Advice you can actually use.
227 plain-English articles on tax, accounting, Xero and running a business in Australia, written by the LINK Advisors team.
Business·14 September 2026
When cards cost more: the surcharge rules change on 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026 the major card networks move to “no surcharge” rules for prepaid, debit and credit cards. If your invoicing relies on a card surcharge to offset processing costs, that recovery is closing - here is what changes, what Xero handles automatically, and what to decide before October.
Accounting·7 July 2026
Paying your spouse through your business? The ATO is watching.
A lot of Australian business owners pay their spouse through the business. Some have them on the payroll. Others distribute income through a family trust or leave profits sitting in a company at the lower tax rate. For years, this was standard practice -recommended by accountants, rarely questioned,
Accounting·30 June 2026
What changes for your business from 1 July 2026
Every new financial year brings change. This one brings more than most. Payday super arrives on 1 July, the biggest change to super since it started, and it lands alongside wage rises, the next round of tax cuts and a permanent instant asset write-off. Here are the changes that matter for your busin
Business·12 June 2026
Federal Budget 2026: what property investors need to know about depreciation and CGT
Current as of May 2026. Proposed changes are subject to legislation passing parliament. The 2026-27 Federal Budget has proposed some of the most significant changes to property investment tax rules in years. If you own a residential investment property, two things are changing from 1 July 2027: how
Accounting·3 June 2026
The Little-Spoken Power of ATO Private Rulings
When it comes to managing tax, most business owners focus on the big-ticket items, deductions, structures, and timing. But there’s a little-spoken tool that can quietly transform the way you manage risk and strategy: ATO private rulings. A private ruling is the ATO’s written view on how the tax law
Business·13 May 2026
2026-27 Federal Budget - What it means for you
Handed down 12 May 2026 The 2026-27 Federal Budget is the most reform-heavy Budget in a generation. The headline changes target capital gains tax, negative gearing and the way family trusts are taxed. Most of the major changes do not take effect until 1 July 2027, and the new trust tax not until 1 J
Business·28 April 2026
Rising costs, fuel pressure and what it means for business margins
Across Australia, many businesses are operating in a different cost environment to even 18-24 months ago. Fuel, wages, insurance, finance costs and supplier pricing have all moved higher. At the same time, revenue has not always increased at the same pace. For many businesses, the result is simple b
Accounting·19 February 2026
Dual cab Utes and FBT: what small businesses need to know
For many small business owners, including tradies, contractors and growing teams alike, dual cab utes are essential tools of the trade. But there’s still confusion about how these vehicles interact with fringe benefits tax (FBT), especially where personal use is involved. The ATO has continued to em
Superannuation·4 February 2026
Payday super is coming from 1 July 2026. What small businesses need to know
From 1 July 2026, the way superannuation is paid in Australia will change.Under the new payday super rules, employers will need to pay super at the same time as wages are paid to employees. For many small businesses, this is a shift away from monthly or quarterly super payments and it will require p
Accounting·23 September 2025
Director Loans in the ATO Spotlight: What Small Business Owners Need to Know in 2025
Each year, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) releases a compliance “hit list” highlighting the key areas it will scrutinise. For FY25, one of the standout focus points is director loans - or, in tax law terms, Division 7A (Div7A). This is an area where small businesses often get caught out, somet
Accounting·11 September 2025
Employee vs Contractor: What Every Small Business Needs to Know
Getting worker classification wrong can cost your business big time. Fines, penalties, back-payments and even reputational damage are all on the line if the ATO, your State Revenue Office (SRO), or your local WorkCover authority decides you’ve misclassified a worker. With regulators now sharing more
Business·2 September 2025
Important changes for small business employers from 26 August 2025
From 26 August, important workplace law changes now apply to small business employers (those with fewer than 15 employees). While all employers have obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Fair Work Act), small businesses are sometimes given extra time to prepare for new requirements. That “
All 227 articles, newest first - expand a year to browse it.
