Archives for Tax, BAS & Compliance
Tax, BAS & Compliance
BAS, IAS, GST, ATO audits and staying on the right side of the law.
GST Cash vs Accruals: Which Accounting Method Should You Use?
Cash or accruals for GST? How each method works, who is eligible, what it does to your cash flow and BAS, and…
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GST Registration in Australia: When and How to Register
When must you register for GST in Australia? The $75,000 threshold, the 21-day rule, voluntary registration, and how to register — explained…
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PAYG Instalments Explained: How It Works, How to Vary It, and What to Do When You Get a Notice
PAYG instalments explained for Australian business owners — what triggers them, how the ATO calculates the amount, and how to vary your…
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BAS and Tax Lodgement Dates 2025: 26: The Complete Australian Guide
Every key ATO lodgement deadline for 2025–26 in one place — BAS, income tax, super, FBT and PAYG instalments. Updated July 2026…
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Australian Income Tax Rates 2025-26: The Complete Guide
The complete guide to Australian income tax rates and tax brackets for 2025–26. Includes tax-free threshold, LITO, Medicare levy, worked examples, and…
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Division 7A Explained: The Complete Guide for Australian Business Owners
Division 7A is an Australian tax rule that stops private company owners and their associates from taking money out of the company…
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Division 7A Distributable Surplus: Calculator and Formula
Under Division 7A, the deemed dividend on a shareholder loan is capped by your company’s distributable surplus. Here’s how it’s calculated and…
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Why Your Accountant, Not Your Bookkeeper, Should Lodge Your BAS
Your accountant, not just your bookkeeper, should review and lodge your BAS because they can catch GST coding errors, ensure the numbers…
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What Are the Biggest Tax Mistakes People Make in Australia?
The biggest tax mistakes Australians make include poor record keeping, missing deductions, lodging late, using the wrong business structure, forgetting to set…
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How Much Does myTax Cost in Australia?
myTax is the ATO’s free online tool for individuals to lodge their own tax return through myGov, so it costs nothing to…
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Can You Claim a $300 Tax Deduction Without Receipts in Australia?
You can claim up to $300 in total work-related expenses without receipts in Australia, provided the expenses are genuine, work-related, and you…
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Do NDIS Providers Pay GST? GST, SDA, PAYG and Contractor Rules
Do NDIS providers pay GST? Most registered NDIS providers must register for GST once turnover reaches $75,000, but the supports they deliver…
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Common Xero Errors That Cause Problems in Business Tax Returns
Common Xero errors that cause problems at tax time include unreconciled bank accounts, incorrect GST coding, duplicated transactions, misallocated expenses, and unclaimed…
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Can the ATO Audit You After 7 Years?
Yes, the ATO can review or audit you after seven years, but standard amendment time limits are shorter: generally two years for…
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Division 7A Eliminating the Loan: An Essential Melbourne Business Tax Guide
You can eliminate a Division 7A loan by repaying it in cash, offsetting it with a fully franked dividend, or placing it…
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What Is an IAS (Instalment Activity Statement)?
An Instalment Activity Statement (IAS) is a form used to report and pay certain tax obligations to the ATO, such as PAYG…
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GST Coding Explained: How to Correctly Code GST on Business Transactions
GST coding is how you classify each transaction for GST purposes in your accounting software, such as GST on sales, GST on…
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What Is a BAS (Business Activity Statement)?
If you run a business in Australia, chances are you’ve heard of a BAS (Business Activity Statement), but many business owners still…
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Trust Distribution Minutes: Why They Matter in 2026 and What Trustees Must Do Before 30 June
Trust distribution minutes are the written resolutions a trustee signs before 30 June each year to validly distribute a discretionary trust’s income…
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BAS Deadlines and ATO Obligations Every Business Owner Should Know in January 2026
Business activity statement deadlines depend on your reporting cycle: quarterly BAS are generally due 28 October, 28 February, 28 April and 28…
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Top 5 Critical Division 7A Loan Traps To Avoid Now
Are you a company director or business owner looking to withdraw funds from your company? You might be considering loans, dividends, or…
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ATO Audit Support for Businesses | Pinnacle Accounting & Advisory
ATO audit support means having a registered tax agent manage the process if the ATO reviews or audits your business, from responding…
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Tax Rates Simple Guide You Need To Understand today
Australian residents pay income tax at progressive marginal rates: nil on the first $18,200, then 16% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37%…
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