Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. We hope you and your family are safe and doing well. Read on for this week’s update.

Year End Is Fast Approaching

With all the distractions around such as bush fires and now COVID-19 you may have missed that the end of the financial year is fast approaching. Whilst the last few months may have been tough you could have a considerable tax bill from pre COVID-19 times. We have put together some tips below that you may find useful:-

1.       Ensure your superannuation contributions for the June quarter are made before 30 June to obtain a deduction in the 2020 year. Be aware that some clearing houses have cut off dates much earlier than 30 June so this may need to be paid at the latest early next week;

2.       Is there any capital equipment you need for your business and can purchase, install and use prior to 30 June 2020 as  you could receive the instant asset write off.  Check out more details regarding this in the section below. Please note this is an accelerated tax deduction and you should only consider bringing forward equipment that you were planning on buying in the short term;

3.       If you report your tax on a cash basis pay as many creditors as possible before 30 June;

4.       Consider your timing of invoicing and if any can be delayed (only on a commercial basis of course);

If you have found these tips helpful and would like some advice on how to put them into action give us a call so we can discuss your particular circumstances.

Instant Asset Write-Off  Expansion Extended

Last week, it was announced that the Instant Asset Write-off Expansion  has been extended for six months to 31 December 2020. Australian businesses with less than $500 million annual turnover will be able to take advantage of the write-off and invest in assets to support their business. This government initiative is designed to help the economy re-open and boost economic growth. The instant asset write-off applies on a per asset basis, so eligible businesses can immediately write-off multiple assets provided they each cost less than $150,000.

You can find more information on which assets you can claim as an immediate deduction here, or contact us so we can walk you through the different thresholds, exclusions, and limits.

Grant checker

The business.gov.au website has a useful tool for finding grants, funding and support programs that you might be eligible for. Check out the tool online. The deadline for the NSW grant is 30 June 2020.

Updates on JobKeeper Payments and Declarations

JobKeeper payments will cease from 20 July for employees of a child care subsidy approved service and for sole traders operating a child care service. You can check the media release here.

Also, monthly JobKeeper declarations now need to be completed before the 14th of the month, which gives you a little more time to lodge.

Just a reminder JobKeeper Fortnight 06 finishes this Sunday, 21 June 2020 so please ensure all processing is completed.

COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund

The Australian Government has set aside $1 billion to support regions and communities disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the coronavirus. Support is extended to these industries:

• tourism
• aviation and transport
• agriculture and fisheries
• education
• the arts

You can find more details here and we are also available to help you find the right support for your business.

Free Financial Counselling for regional businesses

The Government has committed $4.7 million to provide small regional businesses affected by COVID-19 with access to free financial counselling. You can learn more about the assistance for affected regions, communities and industries here.

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

SafeWork Australia has put together useful guidelines for a range of industries. The guidelines provide clarification on WHS laws, workers’ rights, risk assessments, hygiene, emergency plans and more.

HomeBuilder Grant

The Australian Government has recently announced the new HomeBuilder initiative which is a time-limited tax-free grant program to support the residential construction industry get through the pandemic. The $25,000 grant is available to eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. You will be able to apply for the HomeBuilder when your state or territory government signs the agreement. Further information will be announced in due course.

What’s your Break-Even Point?

Whatever type of business you have, calculating your break-even point is important. It tells you the amount of revenue you need to generate to cover your fixed and variable expenses. If you are not a finance or math person, don’t stress! This FREE Break-even Calculator we created will make your analysis fast and easy.

If you need expert advice on the financial aspects of your business, especially on how you can become more profitable, please get in touch so we can help you plan your next big steps.

What’s next?

Over the last few weeks we’ve brought you updates on various government initiatives and cashflow schemes to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. We’ll keep you updated if anything changes but now we’ll shift to helping you get a plan in place for the future. Please get in touch to discuss what’s next for your business.