S & H Tax Accountants

Tag: Accountant Clyde North

  • Tax tips for new business owners

    Tax tips for new business owners

    Want to avoid paying more than you should come tax time? Or a frantic last-minute search for missing financial records?

    New business owners have a lot on their plate, and can easily lose track of an approaching tax deadline or financial data needed to submit their return.

    Istockphoto 1204811629 612x612

    The organization is key when preparing for tax time. As is taking advantage of the many tools and resources out there to support new entrepreneurs.

    Set yourself up for success by following these four pillars of the painless tax prep.

    1. Commit to clean bookkeeping from day one

    Year-round, effective bookkeeping is the best way new business owners can minimize tax season stress. With the wide range of accounting software out there, there’s no reason to rely on time-consuming manual methods that leave room for error.

    All-in-one options like Xero, KashFlow, and QuickBooks automate your most important bookkeeping processes, including:

    • Tracking expenses;
    • Tracking sales and income;
    • Creating and sending invoices and
    • Managing inventory.

    With your financial records all in one place and up-to-date, you’re better positioned to maximize your refund, while avoiding penalties associated with incorrect or incomplete tax returns.

    2. Capture every business expense

    Each year, 21% of small business owners claim less than half of their business expenses, largely because they don’t have a reliable system for documenting expenditures while on the go.

    Without carefully logged receipts, entrepreneurs must forfeit valuable tax deductions, sacrificing cash they could be funneling back into their business.

    Cash in on claimable expenses by using a mobile app to record receipt data, track mileage and generate expense reports. As an added bonus, many of these tools sync with your all-in-one accounting software.

    3. Separate business from personal

    Right from day one, small business owners should clearly divide their personal and business expenses. Differentiating between the two will make it much easier to claim deductions on your tax return – and support those claims in case of an audit.

    Recommended steps to separate your business and personal finances include:

    • Create a separate bank account for your business, and designate a credit card solely for business purposes (this will help you track expenditures while building up your credit and borrowing power);
    • Never combine business and personal expenses (for example, if you buy printer ink for your home and your business at the same time, ask for two separate receipts);
    • Pay yourself a set salary from your business checking account each month (this will help you determine how your income, as well as the business, will be taxed).

    4. Always consult with an accountant

    Not sure exactly what you can claim as a business expense? Wondering which accounting software to use or how to interpret local tax regulations?

    Consult with an accounting professional to put your mind at ease – well before the filing deadline! In addition to managing the nuts and bolts of tax preparation, regular meetings with an accountant will help you continuously improve bookkeeping practices and better understand the financial workings of your small business.

    Those organizational strategies you commit to now will promote positive relations with your local tax authorities – and the long-term financial health of your company.

     

    As we all are aware that tax season is here, this time of year can be very stressful as businesses will need to make sure they have all of their financial records accurate and organised as well as making sure they have every expense listed. S & H Tax Accountants are aware of the stress, however we are here to help. Our firm offers services to not only individuals but also businesses, our accountants are well qualified and vastly experiences. We pride ourselves in maintaining top tier level of service to our clients, our firm also provided advice to businesses in need. Book an appointment today with S & H Tax Accountants, call us at 03 8759 5532 or email us at info@sahtax.com.au

  • 4 Benefits to Hiring a Bookkeeper for Your Business

    Bookkeepers can be highly beneficial for businesses of any size. They offer expertise and insight into areas that you may not have experience in. They can also take some tasks off your to-do list, freeing up your time and energy to focus on other matters.

    Here are 4 benefits to hiring bookkeepers to help you manage your business.

    Expertise

    A bookkeeper is an expert at managing, sorting and recording your business’s financial transactions. They’ve spent time developing their skills and experience. During that time, they’ve also seen and resolved bookkeeping-related issues that you may come up against. Their expertise makes them more efficient at managing those issues.

    Beyond that, they understand business trends and challenges others in your industry face, and can help you move through those as well. They also know what questions to ask to help you make important decisions and can share best practices with you.

    Guidance

    Your bookkeeper not only helps you maintain accurate records, they understand your financial circumstances. They help you assess how to make important business decisions, such as whether now is a good time to grow or when you should hold back. They can also identify trends in your industry and help you take advantage of those opportunities.

    Finally, they can assist you with budgeting, and sticking to your budget. They’ll help you come up with a realistic financial plan that enables your business to grow while achieving short- and long-term goals.

