Claim

Can I claim my mortgage on my business tax?

Max Newnham Many small businesses operate from the owner’s home. This could mean the factory is a shed in the backyard and the office a corner of the kitchen or dining room table.

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.

MONEY

Cash splash: 12 ways to beat the taxman

Annette Sampson Another financial year done and dusted. Well, almost. With a little more than four weeks to go until June 30, it is high time to get in some last-minute tax planning.

Special Report

A case of accidental debt

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

Special Report

Be prepared for the worst

Income protection of some form is a must for the self-employed, writes Christopher Niesche.

Special Report

Christmas parties, lunch breaks: where does cover stop?

Alexandra Cain WORKERS' compensation is a minefield for small-business people trying to navigate the different regulations in each state.

Finance

Taxing times - how to prepare your business

Christopher Niesche With the end of financial year fast approaching, it’s time for small businesses to start getting their tax in order and gearing up to take advantage of some law changes coming into force in the new...

One premium does not suit all companies

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

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.

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.

How to write off business costs

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

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?

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.