20269 articles
- 14 SeptWhen cards cost more: the surcharge rules change on 1 October 2026
- 07 JulyPaying your spouse through your business? The ATO is watching.
- 30 JuneWhat changes for your business from 1 July 2026
- 12 JuneFederal Budget 2026: what property investors need to know about depreciation and CGT
- 03 JuneThe Little-Spoken Power of ATO Private Rulings
- 13 May2026-27 Federal Budget - What it means for you
- 28 AprRising costs, fuel pressure and what it means for business margins
- 19 FebDual cab Utes and FBT: what small businesses need to know
- 04 FebPayday super is coming from 1 July 2026. What small businesses need to know
202514 articles
- 23 SeptDirector Loans in the ATO Spotlight: What Small Business Owners Need to Know in 2025
- 11 SeptEmployee vs Contractor: What Every Small Business Needs to Know
- 02 SeptImportant changes for small business employers from 26 August 2025
- 02 JulyThe Small Business Owner’s Guide to Company Tax and Franking Credits
- 13 JuneCrucial Property Tax Deductions for EOFY 2025 – Are You Ready?
- 31 MarFringe Benefits Tax: What Employers Need to Know Before 31 March 2025
- 26 MarFederal Budget 2025–26: What’s In It (and What’s Not)
- 18 MarSupport Available in the Wake of Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred
- 04 MarHow the ATO Uses AI to Keep an Eye on Small Businesses
- 04 MarThe Importance of Keeping Your ATO Lodgments & Payments Up to Date
- 12 FebXero: A Great Accounting Tool, But Not for Job Costing
- 03 FebMaximising your Returns: How Property Depreciation Works
- 20 JanHow Changes to ATO Interest Deductions Will Impact You
- 20 JanEnsuring ATO Compliance for Property Investors
202420 articles
- 12 NovChristmas Parties & Gifts: A Business Owner’s Guide to Festive Tax Perks
- 10 OctGuide to Accounting for Retention Payment in the Building & Construction Industry
- 23 SeptThe Power of Shorter Meetings in Small Businesses
- 20 Sept10 Spring Cleaning Steps for Small Businesses.
- 30 JulyInvestment Bond: A Tax Effective Way to Fund Your Child’s Education
- 25 JuneKey Action Items for the Upcoming Financial Year: A Guide for Employers
- 18 JuneHow to Use the Business Boost Grants Program for Your Business
- 21 MayUnlocking Benefits for Small Businesses: The $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off
- 21 MayKey Initiatives of the 2024-25 Federal Budget Impacting Small Businesses
- 23 AprStripe Merchant Fees Down From 1 April 2024 – Update your XERO Integration
- 09 AprTurning Equity Into Opportunity: A Guide to Debt Recycling
- 08 AprWhat Does ‘Balancing Account’ Mean in myGov Account?
- 26 MarNDIS Real Estate Investment: A Beginner’s Guide
- 26 MarHow To Increase Prices In Your Business
- 13 MarHow to finalise Single Touch Payroll in XERO for the financial year
- 07 MarThe Purpose Behind Tax Optimisation
- 08 FebThe Pitfalls of Borrowing From Your Business
- 30 JanChanges to Stage 3 Tax Cuts
- 25 JanEverything to Know About the Small Business Export Loan
- 09 JanPayday Super: What Employers Need to Know
202326 articles
- 22 NovA Comprehensive Guide to Staff Parties and Gift Giving
- 01 NovXero vs QuickBooks: Who is The Clear Winner?
- 19 Oct10 Principals to Systemise your Business
- 05 OctUnlock Energy Savings for Your Business: A Guide to the QBEST Rebates Program
- 04 Oct4 Essential Tips to Ensure your NDIS Business Succeeds
- 21 SeptThe Benefits of a Pay As You Go (PAYG) Withholding Variation
- 17 AugHow to Get Your Investment Property Ready for the New Financial Year
- 07 AugHow to Avoid the Expensive Medicare Levy Surcharge for 2024
- 03 JulyFind hidden deduction opportunities in your investment property
- 03 JulyHow to claim personal Superannuation contributions at tax time
- 19 JuneBusiness insurance tips: align your renewal dates
- 08 JuneWhy June is the perfect time to change accountants
- 08 JuneHere’s where the ATO’s focus is this tax time
- 06 JuneStreamline Your Employee Spend Management with Weel
- 31 MayWhen is a hobby considered a business?
