21Feb
Big rule changes for SMSFs

Time to get familiar with new legislation on asset acquisitions and disposals.

21Feb
Driving innovation in your business

The web’s inception perfectly illustrates just what can happen when executives don't manage their staff on their set KPIs alone.

12Feb
Don’t confuse debt consolidation with debt elimination

Debt consolidation is all about restricting debt to make it more manageable, and as tax effectively as possible.

11Feb
Footy Tipping Comp update

Check out our monthly winners and leader board standings.

04Feb
ATO Concession on Pension Underpayments

Small pension underpayments will not be treated as having terminated the pension.

23Jan
Good returns for super in 2012

At last super is performing again with the average balanced fund returning 11.7% for the calendar year.

18Jan
Need help with finance for your small business?

Too many small businesses fail simply because they run out of cash. They underestimate just how much money they need while they are getting established.

17Jan
Time to dream big for your business

In January dream big and figure out your true objectives.

09Jan
11 necessities to grow a successful small business

What's the secret to small business success?

13Dec
Bring-your-own-technology boom

More employees are favouring the use of their own smartphones and tablets over the company issued laptops and desktop PCs.

12Dec
Weak home loan data means another rate cut?

It’s a perfect time to review your existing home loan arrangements to see if there’s a better deal available.

03Dec
Don’t let an FBT hangover spoil your Christmas celebrations

There are a few important points on FBT that you need to be aware of before you pop too many champagne corks at your Christmas party.

14Nov
Build team spirit with a worthy cause

Linking your team building program to a good cause can have powerful results.

12Nov
Financing motor vehicles and equipment in your business

There are a number of ways of financing a motor vehicle or equipment in your business each with vastly different income tax, GST and cash flow implications.

06Nov
Using mortgage brokers to find a better deal

It pays to employ the services of a mortgage broker. They save you time and money and keep up-to-date with all the latest loans and offers.

05Nov
How MYEFO changes will impact you

The government is targeting company tax, the baby bonus and private health insurance as part of a new round of spending cuts. 

17Oct
Better income protection now required by most Australians

Recent reforms to Workers’Compensation legislation in NSW change the way benefits claims are assessed and paid.

17Oct
Carrying bad debt is bad business

Avoiding bad debt should be central to the way you do business.

15Oct
Changes to first home buyers grant across Australia

First home buyers should be wary about grant changes across Australia.

10Oct
Reducing your superannuation fees

The good news for investors is that the fees charged by superannuation funds continue to decline.

08Oct
GST ruling on no-show customers

Any business that sells non-refundable and prepaid tickets needs to collect and pay GST to the tax office regardless of whether the customer actually uses the ticket.

19Sep
A dose of uber paranoia can be good business medicine

Looking at the worst case scenario is sound business management practice.

17Sep
Don't get caught in the super cap trap

When making superannuation contributions, it’s critical that you avoid the cap trap which comes into play when you exceed either or both of the superannuation contribution limits.

17Sep
Join our Footy Tipping Comp

Now that Alessandro Del Piero is here we couldn't resist starting a brand new footy tipping comp.

12Sep
Commercial Loan Opportunities

Looking for a commercial loan to help you grow your business without an interest rate that’ll cripple it?

05Sep
Stronger Super Reforms for SMSFs

New measures to address potential risks and strengthen the regulatory framework in which SMSFs operate have been introduced as part of the Stronger Super reforms.

22Aug
Taking control of cash flow

Too many good businesses fail simply because cash flow was out of control, yet it's the most important indicator as to how well a business will survive over the year. 

15Aug
Cloud accounting perfect solution for startups

With cloud computing an entrepreneur can set up shop just about anywhere and leverage a global technology and marketing infrastructure online.

08Aug
Would your business pass a Fair Work audit?

Unknowingly underpaying your employees could send your business to the wall.

25Jul
Home Loan Special - 3 Years Fixed at 5.57%

It’s a great time to secure a new home loan or refinance your existing terms.

23Jul
More changes to LAFHA

New LAFHA rules that tax employees instead of taxing the employer under the FBT regime will now be introduced from 1 October.

18Jul
Annual performance reviews fail the test

Perhaps it's time to appraise your performance review process.

12Jul
Reprieve for in-specie asset transfers

Members of SMSFs are being allowed to continue in-specie (off-market) transfers for the time being.