    Time savings

    As a business owner, you likely have many activities to focus on. In bookkeeping alone there are numerous tasks to be responsible for, such as:

    • Collecting and recording transaction data
    • Sorting receipts
    • Classifying expenses
    • Invoicing customers
    • Paying vendors
    • Managing payroll.

    Bookkeepers take on those tasks so you don’t have to. It’s not just about the energy you put into them, it’s about the fact that unless you’re an expert at bookkeeping, it’ll likely take you longer to complete these activities than it would take a bookkeeper.

    Think of the time you spend during an average week managing your books, then think of the time you spend during a high-pressure week, such as during tax season. That can add up to a lot of extra hours.

    By hiring a bookkeeper, you save yourself that valuable time for other activities such as marketing, perfecting your products or even spending time with family.

    Money savings

    There’s a time cost to doing your own books, but there’s also a potential money cost in the form of missed opportunities. The time you spend doing your own books is time you could potentially be out creating or taking advantage of new opportunities for your business. Your bookkeeper frees you up so you have the time and energy to identify potential opportunities. They can also advise you on whether you’re in a fiscal position to jump on those possibilities.

    Additionally, the expertise bookkeepers bring to their activities means they’re likely to save you from costly mistakes that could affect your finances.

    Final Thoughts

    Hiring a bookkeeper is a sound business decision as it gives you access to expertise and guidance you might not otherwise have, and it frees up your time and money to take advantage of other business opportunities. Talk to S & H Bookkeepers for you business bookkeeping needs. S & H Tax Accountants offer servicess in Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs.

  • 4 Things to Consider Before Expanding Your Service Offerings

    If you’re looking to grow your business, you might consider expanding your service offerings. Adding additional services is a good way to increase your profitability, diversify your income and expand your market. But there are important things to consider before adding to your income streams.

    Here are 4 important things to keep in mind when you consider adding to your services.

    1. Does the expansion complement your business?

    The best way to expand your service offerings is to add value that complements the work you’re already doing and is attractive to your current client base. While it takes more effort to bring new customers in, adding something that your current clients need and that you already have the capacity for is an efficient way to increase your profits.

    If you already offer lawn maintenance, find out what other yard work your clients need done, for example. It might be fairly simple for you to offer those services to your clients, and they’d probably be happy for you to do it rather than hiring someone new.

    2. Is your profitability consistently high?

    Spending money to hire new people and buy more equipment if your business isn’t consistently profitable is risky. It might be tempting if you make a lot of money in one year to jump into offering a new service, but hold back until you’ve got a couple years of high profits behind you. That allows you to save money to cover the increased expenses and ensure that the one year wasn’t an anomaly.

    Invest in your business, but expand your services when your profits are consistently up, not when you’ve had one really good period.

    3. Is there a potential partnership or merger that makes sense?

    There are times when forming a partnership or otherwise merging businesses makes sense. Is there someone out there who works in a similar capacity that you could work well with? Maybe they are great in their field but need help running a business. Explore a partnership or a buy-out.

    For example, if you offer immigration consulting and you know someone who offers relocation services, you might form a partnership so the new company can offer both immigration help and relocation services. That can lead to new clients for both you and your new partner.

    4. Are you doing it for the right reasons?

    There are many good reasons to add new services, but there are also reasons that can increase your risks. Competition, for example. While competition can drive innovation, it’s not the only reason to add a new service—and doing so just to beat your competitors can lead to mistakes being made and money being lost. Rushing to expand is when companies find themselves in trouble for adding services there’s no market for or without a fully-formed plan.

    Final thoughts

    Expanding your business is exciting, but it’s important to consider some issues before you commit your time, energy and financial resources. If you’re adding new services, do so because it makes sense, you’re in a financial position to do so, your clients want it and you have the capacity for it.

  • How to Scale Your Business with Minimal Effort

    If you want your business to grow, at some point you’ll have to think about scaling it. Scaling it isn’t exactly the same as growing it, though they are often used interchangeably. Growth refers to adding resources and increasing your revenue in a linear fashion. You double your number of offices to double your number of customers, for example. Scaling means increasing your revenue without a substantial increase in the resources used.

    For example, email marketing is a great way to scale. You write one marketing email and it can be seen by 100 people or 100,000 people, without any extra effort from you. Scaling is a way of efficiently using your resources to increase revenue, without incurring additional costs—or only incremental costs.

    Here are some tips to effectively scale your business with minimal effort.

