Insurance

Business Maxims

Why neglecting insurance can be disastrous

Max Newnham Too often many business owners neglect their insurance requirements of not only the business, but also the business owner.

The golden rules of tax deduction

Max Newnham Don't know whether a payment is tax deductible or not? The golden rule is that it must be linked with the earning of income.

Greens in bid to boost small business support

Clancy Yeates Small business owners would receive extra support worth up to $300 million a year under a new proposal from the Greens.

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?

One premium does not suit all companies

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

BUSINESS MAXIMS

A question of profits

Business Maxims Operating a business through a company can be a great idea when starting out. But the tax benefit can be outweighed when profits have built up.

Spending slide spreads: Westpac

Danny John Key parts of Australia's services sector are being hit by the slowdown in consumer spending.

How to write off business costs

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

FINANCE

Keeping your lenders in the loop

Tony Kaye Having a better relationship with your bank could save you if push comes to shove. Here's how to do it.

FINANCE

Write, which way should I pay my tax?

Business Maxims Q. I am a UK citizen, and am doing a spot of freelance writing. Should I be taxing myself through my ABN number?

Claiming company expenses

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

Can't pay the ATO? Don't do a runner

Max Newnham Often the first financial commitments that cash-strapped businesses ignore are payments due to the tax office.

We owe ourselves salaries

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

BUSINESS MAXIMS

The ABCs of GST

Max Newnham When you own a business there are countless rules and regulations that must be met.

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.

Don't buy the wrong wheels

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

Severely late bills hit one-year high

Chris Zappone The number of bills being paid "severely" late by Australian businesses have hit a one-year high, rising by almost 30 per cent in the December quarter.