Income
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.
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
Be prepared for the worst
Income protection of some form is a must for the self-employed, writes Christopher Niesche.
BUSINESS MAXIMS
Tax tactics: maximise your return
Max Newnham Tax return time is approaching, so make sure you don't land yourself with a large bill.
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.
Buying a bargain could be risky business
Christopher Niesche Many small businesses are going cheap right now, but potential buyers shouldn't be seduced by low prices and the chance to be their own boss.
How to calculate your tax rate
Max Newnham When you run a small business you can potentially be subject to countless state and federal taxes.
Planning
How to write an effective business plan
Christopher Niesche The research and analysis involved in writing a business plan can be more important than the document itself.
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.
Don't buy the wrong wheels
Max Newnham Many small business owners stumble in buying and financing the right sort of work vehicle.
Super savings total $1.5b over four years
Federal government to reduce what it gives to low and middle-income earners through super co-contribution from mid-2012.
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?
All debts are off
Alison Bell Small businesses are facing a debt repayment strike that could send many of them broke.
Casual workers, freelancers facing rent battle
Michelle Griffin Casual workers and freelancers are even more likely to struggle with their rents than the unemployed.
BUSINESS MAXIMS
The ABCs of GST
Max Newnham When you own a business there are countless rules and regulations that must be met.
ATO issues? Just ask small business
Henrietta Cook Small businesses welcomed a review of the Australian Taxation Office's cash-economy benchmarks.
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.
BUSINESS MAXIMS
Help! Our debt is crippling us
Max Newnham Q. We have incurred a debt to the ATO of more than $100,000. The interest is making it nearly impossible to pay off.
