It should come as no surprise that tax season may be very difficult for small businesses, given that the economy is still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, according to studies, financial stability is the largest concern for 12% of business owners, ahead of technology and governmental restrictions.
One of the biggest business expenses is paying taxes, which can result in penalties if they are submitted incorrectly, late, or not at all. That said, even though every small business owner must pay taxes, the taxable amount varies depending on the type of firm: corporation, trust, or sole proprietorship.
Taxes, however, don't have to be as burdensome as they are perceived to be. If you are qualified for tax breaks and exemptions, you may be able to lower your tax obligation with the help of qualified tax guidance.
In such a case, below are just a few more tips that may guide you along the way.
1. Do Not Hesitate to Speak with Your Advisor
It is advisable to talk to your advisor since that is the person who can help you the most with your tax situation.
It's safe to say that the tax rates and reporting requirements have changed quite a bit during the past few years. Staying up to date with these numerous, albeit minor, changes, such as registering for Director IDs and eliminating the super guarantee threshold, is essential for appropriately determining your tax position.
2. Establish a Tax Plan
With few exceptions, the deadline is really on May 15 of the following year if you are on a tax agency lodgement list. So, if you file through a tax agency rather than on your own, you do receive a significant extension.
However, if you're filing your own taxes, you should try to finish your return for the prior fiscal year before the deadline (consult with your advisor if you are unsure of the exact date).
Planning is necessary to ensure that you are fully prepared before the due date in light of this. With these clever suggestions, you may maximise your tax returns:
Consolidate All Your Expenses
You might anticipate up to 12 months of the upcoming year's expenses to be deducted from your current tax year if you prepay some of your expenses, such as insurance, rent, and membership dues to professional organisations.
Make the Most of Depreciation Measures
You can instantly deduct business expenses for qualified depreciating assets that are first installed or utilised for a taxable purpose thanks to temporary full expensing, which is available at the end of income years (again, consult with your advisor if you are unsure of the exact dates). The website of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has more information.
Review Your Debtors
Review your debtors and cancel any uncollectible balances. You may be allowed to write off any revenue that you cannot recoup from a debtor as a business owner. (Only relevant to people who are pursuing accrual accounting)
3. Go for Government Subsidies and Assistance Programs
Even by itself, running and maintaining a firm is labour-intensive. Even though you're working so hard, you might still improve your financial situation by applying for the government's tax help programmes.
The government has several effective incentive programmes that have been in place for a very long time, notwithstanding its current concentration on promoting the impact of COVID-19.
In Australia, there are numerous financial aid programmes that are backed by the government. If COVID-19 had a detrimental impact on your firm, the following initiatives might be able to help:
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
If your business cannot generate revenue because you must self-isolate, place someone in quarantine, or care for someone with COVID-19, this programme provides you and your staff with support.
Instant Asset Write-off for Eligible Businesses
The business share of an asset's cost can be immediately deducted under this programme in the year the asset is initially installed or used.
Backing Business Investment
This programme allows firms that qualify to expedite their deduction of the cost of newly acquired depreciating assets.
4. Determine Your Obligations as an Employer
Employers in Australia have likely noticed an increase in their payroll duties during the past two years, obligations that must be submitted digitally and at all times during the year.
Due to these growing duties, it is now exceedingly difficult to continue using a legacy or paper-based payroll system.
Therefore, you should be aware that there is a considerably larger risk of erroneous data if you're still using a spreadsheet to manage your PAYG and employment commitments.
5. Determine If You Are Eligible to Claim a Deduction If the Business Made a Loss
If your company had a tax loss in the current year, you can carry that loss forwards and deduct it in the following year. However, in order to qualify for a deduction, you must fulfil certain criteria.
In essence, you may go back and change your previous years if you generated a profit during the pandemic, which will lower the amount of tax you owe. Losses carried back are what this is referred to as. You are, in effect, receiving a refund for the prior successful years. Naturally, the specifics of that process calls for your accountant's advice.
Conclusion
Indeed, small business owners need to take extra care during tax time. They should make sure to keep accurate records and receipts and consult with a tax professional if necessary.
By following the tips above, they can ensure that they stay on top of their taxes and avoid any penalties or costly mistakes.
If you are looking for accountants for eCommerce businesses, look no further than our experts here at The ECommerce Accountant. We are the top business advisors for online stores and influencers. Call us today, and let us tend to your tax commitments and processes in no time.
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