    1. Keep it simple

    Processes that are overly complex take more time and energy. They also come with a higher risk of errors. Scaling your business doesn’t have to be complex—in fact, complexity can often slow progress and waste your time.

    Keep your processes simple. That will help you not only maintain control of your business, but enable your employees and your customers to understand what you do and to buy in.
    If it seems too complicated, avoid it.

    2. Use scalable administrative processes

    Scalable processes allow you to operate efficiently because they enable you to take action quickly, with less effort and input. Technology makes it easier for companies to access software that increases productivity and revenues while decreasing time spent on administrative tasks.

    For example, having an online invoicing tool helps you scale because you can quickly create invoices, follow up with clients and track project management, without having to do so manually. That saves you time and energy that can be better spent in other areas. Meanwhile, marketing automation tools can bring in an additional $50,000 a year but only cost around $5,000 a year.

    Examine the activities you perform regularly and explore whether there’s a tool that could automate them.

    3. Focus on data

    Don’t speculate about what is and isn’t working in your business, use data to determine where you should spend money, and where you should stop. Business owners have access to a wealth of data-driving metrics, everything from how customers interact with your website to which marketing initiatives are working, to how long it takes to convert customers.
    Use that information to make effective spending and operational decisions, rather than guessing at what is and isn’t working.

    4. Scale your offerings

    Chances are, you can scale your offerings to encourage repeat customers. Automatic renewals or subscriptions can increase customer retention rates without you putting in the effort of chasing people down. Rewards programs nurture customer loyalty.

    Explore whether you can offer repeatable pricing packages as well. Even if you offer professional services, selling packages saves you from manually quoting on every individual project. There is likely a way that you can implement subscriptions or service packages to save you time and hassle.

    Final thoughts

    Scaling your business is an important way to increase revenue without significantly increasing your expenses. If you automate your processes, scale your offerings, focus on data and keep your systems simple, you can scale your business effectively and efficiently.

  • Business Update – 9 September 2021

    Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.

    We’re thinking of everyone affected by lockdowns around the country and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions about your business during this time. Read on for assistance that may be available to you.

    COVID-19 Government Support By State and Industry

    Small businesses that are currently suffering from lockdowns can get financial assistance to help them get through the pandemic. You can find the latest government support schemes for each state or territory here.

    The impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions vary from one industry to another. Here you’ll find the latest government financial assistance available for particular industries.

    Regional Victoria Leaves Lockdown

    Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced restrictions will ease across regional Victoria, except for Greater Shepparton, from 11:59pm Thursday night.

    This means travel will be allowed around Victoria with no distance limit, but movement between Melbourne and the regions is restricted. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed for public outdoor gatherings, and outdoor tours will be capped at 20 people.

    Religious gatherings and ceremonies will be capped at 20 people and weddings will be limited to no more than 10 people. In-home visits are still not allowed in regional Victoria, and masks must still be worn indoors and outdoors.

    You can find a comprehensive list of the new rules here.

    Parts of NSW to Come Out of Lockdown

    The Mid and North Coast of NSW, as well as areas across the Riverina, and the Murrumbidgee regions, will all be free from lockdown restrictions on Friday at midnight. Regional travel is set to resume when 70% of the state’s adult population has been fully vaccinated.

    All Australian hotspots: COVID-19 Disaster Payment for recognised lockdowns

    This Federal Government support is lump sum payment for workers who cannot earn income because of a state public health order. You can check your eligibility here.

    NSW Grants

    The NSW Government will be offering financial support to businesses or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the recent COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders.

    NSW: Micro-business grant

    The micro-business grant is a $1500 fortnightly payment for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.

    To check your eligibility and apply, visit the Service NSW website.

    COVID-19 Business Grant

    A one-off payment to help businesses, sole traders or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions.

    Grants between $7,500 and $15,000 are available to eligible businesses depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Service NSW website.

    ATO support for those affected by COVID-19 restrictions or disasters

    The ATO has a range of support options to help those affected by disasters or those experiencing challenges due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.

    The ATO may be able to:

    • prioritise any refunds owed to you
    • set up a payment plan tailored to your individual situation
    • remit penalties or interest charged during the time you have been affected.

    If you need help to manage your tax or superannuation obligations, please get in touch with us.

    JobMaker Hiring Credit

    Eligible employers can access the JobMaker Hiring Credit for each eligible additional employee they hire between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2021. You may be able to claim the following payments:

    • up to $10,400 over a year for each additional eligible employee aged 16 to 29 years
    • up to $5,200 over a year for each additional eligible employee aged 30 to 35 years

    Register before the due date of the first JobMaker period you’re claiming for.