14Jun
Income testing private health insurance rebate starts soon

For higher income Australians, private health insurance premiums are set to rise significantly from 1 July this year as the 30% rebate becomes subject to means testing.

13Jun
Finding a better deal on your home loan

It's far easier now to shop around and switch your home loan and it's surprising how competitive banks can be to win your business.

04Jun
Drive innovation with the R&D Tax Incentive

Under the new R&D tax incentive method, the focus has switched from R&D projects to R&D activities and from innovation and technical risk to research and development from a scientific perspective. 

01Jun
New penalty regime significantly increases directors' risks

Proposed amendments to the Director Penalty Regime make directors personally liable for superannuation contributions for employees.

10May
2012-13 Federal Budget Highlights

In the wake of the Government's fifth Budget, we’ve highlighted some of the major changes that you need to be aware of and account for during the year ahead.

03May
LAFHA changes spur rising employment costs

Under proposed reforms that will apply from 1 July this year, the FBT Act will be amended to remove LAFHA as a fringe benefit.

02May
Super reforms: in-specie asset transfers on the way out

Time is running out to take advantage of in-specie (off-market) transfers to move assets into your SMSF.

01May
Massive ATO crackdown on Discretionary Trusts

With increased ATO scrutiny on Discretionary Trusts, it’s critical to have your trust deed reviewed before the end of each financial year.

17Apr
Get smart about your workspace

With true business mobility, your people can be productive and work wherever they like yet still access all your business applications. There's no need to accommodate all your staff under one roof.

16Apr
Interest in Advance – pre-paying interest for tax benefits

With an Interest in Advance loan, you can pre-pay the interest for the coming year before 30 June and claim it as a tax deduction in the current year.

11Apr
Plan now for super rises next year

With increases to the superannuation guarantee levy on the way, it’s probably a good time to start thinking about how the increased SG contributions will affect your bottom line. 

04Apr
We're hiring: Graduate Accountant

We are currently searching for a star for our Graduate Accounting position and are looking for an intelligent, dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join our Business Services Team.

21Mar
Tax, tax and more tax and it's only March

If you provide non-cash benefits such as car packaging you are responsible for gathering specific information in order to prepare FBT returns to the Tax Office on time.

19Mar
SMSFs – borrowing to invest

The ability to borrow to invest opens up exciting opportunities for SMSFs, particularly in relation to purchasing assets such as residential or commercial property.

15Mar
Avoid 5 most common business management sins

Concentrating on one area of your business for quick wins may lead to inefficiencies down the track that may hinder your business growth in the long term.

22Feb
Mark Zuckerberg’s $2 billion tax bill

Tax laws all over the world can be stubbornly complicated and confusing and all too often tax bills can become payable long before you receive the income.

17Feb
Fixated on interest rates

While all the big banks are hiking up their rates, other lenders offer more attractive terms. Find out whether you've got the best deal for your particular circumstances with a Countplus mbt home loan health check.

01Feb
Using a re-contribution strategy to reduce your tax bill

A re-contribution strategy involves the withdrawal of a lump sum from your superannuation which you then re-contribute back. 

24Jan
Adding Skype to your business tool box

Skype buttons on our website provide a convenient means to access the team. The technology has also delivered other benefits.

11Jan
Consolidate post Christmas debt

Rather than having to juggle months and months (if not years) of post Christmas debt, you can take charge in 2012 by consolidating all your debts. 

06Jan
Estate planning helps secure financial future

Estate planning is an important process to undertake regardless of your age or net worth.

14Dec
Crackdown on Living Away From Home Allowance

New reforms to FBT in relation to Living Away From Home allowances and benefits will crackdown on foreign workers and highly paid executives rorting the system.

09Dec
To close or not to close over the break?

Nowadays many small businesses tend to work through the Christmas break with a skeleton staff rather than shutting down completely.

08Dec
Drawdown relief extended to 2012-13

With continuing volatility in equity markets extending the current limited drawdown relief for a further year will assist retirees to recoup capital losses.

16Nov
SMEs must tap into referrals for low cost growth

For most small business owners, investing time in a business networking club will be well rewarded with quality referrals and quality new business. 

15Nov
Turning a great idea into a business reality

In Australia, there’s no shortage of creative thinking and innovative ideas. But far too often would-be entrepreneurs struggle with turning those great ideas into a business reality.

