Essentials Every New Business Owner Needs to Get Right from Day One

Starting a business? Discover the key steps every new business owner must take to stay compliant, manage cash flow and set up for long-term success.
July 2025 changes and deadlines

Stay on top of key employer obligations for 2025–26, including PAYG, STP, SG payments and updated car depreciation and tax thresholds.
FBT record keeping and plug-in hybrid exemption changes

With the 2025 fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’) year having just ended (on 31 March), the ATO is reminding employers of some changes that might impact their FBT obligations.
How to master your employer obligations in 2025

Taxpayers who employ staff should remember these important dates and obligations in 2025.
Reminder of December 2024 Quarter Super Guarantee
Superannuation Deadline ‘SG’ Approaching Don’t Miss the 28 January Cut-Off Ensure Compliance with the 11.5% SG Rate to Avoid Penalties and Interest Employers are reminded that employee superannuation contributions for the quarter ending 31 December 2024 must be received by the relevant super funds by 28 January 2025. If the correct amount of SG is […]
Christmas Parties and Gifts December 2024
Year-end (and other) staff parties With the well-earned December/January holiday season on the way, many employers will be planning to reward staff with a celebratory party or event. However, there are important issues to consider, including the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing ‘entertainment’ (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients. FBT and […]
FBT on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Changes to FBT Exemptions for Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Starting April 2025 Employers must have binding agreements in place to retain FBT exemptions for PHEVs, with new restrictions on eligibility for electric car exemptions. From 1 April 2025, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (‘PHEV’) will not be considered a zero or low emissions vehicle under fringe […]
Could your staff celebration attract FBT?
Consider if fringe benefits tax (FBT) may apply or you could end up with an unexpected FBT liability. With the holiday season kicking off, you may be planning a celebration with your staff. Before you hire a restaurant or book an event, make sure you work out if the benefits you provide your employees are […]
Taxpayer unsuccessful in having excess contributions reallocated
AAT Decision on Excess Concessional Contributions Tax Taxpayer’s Liability Upheld for Contributions Exceeding Cap Despite Lack of Employer Agreement The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (‘AAT’) recently held that a taxpayer was liable to pay excess concessional contributions tax in relation to contributions made on his behalf by his employer. In the 2021 income year, the taxpayer’s […]
Christmas parties and gifts
Common entertainment scenarios for business How FBT applies to businesses for Christmas parties If your business holds a Christmas party: on a working day, on your business premises, and only for your current employees, you don’t pay fringe benefits tax (FBT) for the food and drink off your business premises, or the party includes associates […]