- 23 MayTax impacts of proposed changes to NZ citizens living in Australia
- 23 MayWhen does GST apply to medical services?
- 27 AprBenefits of the new FBT changes on electric vehicles
- 13 Apr4 essential accounting tips for NDIS businesses
- 30 MarAre you providing any personal benefits to employees?
- 10 MarEligibility change to the downsizer superannuation contribution concession
- 09 MarYour guide to the ATO’s new work-from-home deduction changes
- 08 MarProposed changes to high superannuation member balances
- 09 FebHow to save thousands on tax with your investment property
- 02 FebWhy You Should Review Your Businesses Eligibility for Fuel Tax Credits (FTCs)
- 16 Jan5 Reasons why January is the best time to change Accountants
202228 articles
- 12 DecProposed changes to work from home expense claims
- 29 NovFuel Tax Credits: don’t miss out on business fuel savings.
- 25 NovInvestors’ guide to Franked Dividends and Franking Credits
- 15 NovBusiness Basics grants funding returns for round 4
- 31 OctKey Takeaways From the October 2022 Federal Budget
- 23 SeptIs your business grant taxable or not?
- 07 SeptHow to massively boost your cashflow with a PAYGW variation
- 25 AugMajor changes to QBCC financial reporting requirements
- 21 JulyImportant changes for employees’ superannuation within XERO!
- 05 JulyPartial Year Property Depreciation
- 04 JulyKey 2022-23 Queensland Budget measures affecting SMEs
- 29 JuneHow to finalise Single Touch Payroll in XERO
- 27 JuneHow to maximise your work-related electric vehicle claim this tax time
- 10 JuneChanges in Super Guarantee for 2023 financial year
- 26 MayHow to get the biggest tax deductions for your overseas travel
- 23 May5 reasons why record keeping is critical for your business
- 10 MayAll you need to know about using a family trust for purchasing a property.
- 09 MayDepreciation Schedule for Property Investors
- 27 AprHow to claim Fuel Tax Credits - Updated rates to 28 September 2022
- 21 AprGet Ready – Round 3 of Business Basics Grants opens 4th of May
- 13 AprDirector Penalty Notices and what to do if you receive one
- 06 Apr10 top tax tips for business owners to prepare for your 2022 tax return
- 05 Apr7 end of financial year tax tips for small business owners
- 04 Apr6 topics to discuss with your accountant before 30 June
- 21 MarRising fuel prices: is it time to introduce a fuel surcharge in your business?
- 01 MarBreaking: Major relief for disaster victims from Queensland Government
- 07 FebAre you in professional services? Here’s what you need to know about the ATO’s Final Guidance on the allocation of professional firm profits.
- 12 Jan4 red flags that mean it’s time to switch accountants
202159 articles
- 02 DecHow to get huge wage subsidies for trainees between 2020 and 2022.
- 18 NovCryptocurrency - tax & regulation
- 17 NovTop 5 FAQs on claiming uniform and laundry expenses
- 10 NovMaximising investment property cash flow from spring clean and maintenance costs
- 20 OctBreaking: Director IDs are coming. Action required for all company directors by 30 November 2022.
- 13 Oct10 common mistakes when setting up a XERO file
- 22 SeptImportant changes to employer obligations for employee superannuation from November 2021
- 22 SeptWhy there is still time to claim thousands of dollars in deductions
- 20 AugBreaking: Business Basics Grant Round 2 Opening Up for Regional Queensland
- 12 Aug5 crucial superannuation updates you may have missed
- 06 Aug3 things you need to consider when starting a business
- 23 JulyA new grant to Boost QLD businesses
- 21 JulyUpdate required for some XERO bank feeds (2 minute fix)
- 08 JulyWhat are car allowances and the valuable tax benefits that come with them?