    Wage Subsidy Scheme for Apprentices and Trainees

    The government is continuing the wage subsidy scheme for apprentices and trainees. Under the scheme, the government will pay half the wages of apprentices up to a maximum of $7,000 each quarter for 12 months.

    4 Easy Ways to Provide More Value for Your Customers

    Customers choose you over your competitors because you provide the most value. As competitors find ways to make their offerings more appealing than yours, you should also implement some strategies to provide even greater value than you already do and retain customers. This Forbes article shares some tips on how you can achieve this.

    • Become a niche authority. Establish yourself as an authority in your niche and provide solutions or insights to their pain points through blogs and social media posts.
    • Ask customers for feedback. Obtain honest feedback from customers to discover how you can add even greater value and improve customer experience.
    • Proactively customise your offerings. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work. Understand what each client needs and tailor your services accordingly.
    • Reward loyalty. If you want to gain repeat customers, find ways to reward their loyalty. Provide incentives and devise a rewards system.

    As you try to make your customers happier, your business becomes more memorable and valuable for them. Therefore, it’s a win-win situation!

    Need more focused business advice? Get in touch with us today and we can talk about your situation.

    Get in touch

    Contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss the next steps for your business. We at S & H Tax Acountants help Small business in Accounting, Tax and Bookkeeping. we are Accountants located in southeast of Melbourne. We offer Tax agent services in Cranbourne, Clyde and surrounding areas.

  • Succession Planning: A will for your business

    The unfortunate reality is most business owners don’t take proper holidays. Usually this is because their business relies on them and they don’t have the support to keep the business running without them.

    As a business owner, have you ever considered what would happen to the business if you had to take a six months break because of a serious illness or injury?

    Would the business survive? How would the bills get paid? And while it might not be nice to think about, if you were to die, are you sure your business partners would give your loved ones a fair deal? For these reasons, and many more, it’s important for all business owners to have a detailed succession plan. A succession plan is like a will, but for a business. Although there are often a wider range of scenarios and options to consider.

    Just like your will, a good business succession plan can vary from one business to the next. But there are some key areas that should always be considered, which you can find below. Chat to us if you want advice on future-proofing your business.

    Business Structure

    In the event of death or retirement, the ownership and control of the business may need to be transferred to the owner’s family or to the surviving business partners. How easily this occurs will often depend on how the business operates, such as through a trust, or a company, or without a separate entity at all.

    Succession agreements

    If something happened to one of the business partners, would their spouse or children take over the control of that share of the business? If the answer is no, then a succession agreement can assist the other business partners to continue business operations whilst allowing for compensation for the former partner’s family.

    Managing risk

    Just like personal insurance, business insurance can provide a range of protection such as temporarily meeting the normal costs of running the business (business expenses cover) or paying for a short-term replacement manager (eg. trauma or disability cover). A life insurance policy linked to the succession agreement that provides the deceased partner’s family with suitable compensation for the transfer of business ownership to the surviving partners may also be a good idea.

    Powers of Attorney

    Most small businesses struggle to do much without the advice and authority of the figurehead or main key decision-maker. That’s why a Power of Attorney is integral to a good succession planning process. It helps the business to physically operate if the owner is incapacitated because of illness or injury.

    There is a range of people who may need to be involved in setting up a succession plan, including a financial adviser, lawyer and accountant. We can help you find the right team for you.
    Even if you have a plan in place already, it is important to review agreements and insurance policies so they’re up to date and reflect the current value of the business.

    Need a succession plan?

    Chat to us to get started. We’re here to help you run a successful business and protect your assets, now and in the future.

    We at S & H Tax Acountants help Small business in Accounting, Tax and Bookkeeping. we are Accountants located in southeast of Melbourne. We offer Tax agent services in Cranbourne, Clyde and surrounding areas.

  • Tax Implications of Cryptocurrency (AU)

    Tax Implications of Cryptocurrency (AU)

    With cryptocurrencies gaining notoriety, many people are unclear on how or when they can be taxed. Despite widespread belief to the contrary, you can be taxed on gains made as a result of obtaining or using cryptocurrency. If you’ve made a profit from trading cryptocurrency, for example, you need to declare it at tax time.

    Here is some important information on cryptocurrencies and their implications for your taxes.