03Nov
Directors face automatic personal liability for unpaid tax and super

With new legislation before Parliament, directors will become personally liable for superannuation guarantee liability and PAYG withholdings that are not paid within 3 months of the due date.

19Oct
It makes no sense to build your wealth and not protect it

While you would probably list your most valuable assets as your home, super and other investments, it’s your ability to earn a regular income that is probably the most important asset you have.

13Oct
Getting the right advice for your business structure

Each business structure comes with its own unique legal rights and responsibilities, tax implications and compliance obligations so it’s important to understand what the different structures mean.  

12Oct
Draft ruling makes property more appealing to SMSFs

A new draft ruling suggests that you'll soon be able to use money from inside your SMSF funds to pay for property improvements as long as you don’t fundamentally change the nature of the asset.

08Sep
Business planning and budgeting

While SMEs go to the trouble of creating business plans, setting targets and goals with detailed operating plans and budgets, all too often, once complete, they are simply filed away again. Job done.

08Sep
Countplus mbt uses Best Investment Platform

We’re delighted to see that BT Wrap has been awarded Best Investment Platform at the AFR Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Awards.  

25Aug
We're hiring

We are currently searching for a self motivated and dynamic Senior Accountant for a role that offers diversity, challenges and the opportunity to manage your own team. We're also looking for a Graduate Accountant who's ready to make their next move.

18Aug
CFO expertise is the key for SME growth

Most small and medium sized businesses require the expertise and strategic input of an experienced Chief Financial Officer, yet too few SMEs can either afford a full time CFO or even attract them.

01Jul
Loughhead Roberts Acquisition

As part of our new venture with Loughhead Roberts, Countplus mbt principal Shane Krautz has recently moved into the Parramatta offices.  

01Jun
Minimum pensions relief phasing out in 2011/12

For the 2011/12 financial year, the minimum payment amounts for account-based pensions will be reduced by 25 per cent. As of 2012/13, minimum payment amounts return to normal.

12May
2011-12 Federal Budget Wrap-up

Download our information packs for a comprehensive overview of the major changes to superannuation and taxation outlined in the 2011-12 Federal Budget.

06May
Fringe Benefits Tax

With the fringe benefits tax (FBT) year ending on 31 March 2011, it’s important to consider whether you could be liable for FBT this year.

08Apr
It's time for a Home Loan Health Check

If it's been a while since you found a great deal on your home loan, chances are that it may not be delivering the best deal for your lifestyle right now.

08Apr
National Business Names Register will speed up ABNs

As part of COAG's regulatory reform agenda, the national business names project is designed to develop a seamless online registration process for ABNs and business names

08Apr
SMSF: Don't be tempted to access your fund when times get tough

Make no mistake the sole purpose of super is to provide a benefit for the trustees or their beneficiaries upon retirement. It's not a slush fund that you can access when times get tough.

16Mar
Carbon tax by July 2012

Australia will have a tax on carbon from as early as July next year if the Australian Government’s blueprint for dealing with climate change is passed through parliament later this year.

18Feb
Minimum Pension Requirements

Last year, part of the Australian Government’s response to the global financial crisis for retirees was reducing by half the minimum pension requirements for those drawing a pension from their superannuation benefit.

18Feb
Switching Home Loans

With the new banking reforms, switching your home loan from one bank or lending institution to another will be easier and less expensive. Importantly, you’ll be able to shop around for the best deal on mortgages without fear of being hammered by exit fees. But recognising the best deal isn't such a simple matter.

18Feb
Tax Audits are on the Rise

Like a trip to the dentist, the notification of an impending tax audit strikes fear and dread into most of us. And it’s often a time of panic for even the most seasoned individuals, business owners and directors.

17Feb
Cloud Accounting

Over the last six months we’ve been piloting cloud accounting and the benefits of single ledger transparency, accessibility and availability with a handful of our clients.
With more than four months remaining of the initial pilot, we’ve already developed some powerful insights and I thought this was important to share with you.

10Feb
Tax Reprieve for Flood-affected Businesses

The Australian Tax Office has announced that all flood-affected businesses in Queensland and the Tweed area of NSW will qualify for automatic extensions on lodgement and payment dates for their December activity statements.