Factor1 Blog
Our Blog contains articles, posts and other materials that have made its way to clients and the public
Circuit Breaker Business Support Package
The Victorian Government recently announced the $250 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package to assist small to medium businesses and sole traders that are unable to operate due to the recent lockdown.
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Australian Federal Budget 2021-22
A plan to invest rather than reform, stimulate rather than surprise.
Australia’s federal government has handed down a pre-election budget focused on stability and recovery
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Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant
A flood disaster recovery grant of up to $50,000 is now available for eligible small businesses or not-for-profit organisations that have been directly impacted by the NSW Storms and Floods from 19 February 2021 onwards (AGRN 954) or from 10 March 2021 onwards (AGRN 960).
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Jobs Victoria Fund
Wage subsidies of up to $20,000 per employee for eligible employers who hire eligible jobseekers.
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API compatible contact tracing now mandatory for business venues and facilities
QR Code/API compliance amnesty ends 23 April
Contact tracing has now become part of our normal lives to help contact tracers in the event a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) is identified.
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Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package
Financial support to eligible businesses impacted by the recent Circuit Breaker lockdown
When the Victorian Government announced the five-day Circuit Breaker Action on Friday 12 February, many businesses were thrown into limbo with a previously anticipated eventful weekend.
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Scams on the rise
The past year has seen an increase in scams, especially during the pandemic.
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Merry Christmas 2020!
We wish you and your family a warm and Merry Christmas. May we all have a bright year ahead of us.
During this festive season, our office will be closed from Midday on the 23rd December and reopen on the 4th January 2021.
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HomeBuilder Grant Extension
Program now extended till end March 2021
On 29 November 2020, the Federal Government announced an extension to the HomeBuilder program to now end on 31 March 2021, but at a lower rate.
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VIC’s State Budget 2020/21
Victoria's budget to repair and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic
With the recent release of Victoria’s 2020/21 budget, it is clear that its priority is to repair, and recover from the damages of the COVID pandemic and make Victoria stronger by putting its people first.
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Small Business Digital Adaptation Program
$1,200 Grants to help businesses go digital
The Victorian government has recently launched the new $1,200 rebate grant to help SMEs go digital. The program will allow eligible businesses to register to trial selected practical digital tools and products to support their trading model and performance. These tools can include point-of-sale payment, website, e-commerce, finance, and other digital business management tools.
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R&D Tax Incentives Program
Important notes for those who have or are applying for the R&D Tax Offset claim
• Be aware that AusIndustry and ATO are increasingly conducting reviews of the R&D offset claims.
• Ensure that you have claimed the right expenses.
• Ensure that you have kept proper records to meet the record-keeping requirements.
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Superannuation Payments Reminder 2020/2021
For employers - Due dates for the current financial year
Super is a compulsory employer contribution to eligible employees calculated from the day they start work. Currently, you are required to pay a minimum of 9.5% of your employees’ ordinary time earnings into super. You must make the payments at least four times a year, by the quarterly due dates.
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WorkCover Key Dates Reminder
For those of you who have employees, here's a friendly reminder of the key dates to submit your certified rateable remuneration to your WorkSafe agent.
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Federal Budget 2020-21 Summary
5 minutes read on Australia’s Economic Recovery Plan
On 6 October the Treasurer delivered the Federal Budget, which will see big government spending on infrastructure, job creation, asset write-offs and personal tax cuts in the coming year as part of Australia’s economic recovery plan from the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19.
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Vic’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Grant & Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
Two new Government Grants now open
This $58 million program aims to support eligible businesses adapt to outdoor dining and entertainment with $5,000 grants that can be used to pay for practical things like umbrellas, outdoor furniture, screens and other equipment.
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blog archive
August & Septmember 2020
JUNE & jULY 2020
May 2020
april 2020
NEW SERVICE: BUSINESS RECOVERY – STIMULUS PACKAGE & GRANTS ASSISTANCE
Our accounting firm has an enormous responsibility to support our clients in a time of need.
Over the last week, we have been keeping our clients updated regarding the many Government Stimulus Packages and other applicable grants.
We have been working around the clock to help clients understand the announcements in the context of their own circumstances.
We anticipate further assistance will be required. We will ensure that we get back to every query to help achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
We appreciate your understanding that we need to recover costs and ensure the viability of the assistance provided. Therefore we have launched the following service, which will be chargeable based on our current hourly rates:
Business recovery – stimulus package and grants assistance
This service is not included within the scope of any current agreements in place with our firm and will be invoiced as a separate item when applicable.
We thank you for your continued support, and together we will get through this difficult time.
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MARch 2020
Dear clients,
We trust both you and your families are taking the necessary care during these unprecedented times. In response to the current situation and the Authority’s advice, please be informed that as of Monday the 23rd of March, Factor1 has changed it’s working arrangements, and all personnel will be working remotely until further notice. Therefore, the office will also be closed for visits during this time.