    How cryptocurrency is defined

    For tax purposes, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) defines cryptocurrency as “a digital asset in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of additional units and verify transactions on a blockchain.” This includes Bitcoin, or other digital currencies with characteristics that are similar to Bitcoin.

    The ATO says cryptocurrency—including Bitcoin—is not Australian currency and is not foreign currency.

    How cryptocurrency is taxed

    You can be taxed on your profits when you exchange cryptocurrency for another currency, other cryptocurrencies, or to purchase goods or services. If they are used in business or professional activities, they may be taxed as income. For example, professional cryptocurrency trading or mining, operating cryptocurrency-related businesses, or operating a business using cryptocurrency transactions all count as income.

    If the cryptocurrency is used in other ways—such as casually or as a hobby—it may be taxed as an investment and subject to capital gains taxes.

    You are not subject to capital gains until you exchange or otherwise dispose of your cryptocurrency holdings. Typical transactions include:

    • Selling cryptocurrency
    • Gifting cryptocurrency
    • Trading or exchanging cryptocurrency for another cryptocurrency or fiat currency
    • Converting cryptocurrency to fiat currency
    • Exchanging cryptocurrency to purchase goods or services

    A capital gain on any of the above transactions, will result in being taxed on part or all of the gain. If you hold the cryptocurrency for more than a year before exchanging, selling or trading it, you may receive a 50% capital gains tax discount. If you have losses on the cryptocurrency exchange, you can use those to reduce capital gains in that year or future years.

    Cryptocurrency obtained or held as an investment may be subject to capital gains taxes. Your reason for purchasing or keeping the cryptocurrency is as important as the reason for exchanging it. Even if you use it for a personal purchase, if you acquired it as an investment you must report it and it may be taxed as a capital gain.

    Keeping proper records

    No matter your reasons for purchasing, holding or using cryptocurrency, it’s important that you keep proper, detailed records of all cryptocurrency transactions. This means keeping a record of the date of each transaction, the value of the cryptocurrency in Australian dollars at the time of the transaction, the purpose of the transaction, and the other party’s details.

    Keep all receipts of any transaction including cryptocurrency and records of all costs associated with the transaction.

    Final Thoughts

    If you’ve been involved in any cryptocurrency transaction in the past year, it’s important that you keep proper records and report the transaction to ATO. Although many people think they do not have to pay taxes on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, ATO views them as income or investments and they can affect your taxes. We at S & H Tax Accountants can help to lodge a tax return with Crypto trading, our accountants are highly experienced and well qualified. Book an appointment today with S & H Tax Accounting, call us at 03 8759 5532 or email us at info@sahtax.com.au

  • Why Bookkeeping is Crucial to Your Success

    Why Bookkeeping is Crucial to Your Success

    Keeping track of sales, earnings, expenses, and purchases is fundamental to the overall health and sustainability of your business. Effective bookkeeping produces the data you need to evaluate your current practices, anticipate challenges, and set attainable future goals.

    But despite their proven importance, many business owners dread and avoid accounting tasks. In fact, 40% of surveyed entrepreneurs claim that bookkeeping is one the worst parts of running a business!

    Wondering if it’s really worth the aggravation?

    Here are four reminders of how effective bookkeeping is the cornerstone of small business success.

    Keeping track of reimbursable expenses

    A reliable system for tracking reimbursable expenses ensures you reap all the benefits you’re entitled to when filing your taxes. Expenditures sorted into categories, such as “food”, “travel”, and “office supplies,” can be catalogued quite simply with online bookkeeping software.

    Using a dedicated credit card for business expenses, and updating your records on a monthly basis, will put money back in your pocket come tax time.

    Measuring profitability and planning for the future

    In order to grow your business, you must be able to track and compare its finances from one year to the next.

    In addition to reconciling the books and bank statements every month, effective bookkeeping generates records you can use to gain a comprehensive overview of your business. This data can help you:

    • measure year over year profits;
    • identify opportunities to cut costs;
    • plan for major expenses (such as new office space, equipment, or staff); and
    • develop data-based strategies for expansion.

    Preparing for tax season

    Few things are more stressful for business owners than scrambling to get poorly maintained financial records ready for tax season. In addition to the panic of last-minute filing, inaccurate or incomplete documentation can lead to serious penalties, fines, and even an audit.

    In the United States alone, 40% of small businesses pay an average penalty of $845 per year for late or incorrect filings!

    Save money and get peace of mind with sound bookkeeping. You’ll be assured of compliance with regulations, and will receive a reliable estimate of amounts owing long before your tax bill is due.

