please give me a call anytime.

I have worked in the industry for over 20 plus years, with qualifications and experience that is second to none.

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 COVID-19 pandemic is having a wider economic impact then just financially, the concern is the mental health of small business owners

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https://www.mybusiness.com.au/human-resources/7156-covid-19-wreaking-havoc-on-small-business-mental-health?utm_source=MyBusiness&utm_campaign=14_07_20&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2&utm_emailID=a4e9c39a71c818b32f3ea4e19578eb08e4c1bb37f2731e2f53df0320a967ae57

Many businesses according to recent research is showing that one of the highest related challenges is mental health, followed by financial concerns due to cash flow.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many small businesses are feeling the direct impact of this pandemic with one in five business owners suffering from stress, anxiety and some have those owners are also suffering from depression.

“Businesses whose owners and operators are aged between 18 and 39 were most likely to agree that they had felt anxiety or stress (68 per cent agreed).”

The survey found retail and hospitality businesses were most likely to state the key business-related cause of mental health challenges was the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact (46 per cent)”

With the possibility of the Jobkeeper to be reduced or removed after September, this will have a direct impact on small business owners finances and cash flow, which will flow on to their mental wellbeing.

If you are going through a tough time at present, there are companies like Lifeline on 13 11 44 who help in Crisis Support.

Even though I am a Bookkeeper, I am speaking regularly with my clients who are going through hardship and anxiety. Not that I am a Counsellor, but if you have any concerns relating to your financial circumstances, I am only a phone call away.

Maree Punzet – Marees Mobile Bookkeeping
M: 0429 363 047
W: www.mareesmobilebookkeeping.com.au

Are you a spender or a saver?

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This is a personal question for so many, including myself, but why I asked this question is, sometimes it is better to be a spender rather than a saver if that means it will help you and your business continue during the COVID -19 Crisis and beyond.

Frankly, I’m personally a saver, where I can I will try to put some money away for a rainy day, but when it comes to these unprecedented times during the COVID-19 Crisis and beyond, many businesses are spending money to pivot, to bring in new resources into their business, retraining staff into other areas.

We have been taught since we have been young to save, save, save, and I encourage everyone if they can put some money away as a buffer in business, then definitely do that, especially now.

But if it means keeping your business afloat, paying bills, paying suppliers, paying contractors and keeping your business ticking along, then yes, spending now is a great idea.

So where are you at today?

Are you spending more on your business?

Are you saving and keeping a buffer aside moving forward after COVID-19?

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

 

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

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

Why Maree is your go to Bookkeeper during the COVID-19 Crisis!

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Bookkeepers are like gems because they know all the in/outs when it comes to bookkeeping and especially now during the COVID-19 Crisis. Maree has been working in this area for over 20 years and helps many businesses.

She has recently found that many clients have outstanding GST and / or Tax returns and have totally forgotten because of the upheaval of COVID-19. Does that sound like you? Well she doesn’t want to scare you, but this could mean you will miss out on your Government Stimulus…

What?

Even if you are not behind, maybe your current advisor is keeping you in the dark and not assisting you with what you may or may not be entitled too.

Did you know you need to make sure you have current up to date financials to apply for grants/loans?

You need current up to date financials to apply for grants/loans, so this is an opportune time as things may be a bit quieter for you to outsource so when business gets back to normal you are ready to hit the ground running.

If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to give Maree a call. Having a Bookkeeper is an asset, not an expense, so why wouldn’t you!!!

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 Do you really want to withdraw your Superannuation early, the Government has allowed early access?

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https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-your-super/?anchor=Compassionategrounds#Compassionategrounds

The Government has allowed early release of Superannuation, allowing individuals affected by COVID-19 to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.

The best thing is, that individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and it won’t affect payments such as Centrelink or Veteran Affairs payments. The dates the Government has imposed for the first amount you can apply from mid-April up to before 1st July 2020, the further $10,000 you can access from 1st July 2020 until 24th September 2020, after that it will not be available.

So, there are a couple of requirements though, they are:

  • If you are unemployed
  • You are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance, parenting payment (including those on single and partnered payments) special benefit or farm household allowance.
  • Or you have been made redundant
  • Your working hours have been reduced more than 20% or more
  • If you are a sole trader and your business has either suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20% or more

But is it wise to actually access your superannuation? It really comes down to case by case, but remember, once it’s taken, that $20,000 will take some time to build again into your Superannuation fund, so it’s food for thought.

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