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![Retirement planning - it's not all about the money Retirement](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Retirement-planning-its-not-all-about-the-money.png)
Retirement Planning: It’s Not all About the Money
Retirement is often a massive life change for the majority of people who experience it
![How fringe benefits tax works FBT](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/How-fringe-benefits-tax-works.png)
FBT – How Fringe Benefits Tax Works
FBT is separate to income tax. It’s calculated on the taxable value of the fringe benefit
![Tax-Alert-Dec-23 Tax Alert](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tax-Alert-Dec-23.png)
Tax Alert December 2023
The ATO is getting back to business with it’s lenient approach during the pandemic over, it’s focus now is returning to traditional debt collection
![super recontribution recontribution](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/super-recontribution.jpg)
How a Super Recontribution Strategy Could Improve Your Tax Position
The main reason for implementing a recontribution strategy is to reduce the taxable component of your super and increase the tax-free component
![Rental](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rental-Investor.jpg)
Rental investor? How to Get Your Tax Return Right
Extra care is needed when lodging returns with rentals
![Scammed Scammed](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Scammed.png)
What to do if You’ve Been Scammed
Know that you are not alone and you can recover from this. There is support available, if and when you need it
![Simple_ways_to_save_money Save](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Simple_ways_to_save_money.png)
Simple Ways to Save Money
Find out how to save money every day and make a savings plan to stay on track
![Three_simple_steps_for_financial_wellness Financial Wellness](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Three_simple_steps_for_financial_wellness.png)
Financial Wellness – Three Simple Steps
Taking direct action with your finances will greatly improve your chances of achieving investment success over the long term
![Get your SMSF Shipshape for EOFY SMSF](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Get-your-SMSF-Shipshape-for-EOFY.jpg)
Get your SMSF Shipshape for EOFY
The ATO is focussed on fixing a number of issues when it comes to SMSFs
![Employee_share_schemes Employee](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Employee_share_schemes.png)
Employee Share Schemes
In an employee share scheme, you get shares or can buy shares in the company you work for
![23 Federal Budget 2 Budget](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23-Federal-Budget-2.jpg)
Federal Budget 2023-24: Focus on Tax
Tax measures were less central to this year’s Federal Budget than they have been in recent years
![23 Federal Budget Budget](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23-Federal-Budget.jpg)
2023-24 Federal Budget Analysis
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered the first Budget surplus in 15 years along with help for those struggling with the cost of living
![working from home 2 working from home](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/working-from-home-2.jpg)
Changes to Working from Home Deductions
Important Changes to the Way Working from Home Deductions are Claimed for 2023
![How-to-Tap-into-a-World-of-Exporting-Possibilities Exporting](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/How-to-Tap-into-a-World-of-Exporting-Possibilities.jpg)
How to Tap into a World of Exporting Possibilities
Exporting can provide your business with benefits such as improved productivity, increases in sales and profits, new customers and potential growth opportunities
![2022_year_in_review 2022](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022_year_in_review.jpg)
2022 Year in Review
As a new year begins, many families will be glad to put 2022 behind them and although challenges remain, we look forward to better times ahead
![Wills_and_powers Will](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Wills_and_powers.png)
Wills and Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney is a document where you give someone else the legal right to look after your affairs for you
![Digital_and_skills Digital](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Digital_and_skills.png)
Digital and Skills Tax Incentives Return
The Government has opened submissions for a 120 percent deduction for tech and training investment, bringing previous Federal Budget announcements one step closer to becoming reality
![Crackdown on GST Fraud Fraud](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Crackdown-on-GST-Fraud.jpg)
Crackdown on GST Fraud
The Serious Financial Crime Taskforce and Australian Federal Police (AFP) have executed numerous warrants against suspects, with a GST fraudster recently jailed for three years
![ATO_focus_on_rental_properties Rental](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ATO_focus_on_rental_properties.jpg)
ATO Focus on Rental Properties
The tax office estimates it’s missing out on around $1.5 billion due to over-claiming of rental property expenses and omission of rental income
![Side hustle Side hustle](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Side-hustle.jpg)
Tax and Your Online Side Hustle
As we move towards a cashless society and transact more online, it’s becoming easier for the ATO to follow the money trail.
