If you’re someone who’s been saving for a first home deposit, then there’s one scheme you should know about. It’s called the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). The point of the scheme is to help people of all ages get into their first homes sooner. It was introduced by the Australian Government in the […]
Gender Pay Gap: Why do women still earn less than men in Australia?
It may be a surprise to some that the gender pay gap still exists. Many of us assume that gender inequality has been overcome in Australia. That might be true in some respects, but unfortunately not where income is concerned. The fact is, on average, women still earn 15.3% less than men – a gap […]
Live-in Landlord Tax Deductions: What you should know about rental income tax
Live-in landlords are common these days, as more and more people choose to lease out rooms in a house they own and live in. It can help pay the mortgage, cover the rising costs of living expenses and fill up space that’s otherwise unused. If you lease out part of your home, you’ll receive rent. This is […]
Coronavirus Stimulus Information for Small Businesses: Everything small businesses need to know
The devastating coronavirus pandemic has hit small businesses hard. As a result, a number of sole traders are without work and many small businesses closed their doors and let go staff. Consequently, the Australian Government recently issued two rounds of stimulus packages to help business owners. The first stimulus package on 12 March included a […]
Unpaid Internships: The Experience Problem
If you’re studying or looking to change careers, you’ve probably encountered the ‘experience paradox’. Most job ads prefer that you have previous experience in the industry, but you can’t get that experience without a job in the first place. Enter: unpaid internships. They can give you the experience you need to flesh out your resume […]
Did COVID-19 turn you into work at home parents and teachers?
Temporary work at home parents-come-teachers. A few tips for navigating this new landscape. As 2020 dawned, no one in their wildest dreams expected the unprecedented global shift that COVID-19 has brought about. With many of us still trying to grapple with having our lives literally locked down, a significant number of us took our jobs […]
Worried about job security? Up-skill to protect yourself!
Up-skilling to protect your existing job seems tough, but in recent years it’s become the norm across many industries. Plenty of jobs that used to be common just don’t exist anymore. When was the last time you saw a milkman doing the rounds? (Or, have you ever seen a milkman?) The flipside is that change […]
How much super do I need for a comfortable retirement?
Everyone has different ideas of how their retirement might ‘look’. How much super will be enough depends on many things, starting with what a ‘comfortable’ retirement looks like to you. You might want to travel or you may want to dine out every week at a fancy new restaurant. It could be that just want […]
Tax Information for the Coronavirus Pandemic
Countless Australians have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Australian Government has implemented a series of assistance measures for the purpose of helping those experiencing financial difficulty. Please read our tax guide for the coronavirus pandemic below for assistance. And if you work from home now, don’t forget you can also claim […]
ATO Audits are Now More Accurate at Finding Tax Cheats
ATO Audits are conducted when ATO systems detect signs that someone is cheating on their taxes. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) now uses more advanced computers and IT to detect suspicious claims and fraudulent tax returns. Wrong or missing information on your return can, at best, lead to delays in your refund. However, it’s not […]
Coronavirus Stimulus for Individuals: Here’s everything you need to know.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic many Australians are currently facing severe financial hardship due to loss of employment or income. Therefore, the Australian Government has responded with two rounds of coronavirus stimulus for individuals. The first announcement on 12 March included a $17.6 billion stimulus package for individuals and businesses. The second announcement, […]
Airtasker tax guide: Tax FAQs for your Airtasker work
A simple guide to getting your Airtasker taxes right Airtasker has changed the way many people earn an income. Whether you’re already doing tasks or you’re ready to get started, there are some important tax implications you need to know. The big message here is: Airtasker tax evasion is “on the radar” over at the […]
The Medicare Levy
What is the Medicare Levy? Have you ever looked at your Notice of Assessment (NOA) or tax refund estimate and seen a line for the Medicare Levy? Not sure what it is? Don’t worry, you’re not alone and this article has got you covered. For most Australians, healthcare is essentially free. If you get sick, […]
The $1000 Instant Tax Deduction: What It Means for You
A new $1000 Instant Tax Deduction is coming next year. Here’s the short version: In the lead-up to the April 2025 federal election, the Government announced a “$1000 instant tax deduction”. They label this as “Tax reform for easier, faster, better tax returns”. They claim it will provide cost-of-living relief and make it easier and […]
Tax loopholes: Corporations pay less tax than Aussie workers
Should businesses shoulder a fair share of taxes compared with hard-working Australian people? We might see this question discussed more in coming years. Using an international shell-game to move earnings away from the tax man, corporations legally avoid taxes in countries like Australia, even though they earn billions here. Similar tax breaks are simply not […]
