Understanding the economic indicators that impact your business
Confused by the economic indicators shared in the media? Know the numbers that matter for your business with our back to basics guide. Read More…
Understanding the economic indicators that impact your business
Confused by the economic indicators shared in the media? Know the numbers that matter for your business with our back to basics guide. Read More…
FBT 2023 and hybrid workforces with MGR Accountants Group
For business owners, FBT 2023 might involve some complex calculations. Get across changing covid exemptions and keep your hybrid workforce compliant. Read More…
3 ways to increase business profit in 2023 with MGR Accountants Group
Discover 3 ways to increase business profit in a year of economic uncertainty by starting with sales, pricing and costs. Read More…
The NSW Government has announced a $1bn support package for struggling NSW small businesses. Read More…
Tax Issues for Businesses Providing Benefits to Staff at Christmas
After a tough year of lockdowns and restrictions, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, many bosses may wish to treat their employees to a bigger than usual Christmas party or gift as a way of saying thank you. Read More…
Extra super step when hiring new employees
Where your business hires new workers from 1 November, you'll no longer be able to open default super accounts for employees who don't nominate a super fund. Read More…
Director Identification Number
The Australian Government has announced the introduction of a new mandatory Director Identification Number (DIN/director ID) as part of the Modernising Business Registry (MBR) Program. Read More…
Support for the Construction Industry
A new support package has been announced to provide cash grants to businesses in the construction sector Read More…
Further Lockdown Support Available for NSW Businesses
The NSW and Federal Governments have released a series of measures to support business during extended lockdowns of four weeks or more. Read More…
Further Lockdown Support Available for Victorian Businesses
A new series of grants have been announced to support Victorian business. Here’s what we know so far: Read More…
What lockdown support is available for VIC?
The Victorian Government has announced new cash grants for individuals and businesses impacted by the lockdown declared on 15 July 2021. For full details of the support and the eligibility criteria please READ MORE Read More…
What lockdown support is available to NSW business?
If your business has been adversely impacted by the recent lockdown in NSW, support is available but there are limitations. Read More…
2021 EOFY Tax Reporting Obligations for Businesses
With the new financial year having just commenced, businesses should be focusing on their 2020/21 EOFY tax reporting obligations and changes
that apply from 1 July 2021 which include:
Read More…
What lockdown support is available?
If you can’t work because you or someone in your household is impacted by COVID-19, there is support available, but it comes with fairly strict eligibility criteria. Read More…
In this months update read more about work from home expenses being under scrutiny & the perils of browsing Facebook. Also see what changes you can expect to see July 1 and other tax news updates Read More…
The 2021-22 Federal Budget is a balancing act between a better than anticipated deficit ($106 bn), an impending election, and the need to invest in the long term. Read More…
A recent Family Business Australia survey revealed that whilst 81% of business owners intend to retire in the next 10 years, less than one
third of these businesses have any sort of succession plan in place.
Evidence suggests that the succession of many family funeral businesses could be chaotic, messy, and more often than not, litigious.
Read More…
All the information you need on JobKeeper payments not included in annual turnover, GST on reimbursement by tenant of landlord expenses, Instant asset write off on primary production assets, Deductions for vacant land and GST on new residential premises. Read More…
Budget 2020-21: The Road to Recovery?
MGR's in depth summary into the 2020-21 Federal Budget announcements and what they mean for you. Read More…
A Guide to Victorian Business Grants
A summary of the state government support that is available, as well as links to further information.
Read More…
The first allotment of JobKeeper ended on 27 September 2020. We look at the issues for those seeking to qualify for the second allotment of JobKeeper and for those no longer eligible. Read More…
Fairer Lease Conditions for Small & Medium Businesses
The Victorian Government is making it easier for small business owners to get their security deposits back faster and making leases easier to understand, under changes to the Retail Leases Act passed in Parliament Read More…
JobKeeper: From 28 September 2020
The first allotment of JobKeeper ends on 27 September 2020. Those needing further support will need to reassess their eligibility and prove an actual decline in turnover.
Read More…
$3bn+ Victorian Business Support Packages: What we know so far
This week the Victorian Government has announced new support packages delivering over $3 billion in cash grants, tax relief and cashflow
support. Here is what we know so far..