    Final tip: ask for help

    Most entrepreneurs are passionate about developing new business ideas – not crunching numbers. Employing a professional bookkeeper, even on a part-time or as-needed basis, can help optimize your accounting and increase overall profitability.

    There’s a good reason 71% of small businesses outsource at least one accounting function to help manage tasks like payroll, closing the books each month, and managing accounts receivable.

    It’s well worth it. Invest in effective bookkeeping and you’ll build a solid foundation for a resilient, forward-moving small business.

    Need assistance with bookkeeping, S & H Accounting can assist you as we also offer bookkeeping services. As mentioned above that bookkeeping services are essential for not just businesses but also for individuals. Our team also consists well-qualified, vastly experienced and extremely professional. We aim to provide our clients with the best level of service possible, as we prioritise our clients growth. Book an appointment today with S & H Accountants, call us on 03 8759 5532 or you can email us on info@sahtax.com.au.

  • 5 Most Common Accounting Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Business

    5 Most Common Accounting Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Business

    Many small business owners tend to handle their own accounting and bookkeeping, especially when they’ve just started out. However, keeping track of the finance-side of the business– everything from income to expenses to tax compliance– can be overwhelming.

    Mistakes can happen quite easily and can have costly consequences to your business. Below are five of the most common DIY accounting errors that you should avoid.

    Unorganised Records

    It takes excellent organisation skills to be able to do your bookkeeping and accounting right. You would need to keep a record of every transaction, keep receipts or digitise them for future reference, calculate taxes accurately, and more. If your records are not kept organised and updated, it is highly likely that you’ll miss something out, which could get you into trouble during the tax season.

    No Accounting Schedule

    As a business owner, there are surely a lot of other things that you need to attend to and accounting can easily be pushed to the bottom of your seemingly endless To-Do list. Yet, it is extremely important to set an accounting schedule to add your recent income and expenses into your records. If daily updating is not possible, at least dedicate some time once a week to do your accounting.

    Unreconciled Accounts

    Regularly check if your bank account reflects the same balance as you record your cash flow and other financial data into your books. If you find a gap, there is likely a mistake somewhere that you need to find or even a fraudulent transaction. Taking immediate action will help you prevent worse problems further down the line.

    Failing to Take Into Account Small Transactions

    It can be easy to forget about minor transactions such as the office supplies that you picked up on your way to the office or the freebie that you sent a loyal customer. However, no matter how small you think the transaction is, it’s important to keep a record and get a receipt. In case of a tax audit, you will need to be able to present records of ALL business expenses, even these small ones.

    Not Backing Up Data and Using an Accounting Software

    Imagine if the laptop where you store all your financial data was stolen, lost, or broken beyond repair and you don’t have a back up. You would need to redo everything from scratch, which could be a huge waste of time.

    If you’re still using a spreadsheet or paper ledger to keep track of your business finances, you might want to consider upgrading into a cloud-based accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB. By migrating to the cloud, you will be able to easily back up your accounting data and even access them wherever and whenever you need to.

    These cloud-based accounting systems also integrate well with your bank account and other powerful business apps. The results are streamlined processes, less manual work, enhanced efficiencies, and better overall business performance.

    Spend Less Time on Your Books and More Time on Your Business

    While being aware of these common accounting mistakes could help you avoid them, the most convenient and efficient approach to stay on top of your business finances is still to entrust your accounting to the experts. Our team of experienced accountants can integrate the most suitable cloud accounting software for your business and even train your in-house staff on its proper implementation.

    Let us take charge of your books, while you focus on growing your business. Get in touch with us today!

    We understand that making sure that your accounts are accurate and organised can be tedious. That is why S & H Tax Accountants are here to help. Our team make it easier for you, as we are able to keep your records organised and accurate. S & H Tax Accountants pride themselves in providing the best possible level of service to our clients. Make a booking today at S & H Tax Accountants, call us at 03 8759 5532 or email us on info@sahtax.com.au

  • Paying down debt

    Paying down debt

    Debt can be a crippling problem for small businesses wanting to grow or just break even during difficult times. By reducing debt you’ll improve the value of your business, its financial situation, and its ability to continue operating into the future.

    Assess your debt situation

    Take a detailed look at all of your debts – both current and long-term. Evaluate which ones are more urgent and which can be parked until some progress is made.

    The key determining factor should be the interest you’re paying on your debts. For example, those with the highest levels of interest should be paid first.

