The HECS-Help benefit was created to provide an incentive for graduates in particular fields to pursue industry relevant roles and/or work in specified locations. Taxpayers who meet the relevant eligibility criteria can apply to the Australian Tax Office for the HECS-HELP benefit and if approved, the ATO will pay a “benefit amount” up to approximately […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
How to apply for Jobseeker Payments (or other coronavirus stimulus payments)
Loosing your job is a stressful enough event on it’s own, take into account the global COVID-19 pandemic and the last thing you will want to have to deal with is the process of applying for a jobseeker payment at Centrelink. It is not easy to navigate the myGov or the Centrelink website. To make […]
Paying GST at Settlement: What you need to know
What is GST Withholding If you buy a new residential property, or land with the intention to build a residential property and you make this purchase from a GST registered business, you need to withhold an amount for GST to pay directly to the ATO on settlement. When does the GST Residential Withholding payment apply […]
Zone Tax Offset: Do you live in a remote area?
What is a zone tax offset? The zone tax offset is a tax concession offset offered by the Australian Tax Office for people who live in remote areas of Australia. This offset helps cover the higher cost of living, amenities and other environmental factors associated with remote living. The zone tax offset can provide significant […]
How to defer a HELP debt during financial hardship
If you have a HELP debt and are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible to ask the ATO to defer your HELP debt for a temporary period. If the ATO accepts your request, it means that they will put a temporary hold on your repayments. What is a HELP debt? Commonly referred to as […]
Contractor vs Employee: Which is best for you?
When you’re weighing up the contractor vs employee career route, you’re not just choosing a job title, you’re shaping your lifestyle, income strategy, and long-term career path. In this guide, we explore the trade-offs between employment and contracting, giving you a clear outline of each structure, along with real-world examples.
Want to become a sole trader? 3 steps to make sure you do it right!
Do you want to become a sole trader with long term success? We have a few tips to help you get started! If you have a great idea or an original product? Do you have a clear idea about who your customers will be and what they want? Are you prepared to deliver knock out service? If you answered […]
Working Two Jobs in Australia: What You Need to Know
As living costs rise, many Australians are working two jobs (or multiple jobs!) to make ends meet. According to the Bureau of Statistics, 6.5% of the Australian workforce held multiple jobs in March 2025. While working two jobs can boost your income, it’s important to understand how this affects your taxes at the end of […]
Can You Still Claim your Laptop, Handbag or Briefcase as a Tax Deduction?
Yes, you can often claim your handbag for work as a tax deduction, as well as your other work bags. But don’t go shopping just yet! There are some important things to keep in mind. The basic rule for claiming a handbag or briefcase as a tax deduction is that it must be directly connected […]
How Can I Help My Children To Be Successful and Financially Secure?
How to improve your children’s financial future can be an interesting debate. Parents have lots of different ideas about success for their children (and themselves). But most parents share similar concerns and worries about their children’s long-term financial security and happiness. Money and happiness are not the same thing, but it appears that certain habits […]
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): your guide to buying your first home sooner
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 […]
Exploring the FIRE Movement: A journey to financial freedom in Australia
Could you retire at 40 instead of 67? If you follow a version of the FIRE strategy, it can be possible, but the price is high! What is the FIRE Movement? The FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) challenges the traditional notion of working until 67 by encouraging people to save and invest aggressively to […]