![Tax-Alert-Sept-22 Tax Alert](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Tax-Alert-Sept-22.png)
Tax Alert September 2022
The ATO is currently refreshing its approach to the traditional fixed rate method of calculating work from home deductions
![A Super Window of Opportunity Super](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A-Super-Window-of-Opportunity.jpg)
A Super Window of Opportunity
Using the existing First Home Super Saver Scheme, people can now release up to $50,000 from their super account for a first home deposit
![Tax Alert Jun 22 Tax Alert](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Tax-Alert-Jun-22.jpg)
Tax Alert June 2022
With attempted GST fraud on the rise and certain family trust payments under a cloud, the tax regulator is stepping up scrutiny of more transactions
![Combine_your_super Combine](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Combine_your_super.png)
Combine Your Super into One Account to Save
Before you change out of a super fund, there are few things you need to do
![Federal Budget Budget](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Federal-Budget.jpg)
Federal Budget 2022-23 Analysis
A balancing act Billed as a Budget for families with a focus on relieving short-term cost of living
![Avoid the Rush - Get Ready for June 30 June 30](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-the-Rush-Get-Ready-for-June-30.jpg)
Avoid the Rush: Get Ready for June 30
Starting early is essential if you want to make the most of the opportunities on offer when it comes to your super and tax affairs
![A great time to reassess your career Career](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/A-great-time-to-reassess-your-career.jpg)
A Great Time to Reassess Your Career
The pandemic is fueling a trend that has become known as ‘The Great Resignation’ or ‘The Big Quit’
![SMSFs and property -What are the rules Property](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SMSFs-and-property-What-are-the-rules.jpg)
SMSFs and property: What are the rules?
Before you join the trend and start adding property investments to your SMSF, there are some important rules you need to be aware of
![Tax deductions for your home-based business Home-Based Business](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tax-deductions-for-your-home-based-business.jpg)
Tax Deductions for your Home-Based Business
Expenses claims for a home-based business will depend on how your business operates
![Tips to help you achieve your professional goals in 2022 Goals](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tips-to-help-you-achieve-your-professional-goals-in-2022.jpg)
Tips to Help You Achieve Your Professional Goals in 2022
Goals, they’ve either become so onerous that we don’t care anymore, or we simply don’t have the time – life and work often get in the way. How about professional targets, do you set yourself professional goals as well as personal? Do you consider how you’re going to work smarter this year, is work-life balance…
![2021 Year in Review 2021](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2021-Year-in-Review1.jpg)
2021 Year in Review
For the second year running, the pandemic was the focus for policy makers, markets, businesses, and individuals alike
![STP Changes Ahead STP](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/STP-Changes-Ahead.jpg)
Single Touch Payroll (STP) Changes Ahead
Under STP Phase 2, employers will be required to report additional information on or before each pay day
![December 21 Tax Alert Tax Alert](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/December-21-Tax-Alert.jpg)
Tax Alert December 2021
Taxpayers need to be aware their financial affairs will come under renewed attention in the year ahead
![The_new_Director_ID Director ID](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The_new_Director_ID.jpg)
The New Director ID: Do You Need One?
If you’re a director or want to become one, you will need to apply for the new Director Identification Number
![How the ATO mines your data ATO](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/How-the-ATO-mines-your-data.jpg)
How the ATO Mines Your Data
Some of the most powerful computers in the country are matching data from just about every facet of a taxpayer’s financial life
![Future proofing your career Career](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Future-proofing-your-career.jpg)
Future Proofing your Career
By furthering your education, you’ll future proof your career and feel more empowered tackling the changes you face
![Tax Benefits of Shares Shares](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Tax-Benefits-of-Shares.jpg)
Tax Benefits of Shares – Frankly Speaking
After falling off in the early days of the COVID pandemic, share prices and dividends bounced back strongly in the year to June 2021
![SMSFs closing the age and gender gap SMSFs](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/SMSFs-closing-the-age-and-gender-gap.jpg)
SMSFs Closing the Age and Gender Gap
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have emerged from a difficult year stronger than ever
![To Lease or Buy a Business Asset Lease](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/To-Lease-or-Buy-a-Business-Asset.jpg)
To Lease or Buy a Business Asset?
Whichever way you are leaning – buy or lease – it’s important to review your business cash flow, your future growth plans and the current business and economic outlook
![Budget Budget](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Budget.jpg)
Federal Budget 2021-22: Focus on Tax
A wide range of tax cuts and incentives for individuals and small business are designed to shift the economic recovery up a gear.
![Good Records Records](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Good-Records.jpg)
Good Records the Best Defence when the Tax Man Knocks
When it comes to the tax audit process, the ATO has significant powers
![Stay Safe From Scams Scams](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Stay-Safe-From-Scams.jpg)
Stay Safe From Scams
While scammers can be conniving and convincing, it’s important to err on the side of caution
![Tame Your Inbox Inbox](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Tame-Your-Inbox.jpg)
Tame Your Inbox For Greater Productivity
Rather than being ruled by your inbox, make email work better for you with a few tweaks
![Turn Redundancy Into Opportunity Redundancy](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Turn-Redundancy-Into-Opportunity.jpg)
Turning Redundancy Into Opportunity
If you are offered redundancy, how can you turn a potentially bad situation into a new opportunity?
![Contractor or Employee Contractor or Employee](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Contractor-or-Employee.jpg)
Contractor or Employee: Which Are You?