    Also, list your debts from smallest to largest. Maybe some of those smaller debts can be paid off quickly without much hassle to enable you to focus on the larger ones. Consider consolidating all your loans into one payment if possible.

    Print

    Cut costs and free up cash

    Try to cut any unnecessary costs and free up some cash in the process. Think about how much you spend on each of your daily expenses – is there room to cut some of those costs?

    For example, a building firm may shout takeaway coffees for its workers a few times a week. Maybe a cheaper way can be found to continue providing coffee, such as instant coffee on-site with hot water from a thermos, rather than expensive takeaways.

    Have a look at how long it’s taking your debtors to pay you. If your customers aren’t paying on time, come up with some solutions for encouraging them to pay quicker.

    Early payment discounts could work well but make it clear on each customer’s invoice. Alternatively, tighten up invoice periods so there are fewer days for your debtors to pay before penalties. Make sure you let them know about any changes and the reasons for those changes.

    Reassess funding

    Have a look at how you’re using funds to pay off your business’s debt. Do you have funds available that could be better used to reduce debt further? Perhaps you have money in a current account that isn’t being used optimally – lowering debt and hence future payable interest could be a wiser choice.

    Examine your cash cycle, when payments come in and when they go out to pay your creditors. Where does the incoming cash go before it gets allocated? Is there any you can reassign to debt payments?

    Close Up Home Sale Icon With Key Stacked Coins Calculator Math Blocks

    Sell your assets

    Another option for freeing up funds to reduce your business’s debt might be to sell some assets. What do you have money tied up in, but don’t use often enough to justify?

    Any equipment that’s not being used could be sold off. One example could be a builder who has an oversupply of power tools – making a detailed list of all their tools and how frequently they’re used might reveal some surplus assets.

    Make sure you’ve calculated depreciation correctly

    Have you depreciated all the assets in your business that need to be depreciated? It’s important to get these figures correct including the ratio of personal to business use if you use an asset for both.

    For example, a company vehicle will need to be accurately depreciated in relation to its usage over time. We can help you calculate depreciation correctly and also check whether you’re entitled to any tax rebates.

    If you need assistance with paying off your debt, please feel free to contact S & H Tax Accountants. Our Accountants are able to guide you through your debt and advise which strategy would be suitable for you, whether it would be cutting costs or calculating your depreciation. Book a consultation today, call us on 03 8759 5532 or you can email us on info@sahtax.com.au.

  • How to Avoid Costly Inventory Problems

    How to Avoid Costly Inventory Problems

    Inventory is the lifeblood of your business. It is the largest asset on your balance sheet and your company’s biggest revenue-generator.

    It goes without saying that poorly managed inventory can do serious damage to your bottom line. Businesses without clear strategies for streamlining the in and out flow of goods will have trouble meeting their customer’s demands and will see mismanaged stock corrode their profits.

    Follow these tips to ensure your business doesn’t fall prey to common – and costly – inventory problems.

    Implement a system for accurate stock tracking

    Whether you have a modest stockroom or a large warehouse, it’s important to know precisely when products are coming in or shipping out, so you’re able to re-stock efficiently.

    • Factor in lead time when calculating your basic stock, so you don’t run out of a product before new supplies can be delivered – disappointing your customers and missing out on revenue opportunities.
    • Implement an automated inventory management system to track fill rate and inventory returns for all products, and get a better handle on exactly how much stock you have at any given time.

    Avoid excess inventory

    Excess inventory is a financial drain on your business in more ways than one. It costs money in extra overhead, increases insurance costs, and reduces your liquidity – not to mention the space taken up by extra merchandise could be better allocated to more profitable products.

    Here are a few ways efficient inventory management can help avoid the problem of dead stock:

    • Don’t purchase large orders of stock simply because they’re being offered at a discount. It might take much longer than anticipated to sell the products and turn a profit – in the meantime, your order gathers dust in your storage room.
    • Calculate and stick to a realistic safety margin so you only buy what you are reasonably sure you can sell. A good system for tracking sales and profits – and checking it often – is essential to making better buying decisions.
    • Liquidate your overstock by selling products at discounted prices. You also might consider returning excess inventory to your vendor (it may be worth it even if you have to pay a re-stocking fee).

    Prioritize your inventory needs

    You can avoid inventory mismanagement by putting better systems in place to prioritize your inventory needs. You should always know which products have the highest turnover ratios and ensure those items are always on hand.

