You might have just returned to work or your business after the Christmas break;

You might be still enjoying a holiday;

You might be preparing to send the kids back to school…or to school for the first time;

But there’s one more thing I need to add to your “to do” list…your 2014 tax return!

If you prepare and lodge your tax return yourself, without the assistance of a registered tax agent – then your tax return was due on 31st October, 2014 – so if you haven’t yet lodged it, you need to hurry along!

However, those of you registered with a tax agent can avail yourself of the lodgement concessions for using a tax agent – this means it is likely that your tax return is due on 15th May, 2015 (please note that your actual lodgement date depends on your personal circumstances and should be confirmed with your tax agent).

I know that seems like ages away…but experience has taught me one thing…time flies!

Take a look at your calendar, mark off the public holidays, add in a sick day or two and perhaps a “mini-break”…and all of a sudden it’s May!

If you haven’t yet lodged your 2014 tax return, I encourage you to do yourself and your tax agent a favour by gathering your information and making an appointment as soon as possible.

Regards

In case you missed it…I recently celebrated my 40th birthday…and it looks like I’m still celebrating!

Yesterday I received a magazine in the mail which is part of a subscription I received as a gift – I’m so excited!

As an accountant, I need to do LOTS of reading to keep up to date with the legislation, rules and regulations affecting our industry, so it’s nice to sit back and relax with something “non-work” related.

But did you know that there are actually some instances where you may be eligible to claim a tax deduction for a magazine subscription?

You may be able to claim a deduction if:

• The magazine or journal is directly related to your income earning activities
• The magazine or journal is not general in nature
• You pay for the subscription yourself (ie: it is not reimbursed)
• The amount does not form part of a fringe benefit arrangement

It’s definitely worth discussing with your tax agent.

Regards

OMG…it’s here already!?

I truly hope that each and every one of you have had a safe and happy Christmas and new year…my thoughts are with those in the fire danger areas of Australia…and I ask you all to take a moment to thank the very courageous fire fighters who risk their lives for our safety…thankyou xo

Over the holiday period I made a huge decision and in 2015 I’ll be pushing myself further from my comfort zone – I have booked myself into a writing course in Paris later in the year…this means I’ll be travelling on my own (which is a big challenge to someone who is hearing impaired and often relies on those close to help with communication…) plus I’ll be tapping into my “creative” side by working with words instead of numbers.

As I made this decision and started planning my trip, I put the call out on my personal Facebook page for others to think of, and commit to, a challenge of their own – and now I’m asking you too!

It can be anything – it may be business or personal – but it needs to be something that you don’t always do – and it needs to be something for YOU!

I’d love to hear all about it, so please keep me posted…

Now…let’s get into 2015!

Regards