If your business pays contractors, the Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) might be a compliance obligation you haven't thought about since last August and the ATO is counting on that. This year there's an added twist: for the first time, TPAR data flows directly into contractors' individual tax returns, so getting it right matters more than ever. What Is The TPAR? The TPAR is an annual report that tells the ATO how much your business paid contractors during the financial y

If you invoice through an ABN, a company, or a trust for work you do yourself - think IT contractors, tradies working as subcontractors, consultants, beauty and wellness professionals, or anyone billing for their own time and skill - there's a good chance your income falls under the ATO's Personal Services Income (PSI) rules. And in 2026, the ATO is paying closer attention than ever. Here's a common scenario: a contractor sets up a company, starts invoicing a client for their

Hairdressers, beauty therapists, nail technicians and makeup artists work across salons, spas and mobile services, often under different pay and employment arrangements. Most are employees who receive a payment summary at tax time, though a growing number work as sole traders or contractors. Whichever category you fall into, the ATO has a specific occupation guide for hairdressers and beauty professionals that sets out exactly what you can and can't claim. The rules are more

If part of your job happens at home, you may be entitled to claim a deduction for the extra costs that come with it. But working from home deductions are an area the ATO reviews closely so it pays to understand exactly what you can claim and what records you need to back it up. Who Can Claim a Working From Home Deduction? To be eligible, you generally need to meet three conditions: You're working from home to fulfil your employment duties not just completing minimal tasks suc

A lot of people working in Australia on a 462 (Work and Holiday) visa assume that when tax time comes around, they'll get back a decent chunk of money - a story that circulates a lot within backpacker and working-holiday communities. In reality, because of the special tax rate that applies to this visa category, most people end up with little to no refund and some even owe extra tax. This article breaks down how the rules actually work, so your tax return doesn't come as a su

Many international students don't realise, when lodging their first tax return, that they may be entitled to an exemption from the 2% Medicare Levy - a charge most Australian taxpayers are required to pay. This article explains this entitlement and the correct process for claiming it. What is the Medicare Levy? The Medicare Levy is a compulsory charge, generally 2% of taxable income, that funds Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare) for those entitled to access it. W

If you run a building, contracting, or property business in Perth, GST is one of the most complex tax obligations you'll face. Unlike standard retail or service businesses, property and construction transactions come with their own set of rules and the cost of getting them wrong can be significant. Here are the most common GST mistakes we see in the industry, and how to avoid them. 1. Assuming All Property Sales Are GST-Free One of the most common misconceptions is that all p

With just weeks to go before one of the biggest changes to employer super obligations in Australian history, now is the time to make sure your business is ready. From 1 July 2026, Payday Super comes into effect and if you're still running quarterly super payments, your current approach will no longer be compliant. For many small business owners in Perth, superannuation can already feel like an administrative burden. Here's a plain-language breakdown of what's changing and exa

In Australian business management, purchasing a vehicle through a company structure is often considered a tax-efficient strategy. However, the boundary between a business asset and a private benefit is extremely narrow. Without a clear understanding of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), businesses may face unexpected tax exposure, penalties, and adjustments from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Many business owners often ask: do I pay FBT on company car in Australia - the answer

In Australia, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - particularly in Nails & Beauty, Construction, and Hospitality - prefer hiring workers as independent contractors to reduce payroll costs and administrative burdens. The common model involves: Workers providing an ABN (Australian Business Number) Issuing weekly invoices The business not paying Superannuation No Annual Leave or Sick Leave entitlements Contractor or Employee? The Superannuation Risks of Worker Miscla

Many businesses in Australia are unintentionally misclassifying employees in their payroll systems without even realizing it. A casual employee working fixed roster hours for years, a part-time employee not receiving correct leave entitlements, or incorrect Award rate calculations - all of these can become major financial and compliance risks. Full-Time, Part-Time Or Casual Employee If audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman, businesses may face serious consequences, including: Ba

One of the most common mistakes individuals make when working in Australia is confusing their visa type with their tax residency status. In reality, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) assesses tax residency independently of your visa. Your tax residency classification directly impacts your tax rates, entitlement to tax-free thresholds, and your end-of-year tax refund eligibility. Understanding where you fall is essential for accurate payroll processing and tax compliance. U

When acquiring a business - whether it’s a salon, restaurant, or cafe - most buyers focus on turnover, equipment, and lease terms. However, one significant hidden liability often flies under the radar: Long Service Leave (LSL) entitlements. If employee records are not properly reviewed during the transfer of ownership, new owners may unknowingly inherit payroll liabilities accumulated under the previous owner, potentially creating significant financial risk. Don't let hidden

Setting up a business in Australia involves more than registering a company—it often requires obtaining the correct business licenses Australia and permits. From hospitality and construction to retail and food services, certain industries must hold specific licences to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. This guide explains what a business licence is, why it’s essential, and how you can ensure your business meets all legal requirements. Know your Aussie Busine

Understanding how the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) works is essential for anyone planning to operate a company in Australia. From Director IDs to ABN or ACN records, this system centralises your business information and connects it directly with the ATO and ASIC. This guide breaks down the essentials so you know exactly what each identifier means and how to stay compliant from day one. What is Australian Business Registry Services 1. What Is ABRS and Why It Wa

Starting a company in Australia involves a series of essential steps, from selecting the right business structure to completing all necessary registrations. Whether you’re planning to register your business yourself or simply want to understand the process before seeking professional help, this guide provides a detailed walkthrough of each step, practical tips, and common pitfalls to avoid. Steps to starting an business Introduction: Steps to set up a company Starting a compa

Starting a company in Australia can be simple when you know the rules. From choosing a structure to meeting registration and compliance requirements, there are several decisions to get right from the beginning. This guide outlines the essential steps, documents and costs involved, giving you a clear overview of what to expect when setting up a business. How to start a company in Australia ? 1. Why Starting a Company in Australia Requires a Professional Setup Australia has one

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the key sections and data entry requirements within the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) myTax online system, which is the digital platform for lodging your individual tax return form . Lodging your return electronically requires careful attention to detail, particularly regarding pre-filled information and substantiation for deductions. Instructions for Completing the Individual Tax Return Form It is absolutely crucial to veri

Lodging your Individual Tax Return (ITR) can sometimes lead to errors. If you discover you have omitted income, forgotten to claim legitimate deductions, or made a technical mistake, you have the right to submit a request for amendment of income tax return for individuals that has already been lodged. Could i request for amendment of income tax return ? This comprehensive guide will provide detailed information on the process of lodging an amended individual income tax retur

Lodging your ATO individual tax return (ITR) is now streamlined through the ATO's myTax system if you choose to file personal taxes online yourself. File your individual tax online by myTax This guide serves as your comprehensive set of ato individual tax return instructions , leading you through the preparation, data input, and final submission steps. We demystify the ato individual tax return form , discuss essential documents, and outline key warnings to ensure accurate