- 30 JuneGet it right with Alternative Work Arrangements (WFH)
- 30 JuneHow to immediately claim tax deductions for your investment property
- 24 JuneWhat you need to know about the increase in mandatory Superannuation Guarantee Contributions
- 18 JuneThe Annual Wage Review - What you need to do and when
- 11 June4 critical mistakes people make with their bookkeeping
- 10 JuneWhy you need meaningful Cashflow and Budget reports
- 09 June6 common expenses people didn’t know were tax deductible
- 08 June6 things to do before renting out your home
- 04 JuneDeductions on the ATO watchlist and what you need to know
- 27 MayHow to substantially reduce your tax with commercial property
- 25 MayCash in hand payments on the ATO watchlist
- 25 MayBunnings Power Pass: The often overlooked Bunnings hack for small businesses
- 24 MayWhat you need to know about STP and the concessions ending June 2021.
- 21 MayThe real cost of late payments and how to reduce them
- 19 May5 reasons why it is important to see your accountant before 30 June
- 18 May8 Tips to prepare for your 2021 tax return
- 18 MaySMSFs: What can you do, and importantly, what can’t you do with one.
- 17 MayFAQs on depreciation for business owners
- 17 MayThe top 8 reasons why staff leave
- 14 MayWhat you need to consider with crypto and tax
- 14 MayWhat you need to know about the new Director IDs
- 12 MayChanges to super out of the 2021 federal budget
- 12 MayThe ultimate business owners guide to the 2021 Federal bounce back budget
- 11 May4 advantages of using a tax agent
- 22 Apr4 Questions We Hear about Late Superannuation Payments
- 16 AprChanges to Super after 1 July 2021 and what you need to do.
- 12 AprFAQs on depreciation for property investors
- 09 AprGet the most out of XERO with these 5 simple steps.
- 08 AprThe most frequently asked questions about XERO
- 08 Apr4 simple tips to save tax with your investment property
- 01 AprWhat structure should I invest in?
- 30 MarFemale Founder Grant
- 30 MarWhy is it important to pay superannuation on time?
- 19 MarHow to achieve the best tax deduction for your home office expenses
- 18 Mar5 Automation tricks to boost your business efficiency.
- 10 MarWhat is the lucrative R&D Tax Incentive and how do I apply?
- 03 MarAn easy guide to QBCC annual reporting
- 26 FebHiring a contractor vs an employee: all you need to know.
- 24 FebHow to hire and pay family members
- 17 Feb5 ways to stay on top of software subscription expenses
- 17 Feb4 Vital business expenses worth reviewing
- 03 FebA simple explanation of common property depreciation
- 20 JanExtremely competitive Round 3 of the Community Childcare Fund is now open!
- 13 Jan4 Costly legal obligations some employers don’t know about
- 06 Jan5 Crucial reasons to change accountants in the new year
202043 articles
- 17 DecFinancial Advice Report for Commercial Tenancies
- 02 DecHow Christmas can save your business money on tax
- 18 NovHow to save money with negative gearing
- 13 NovAnnual Financial Reporting: The QBCC
- 10 NovBudget 2020 income tax cuts: The time has come to update your payroll
- 02 Nov3 reasons better insight is vital for your business
- 28 OctPassing on the recent tax cuts to your employees
- 27 Oct5 things you need to know about failing to lodge a tax return
- 20 OctShould I run multiple businesses out of one company?
- 15 OctWhat you need to think about before building an investment property
- 07 Oct2021 federal budget highlights
- 02 OctWhere should I be holding my assets?
- 29 SeptHow to review annual leave balances in XERO.
- 29 SeptFamily Trusts – Who should I Distribute the income to?
- 22 SeptPaying your super late is costing you thousands of $$. Pay your super on time to avoid missing out on the tax deduction.