Deciding if you are a contractor or an employee can be complex
![Soaring to success in 2021 Success](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Soaring-to-success-in-2021.jpg)
Soaring to Success in 2021
The start of a new year is a great time to reassess where you are in life, your career or business
![2020_year_in_review 2020](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2020_year_in_review.jpg)
2020 Year in Review
After the year that was, a return to something close to normal can’t come quick enough
![Christmas Christmas](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christmas-2020.jpg)
Maybe Just Maybe, Christmas is a Little More in 2020
As we look towards the festive season after what has been quite a challenging year for many, we need to consider how this celebration too might change
![Our Changing Relationship Relationship](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Our-Changing-Relationship.jpg)
Our Changing Relationship Status…with our Devices
It’s not just the time we are spending online that’s being impacted, our relationship with technology is evolving as we adapt to the changing world around us
![September 20 Tax Alert September](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/September-20-Tax-Alert.jpg)
Tax Alert September 2020
Many small business owners and sole traders will be breathing a sigh of relief following the extension of the JobKeeper scheme until March next year
![Cash Flow Boost Cash Flow](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Cash-Flow-Boost.jpg)
Cash Flow – Could your Business Do with a Boost?
The Boosting Cash Flow for Employers scheme is a temporary measure for small and medium-sized employers
![Ins_and_outs_of_SMSF_property_investing SMSF](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Ins_and_outs_of_SMSF_property_investing.jpg)
Ins and Outs of SMSF Property Investing
If you are thinking about buying a property for your SMSF, you need to consider the investment issues involved
![Tradies_insurance Tradies](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Tradies_insurance.jpg)
Tradies: How Does Your Insurance Measure Up?
Most tradies work in a far more dangerous environment than any white-collared worker, so the chances of an accident are greater. A report by a major Australian insurer in 2017 showed that the occupations with the most insurance claims are carpenters and electricians.i Cover for the self-employed To make the topic of insurance even more…
![Tax_concessions_for_small_business Small Business](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Tax_concessions_for_small_business.jpg)
Tax Concessions for Small Businesses
A key concession for small business entities is lower company tax rates
![Recognising_your_greatest_asset Asset](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Recognising_your_greatest_asset.jpg)
Recognising your Greatest Asset: You
The key to reaching great heights is recognising that you are one of your greatest assets
![A Year_in_review 2019](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/A-Year_in_review.jpg)
2019 Year in Review: A year of Highs and Lows
2019 delivered far better returns than Australian investors dared hope for at the start of the year
![Making_the_most_of_your_break Holiday](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Making_the_most_of_your_break.jpg)
Holiday on the Horizon: Maximising your Break
Taking a holiday can replenish your physical and mental health, as well as increase your efficiency
![Unwrapping_the_joys_and_pitfalls_of_giving Giving](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Unwrapping_the_joys_and_pitfalls_of_giving.jpg)
Unwrapping the Joys and Pitfalls of Giving
Giving to those in need or to those you love can be rewarding but it’s important to understand the implications for both giver and receiver
![Get-some-wins-on-the-board Business Reporting](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Get-some-wins-on-the-board.jpg)
Get Some Wins on the Board with Effective Business Reporting
Knowing how to report effectively could be the way to business success.
![Keeping_on_the_right_side_of_SMSF_rules SMSF Rules](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Keeping_on_the_right_side_of_SMSF_rules.jpg)
Keeping on the Right Side of SMSF Rules
Ensure your superannuation fund meets its compliance responsibilities
![Small Business Small Business](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/5-signs-of-a-welll-run-business.jpg)
Five Signs of a Well-run Small Business
Here are five simple steps you can take to ensure your business is running smoothly
![Managing_your_side_hustle Managing_your_side_hustle](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Managing_your_side_hustle.jpg)
Managing your Side Hustle
There are a few general rules for managing the finances related to your side hustle that you should consider
![The_art_of_negotiation Negotiation](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/The_art_of_negotiation.jpg)
Mastering the Art of Negotiation
Mastering the art of negotiation could help reap the benefits in your business or personal life.
![STP_reporting_clock_is_ticking STP](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/STP_reporting_clock_is_ticking.jpg)
The STP Reporting Clock is Ticking
STP is a key part of the ATO’s plan to digitise and streamline tax and super reporting
![Your_life_in_numbers Life in Numbers](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Your_life_in_numbers.jpg)
Your Life in Numbers
App culture has made it easier than ever to access and meaningfully collate and interpret data
![Tax_man_sizes_up_clothing_claims Clothing Claims](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tax_man_sizes_up_clothing_claims.jpg)
Tax Man Sizes Up Clothing Claims
Clothing deductions are likely to bring your tax return right under the ATO’s spotlight
![The_power_of_a_mentor Mentor](https://spenceraccountants.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The_power_of_a_mentor.jpg)
The Power of a Mentor
Fostering a relationship with the right mentor can make all the difference in terms of your own professional development