    One approach is to divide your inventory into three groups (A,B, and C) based on their dollar impact on your business . You’ll get a clear sense of which items to purchase more of and avoid needlessly tying up cash stocking up on the non-essentials.

    Final tips for better inventory control

    If you’re looking into switching to or upgrading your accounting software, look into a solution that includes inventory pricing and availability features. And be sure to invest in training to ensure your staff knows how to use inventory tools – and has a firm handle on overall inventory management practices.

    With enhanced customer data at your fingertips, your business will earn a reputation for personalized service. You’ll be able to respond quickly when a customer calls with a question about a product or an order. And you’ll be able to suggest substitutions and offer valuable add-ons based on their buying preferences, so upselling becomes a snap.

    How will you use accounting software to grow your small business?

    Savvy business owners take the first step toward better profitability when they stop thinking of accounting software as simply a financial management solution and start thinking of it as a comprehensive tool for business growth.

    You may be surprised at the many ways accounting software can help you better serve your customers or improve your sales strategies when you look at its true potential.

    Now that you have a handful of ideas for making better use of your accounting software, what will you do differently to enhance customer care, improve your profits and continue to grow your business?

    Inventory needs and stock tracking are key elements of a business, however in order to maintain these elements, having a good accountant is a must. S & H Tax Accountants is a small firm that prides it self on the service that we provide, as we aim to offer the highest possible level of service to our clients. Our accountants are well-qualified, vastly-experienced and extremely professional. Book an appointment today with S & H Tax Accountant, contact us info@sahtax.com.au or call us at 03 8759 5532.

  • Three Ways an Accountant Can Save You Money

    Three Ways an Accountant Can Save You Money

    Many small business owners think they’re saving money by handling their financials themselves. While it’s a real asset to learn bookkeeping basics, cash flow management and your tax obligations, hiring an accountant to oversee your finances has many benefits. Leaving your books to a pro will free up time so you can focus on serving your clients and implementing plans for growth. Here are a few ways an accounting professional can help you save money that you can reinvest back in your business.

    Finding money

    There’s no one more suited to discovering “found” money than an accounting professional. Hire an accountant to sort your books and systemize your bookkeeping; better record keeping is the easiest way to allow you to quickly see – on a monthly, weekly or daily basis – where your money is going so you can cut costs. Keeping your accounts up to date will also help you understand which of your business investments yield the greatest returns so you can be more strategic about spending. An accountant can spot trends that you can take advantage of to earn greater profits – and even find savings with vendors, staff and operating expenses. Hiring someone to manage your accounts will also reduce the costly errors that are commonplace when business owners try to manually track their expenses.

    Avoid tax penalties

    Your accountant may be your trusted advisor when it comes to staying up to date with the latest regulations for small business taxes. She can also provide you with expert advice on how to maximize your benefits and minimize your taxes each year. Don’t underestimate the cost savings of hiring someone to complete your tax forms correctly and submit them on time. Penalties for small businesses who neglect to file their taxes on time – or at all – can quickly add up; the longer you wait to file, the more interest you’ll be charged and the likelihood you’ll incur additional penalties. A business that is already struggling may not be able to pay a tax fine and find themselves closing their doors. If your small business is ever audited, having an accountant on board will let you rest easy knowing you won’t be hit with a penalty for errors or omissions.

    Business advisory services

    Your accountant possesses business knowledge that can help you make more informed decisions. Rely on your accountant for advice when you draft or revise your business plan; those key insights on assessing profitability will help you move your business in the right direction – and avoid wasting time and money on strategies with a lesser chance of success. Look to your accountant to help you determine your most valuable clients, how much money you need to invest in a growth plan and which marketing strategies yield the best ROI. Having someone you can rely on to help set targets and monitor your progress is an invaluable asset that can help you not only save money, but earn higher profits.

    The bottom line? Your accountant can do much more for you than simple bookkeeping or ensuring you’re on the right side of the tax authorities. Hire a small business accountant and you’ll be doing a lot to help increase your chances for long term growth and success.

    Need an accountant? S & H Tax Accountants, are one of the best firms in Cranbourne. Our team consists of accountants that are well-qualified, vastly experienced and extremely professional. We offer all taxation services for individuals, businesses as well as trusts, we also offer bookkeeping services. Our firm aims to provide all of our clients with the best level of services possible, so that we can reach the outcomes that you desire. Book an appointment today with S & H Accountants, contact us on 03 8759 5532 or you can email us on info@sahtax.com.au