Australian SME Business News and Accounting Articles

New figures indicate small business owners are anxious about tax time.

A massive 91% of new small business owners have very little understanding of their annual tax obligations, while 84 per cent are unsure of the things they can claim as a business expense. This was revealed by the American Express Tax Time Survey.

According to Jason Fryer, head of small business services at American Express, understanding GST and the consequences of making a mistake cause a lot of worry amongst small business owners.

“Setting up your own business can be like jumping into the unknown. Our Tax Time Survey shows that completing the business tax return for the first time is often fraught with anxiety,” he said.

Realizing that small business operators are going through tough times with this current economy, the Australian government is giving an instant tax write-off of the first $5000 of any motor vehicle purchased from 2012 to 2013. This offer is intended for small business operators. This is because small businesses comprise 96 per cent of Australian businesses and are the backbone of the Australian economy as stated by Treasurer Wayne Swan.

Of Australia’s 2.7 million small businesses, it is the motor vehicle that is the main capital item. This offer will certainly improve cash flow and help business owners expand and reinvest.

Shoebooks : Accounting Software Helps Prevent Tax Errors

Every business can bring about happiness, contentment, and income to its owner. When it is managed effectively, the returns can be very rewarding. These benefits do not only go to the owners, but also the government and employees in the form of taxes and wages, receptively.

Businesses pay their taxes annually. This task is taken care of by the bookkeeper and the accountant. These two employees make sure that the taxes remitted by the company are accurate and remitted on time. If not, the company acquires losses from miscalculations or they get penalised by the government for incorrect or late reporting.