With this new arrangement, you may experience some processing delays and also delays from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) are highly probable too. We apologise for any inconveniences caused.
To date, the ATO has not announced any official lodgement extension; however, penalties and interest remissions are very likely.
We believe that with everyone’s assistance to minimise the spread of COVID-19, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel soon. Stay safe.
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JAN & feb 2020
Terrific our trophy has arrived from the most recent Xero Awards – Cloud Champion of the Year Finalist.
#XeroAwards #Factor1 #ProgressiveAccountants
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It’s a New Year for change!
- Is your Accountant up with technology & new work practices?
- Are they using software that automatically transforms receipts and invoices into numbers?
- Are they using electronic signing instead of snail mail post?
If the answer is “No”, then come over to Factor1. We are a Xero 2019 Cloud Champion of the Year finalist.
By using the latest technology, accountants can provide a substantially improved experience and drive efficiency. If your accountant has not adapted to change, then they may be out of touch & slow or charging too much for old work practices.
#TimeForChange #TechnologyDrivenAccountants #NewYearsResolution
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NOV & Dec 2019
From all of us at Factor1, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! #Christmas2019 #SeasonsGreetings
Published: December 2019
Thank you for your donations! Your generosity will make this Christmas a very special one for Australian Children living in disadvantage. Now Santa is on his way to make the deliveries! Merry Christmas!
#ChristmasSpirit #ToyBookAppeal #CharityGifts
Published: 10th December, 2019
Factor1 is hosting a gift collection for Australian Children living in disadvantage. If you’d like to help, drop your unwrapped present to us and we’ll match all donations received. Let’s make this Christmas a special one for the kids!
*Donations must be received by Wednesday the 11th of December. Factor1 will match donations to a maximum total value of $1,000.
#ChristmasSpirit #Toy&BookAppeal #CharityGifts
Published: 26th November 2019
October 2019
Xero has announced Factor1 as a Cloud Champion of the Year finalist.
There are several thousand Xero partner accounting firms throughout Australia. We are proud to be one of three finalists.
Thank you to our team and valued clients for their ongoing support. We are continuing to invest in new technology and new practices to deliver a superior client experience.
#xeroawardsfinalist #factor1 #veryexcited
Published: 23rd October 2019
Remuneration includes wages, salaries, superannuation and other benefits you pay to your workers before tax. WorkSafe uses this remuneration amount to calculate your insurance premium.
𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀:
• 25 October 2019 if your remuneration is more than $200,000
• 27 March 2020 if your remuneration is under $200,000
If you don’t provide your certified remuneration by the due date that applies to you, WorkSafe will estimate your remuneration as 20% more than it was the previous year.
If you need help, give Factor1 a call at 1300 886 309
More key dates from WorkSafe: https://bit.ly/2OsNQR9
#WorkCover #WorkSafe #Factor1Reminders
The Australian Tax Office has significantly increased their audit compliance with Superannuation Payments, and the introduction of Single Touch Payroll has further facilitated this. Employee Superannuation must be paid and received by their super fund within 28th day after the end of a Quarter. Failure to pay on time will be costly in many ways.
𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
Q1. (1 Jul – 30 Sep) – Due: 28 October
Q2. (1 Oct – 31 Dec) – Due: 28 January
Q3. (1 Jan – 31 Mar) – Due: 28 April
Q4. (1 Apr – 30 Jun) – Due: 28 July
𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
• Allow for processing time. You should pay at least one week before the due date, ideally 15 days after the end of a Quarter. Put this reoccurring task into your calendar so you won’t forget.
• There have been cases where employers receive warning from the ATO for being just 2 days late.
• If you don’t pay on time, you are liable for the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), even if you make the payment later. This means lodging tedious form to ATO, which will include:
– Super shortfall amounts that are calculated on the full
salary and wage amount which includes overtime,
allowances, etc.
– Interest charge for the late period (currently 10%)
– Administration fee of $20 per employee per quarter
• Furthermore, the ATO has the ability to disallow late payments and impose further penalties, which would result in paying your employees superannuation twice for the same quarter.
• The ATO have investigated in excess of 22,000 employers for late paid superannuation in the first 3 quarters of the 2019 financial year.
• Most importantly, late super payments are non-tax deductible!
September 2019 & Earlier
It’s official. We’ve outgrown our space and have moved next door. Come and visit us at our new space!
New address: Suite 46, Level 3 Building 2, 1 Ricketts Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
#newoffice #Factor1move #biggerbetter
Does your business have employees and you need help implementing the mandatory Single Touch Payroll? Let Factor1 help you with the reporting so you can focus on your bottom line.
#SingleTouch #Factor1