- 18 SeptChanging accountants – is my accountant the right fit for me?
- 15 SeptWhat are plant and equipment depreciation deductions?
- 26 AugImportant information about changes to accrual of personal/carer’s leave.
- 19 AugTPAR reporting is due 28 August
- 12 AugFree credit health report for all Australians
- 06 AugCryptocurrency tax tracking and calculating
- 05 AugOnline training for small business
- 09 JulyBuying a car with the new instant asset write off limit increase
- 09 JulyManaging debtors and cashflow for small business owners
- 30 JuneFamily trusts in 2020 and end of financial year actions.
- 25 JuneA 1.75% increase to the minimum wage has been announced.
- 19 JuneStep by step procedure to grant applications
- 16 June2020 end of financial year checklist.
- 12 JuneWhat are capital works deductions?
- 09 June2020 Business Tax Planning Strategies
- 05 JuneWhat is HomeBuilder and how do you access it?
- 19 MayHow JobKeeper subsidy impacts Workcover and Payroll tax
- 12 MayWhat has changed after 20 years with GST?
- 05 MayWhat’s the best Mac accounting software platform in Australia?
- 01 May6 Mobile Apps Helping Small Business Owners Thrive
- 17 MarHow To Protect Your Business During A Crisis
- 10 MarHow To Find A Great Business Idea
- 26 Feb8 Services You Had No Idea Your Accountant Could Do
- 12 FebTax Return Tips For 2020
- 04 FebKey Changes To CGT Exemptions For Expats And Foreigners
- 21 JanCash vs Accruals, Which GST Reporting Method Is Better?
- 14 JanA Guide On Helping Employees In Emergencies
- 08 Jan5 Tips To Organising Your Small Business Finances
201928 articles
- 10 Dec5 Things For Your Business To Avoid This Christmas Time
- 03 DecNew Salary Sacrifice Rules
- 25 NovXERO Payroll
- 19 Nov5 FBT Tips For Christmas
- 05 NovATO To Begin Returning Money From Inactive Super Accounts
- 29 OctThe ATO Is About To Send Letters To Airbnb Hosts Over Unreported Income
- 22 OctHow To Claim An Extra $25.80 in Fuel Tax Credits per 100 Litres of Fuel
- 15 OctThe Super Guarantee Amnesty Is Back
- 30 SeptHow to Properly Recognise Income in Your Medical or Dental Practice
- 25 SeptAdvantages and Disadvantages of Using a Family Trust for your Business
- 17 SeptHow To Get Your PAYG Withholding Obligations Right
- 09 SeptChanges To QBCC Annual Reporting Requirements for Building & Construction Licence Holders
- 03 SeptWhat You Can And Cannot Claim On Rental Property Expenses
- 29 AugWhy The Government Is Stopping Businesses From Accepting Cash Payments Of $10,000 Or More
- 14 AugGST and Income Tax for Rideshare Drivers
- 06 AugWhat Not to Leave Out of Your 2019 Tax Return
- 31 JulySingle Touch Payroll Exemption for Directors and Family Members
- 23 JulyWhat Can You Claim at Tax Time if You Run a Business From Home?
- 09 JulyHow to Keep Clear of an ATO Audit This Tax Time
- 19 JuneDon’t Forget to Claim Investment Property Depreciation This Financial Year
- 04 JuneMy Company is Profitable and I Am Paying Tax, But There is No Cash in the Bank. Why?
- 28 May3 Tips to Stopping Your Cashflow Problems
- 21 May5 Essential End of Financial Year (EOFY) Accounting To Dos for Business Owners
- 15 MayProperty Investors: Are you ready for the End of Financial Year (EOFY)?
- 07 MayA guide to motor vehicle deductions
- 30 AprOne Stop Guide To Make Record Keeping Easy For Your Small Business
- 23 AprWhat you must know about incentives to lease
- 16 AprWhat is XERO Projects and 5 ways it can help your business