Costs

How to write off business costs

Business Maxims Q. We recently set up an office - can we claim painting and other costs?

How do I structure my employment and business incomes?

Max Newnham Over the years there have been many attempts by taxpayers to try and have employment income treated as business income so it can be split with spouses and children.

How taxing is a second job?

Max Newnham If you're continuing to work full-time while starting a new business, beware of the tax implications.

Warning on carbon tax rorts

Adam Cooper The ACCC is warning small businesses to justify prices if they use the carbon tax to rort customers.

Special Report

A case of accidental debt

Workers' compensation insurance: if you aren't safe, you'll be sorry, writes Alexandra Cain.

Rates put big squeeze on small business

Clancy Yeates Small-business customers have received the least benefit from the latest cycle of interest-rate cuts, new figures show, despite moves by the major banks to target the SME market.

BUSINESS MAXIMS

Get ready to sell

Max Newnham There is a very good reason why every small business owner should operate their business as if they are going to sell it.

One premium does not suit all companies

Christopher Niesche Different sectors need different coverage so it's vital to correctly identify your requirements.

Reduce the juice: how to beat the carbon tax

David Wilson The carbon tax could reportedly drive power bills up by 20 per cent. Here's 10 tips to help slash energy costs in your small business.

FINANCE

Build your brand without breaking the bank

Christopher Niesche Six low-cost tips from marketing experts on how to raise your business’ profile.

Pay tax at the lowest possible rate

Max Newnham We're opening a cafe in a few weeks' time. How can we maximise our tax claims?

Don't buy the wrong wheels

Max Newnham Many small business owners stumble in buying and financing the right sort of work vehicle.

WORKING FROM HOME

Tax tactics: what to claim when you work from home

Business Maxims Q. I run a plumbing business from home. What can I claim?

Pass rate cuts on to SMEs: retail body

Larissa Ham A peak retail body has urged banks to pass on yesterday's interest rate cut to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Claiming company expenses

Business Maxims Can I claim my $6000 car purchase as a company expense in my BAS?

Business calls for Henry reform progress

Business groups have called for the federal government's tax forum to be based on the Henry review recommendations rather than start from scratch.

We owe ourselves salaries

Business Maxims Q. Can we claim our salaries - which we don't have the money for - as a tax deduction?

Comm Bank, NAB to review business rates

Eric Johnston and Peter Martin Borrowers face further pain, with Commonwealth and NAB expected to review mortgage, business rates.

Business Maxims

Making the most of fruitful labours

Business Maxims The ability to offset business losses against other income depends on a taxpayer passing one of four tests. Where these tests cannot be passed the loss must be carried forward to later years.