If you’ve been worried about having not met your Business Activity Statement (BAS) lodgement deadline, there’s no need to panic.

Every entity lodging a quarterly BAS is entitled to an automatic extension of time to lodge their December 2017 BAS until 28th February, 2018.

In each of the other three quarters of the year, this four week extension is only available if you lodge through a Registered Tax Agent (like myself) – but the ATO recognise that the Christmas and New Year period bring other priorities – how nice of them?

But, this does mean that you may have two payments to the ATO due in February if you also lodge a monthly IAS (Instalment Activity Statement) – so please ensure you have budgeted for this if it applies to you.

Regards

If you haven’t already, now is a great time to start planning your training for the year.

It doesn’t matter where you sit within your organisation, everyone has room for improvement.

My mindset has always been “be your best” – the very best version of yourself on any given day with the resources you have at your disposal.

So whether it’s professional training, a software update or working on your soft skills – plan, learn and implement.

What’s on your training agenda for the year?

Regards

Tomorrow is 26th January, the day we celebrate Australia Day.

It is a national public holiday and this year sees us all enjoy a three day weekend (who doesn’t love a three day weekend?)*

Across the country communities will gather to hear from Australia Day Ambassadors,  welcome new Australian citizens, and to acknowledge those within our communities who go the extra mile with the annual Australia Day Awards.

For the third year running I am proud to be the MC of the Australia Day ceremony in my hometown of Warrnambool.  If you’re in the area you can join in the official ceremony from 10am – 12 noon and then stay until 4pm for the entertainment – thankfully the weather is looking great.

Whatever your plans this Australia Day, please enjoy yourself and be safe.

*I realise not everyone gets to enjoy a three day weekend, and I absolutely acknowledge those of you who will be working this weekend!

Regards

Schools across the country head back soon and this is your timely reminder that the reduced speed limit in school zones is 40km per hour!

But what about the back to school sales? How can you use them to your advantage?

Obviously parents need to fill their book lists, but if you have the capability, now is a great time to stock up on supplies your children will need later in the year. Apart from getting a bargain, having stock on hand is a fabulous chance to reduce your stress levels when little Johnny needs a glue stick but it’s 9pm on a Sunday night…

We also know that kids seem to start growing as soon as the school uniforms are purchased – how about using lay-by to purchase the next size up? Most lay-by options offer an 8 week payment plan which gives you around two months to complete your purchase.

If you’re in business, these sales can help you and your budgeting too!  There is no harm is stocking up on pens and paper (or whatever your stationery requirements are).  Things that never go out of style or date and that are used regularly can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost in the “Back to School” sales.  I also like to idea of picking up one of the  pretty pens and notebooks that are currently on offer.

How will you be availing of the back to school sales?

Regards