Read More…
Temporary Fair Work Rules Extended
JobKeeper 2.0 legislation was recently passed by parliament. The new bill included changes which will allow qualifying employers and legacy employers to continue to access temporary Fair Work Act provisions for a further six months... Read More…
The NSW Government has recently announced that small businesses will benefit from a new $45 million grant program designed to cushion the economic impacts of the southern border closure. Does your business qualify? Read More…
All the information you need on the Super Guarantee Amnesty ending, lower company tax rates, changes to genuine redundancy payments, claiming tax deductions for business travel expenses, reasonable travel allowances, FBT taxi travel expenses exemptions and claiming a tax deduction for personal super contributions.
Effective from the fortnight beginning 3rd August 2020, the JobKeeper rules have recently been extended to allow additional employees to qualify. Read More…
The Treasurer has today expanded access to JobKeeper. Does this assist your business? Read More…
$5K Business Victoria Support Expansion Grant
To support Victorian businesses impacted by renewed and increased restrictions, one-off grants will be made available to eligible businesses under the Business Support Fund – Expansion program. Does your Business qualify? Read More…
The Government has announced an extension of the JobKeeper program to 28 March 2021 but with tighter access and reduced rates. We’ve
summarised the key details for employers.
Read More…
Victorian Government Announce Freeze to Fees, Charges & Levies
The Victorian Government has today announced a freeze to fees, Charges and levies to help reduce financial burden caused by the coronavirus crisis. Read More…
Mandatory Code of Conduct on Commercial Leasing
The Government have announced a mandatory Code of Conduct which outlines a set of principles commercial landlords and tenants must operate within when negotiating relief for tenants experiencing financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More…
Alternative JobKeeper Turnover Decline Tests
The ATO has released alternative JobKeeper “turnover decline” tests for entities that are unable to compare their turnover to the 2019 period. Do they suit your business' circumstances? Read More…
Applying for the JobKeeper Payment- A Step by Step Guide
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released a step by step guide on how to enrol and apply for the governments JobKeeper payments. Are you eligible and how can you apply? Read More…
Victorian Government Announce $10,000 Grant for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
The State Government have announced a range of assistance measures to support businesses and keep Victorians in work. Here's what you need to know. Read More…
The $1,500 JobKeeper Package- What You Need to Know
The Australian Government yesterday released a $130 billion JobKeeper Package to keep staff employed. Here is what you need to know. Read More…
MGR would like to provide you with an update about the plans we have in place to ensure that we continue to maintain our high level of service to you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More…
The Stimulus Package: What You Need to Know
The Government has announced a $17.6 billion investment package to support the economy as we brace for the impact of the coronavirus. What do you need to know... Read More…
Have you Purchased a Luxury Car, Boat or Racehorse in the Last 5 Years?
The Tax Office has lifestyle assets under the microscope, so if you’re in the enviable position of being able to purchase a luxury car, boat or thoroughbred horse, be aware the ATO is data matching to keep track of these purchases Read More…
Do You Have or Need Income Protection Insurance?
Do you currently have or need Income Protection? If you are looking to apply for income protection insurance now is a good time to do so.
Significant changes are coming to the life insurance market in Australia that may impact you.
Read More…
Festive, Restive or Pensive? Your Christmas Cash Flow
Christmas time can be a make or break period for some types of businesses, retailers, accommodation, wholesalers & the information and communication sectors for example experience their peak sales at this time. For other industries this can be an especially tough time of the year with many business owners experiencing low demand, staff absences and supply disruptions... Read More…
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from the team at MGR! Read More…
December Edition of The Business Accelerator Magazine
Don’t miss our December edition of the Business Accelerator Magazine, full of articles and news about growing and nurturing your business Read More…
Proposed Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty Extension
Have you fallen behind on your Superannation Guarantee obligations? Legislation enabling the Superannuation Guarantee amnesty that was proposed back in May 2018 is before Parliament right now and if enacted, will apply from the original amnesty announcement ... Read More…
Don't Invite The Tax Man to Your Christmas Party
With just five weeks until Christmas, we bet you’re already thinking about how you and your team are going to celebrate the silly season. As
a business owner, you might want to thank your employees and clients for a great 12 months by throwing a Christmas bash or buying a few
well-thought gifts. But whilst playing Santa is a great idea for boosting morale, it can have hidden tax implications. Don’t get caught with
an unforeseen tax bill this Christmas; follow our simple guide to Christmas parties, gifts and Australian tax law.
Read More…
Why Do Business Start-Ups Fail?
Businesses fail for a multitude of reasons. Lack of sales and cash flow, inadequate capital and failing to adapt to change can all contribute to the collapse of a business. Let's explore some of the major reasons why business start-ups fail. Read More…
How to Improve your Website Ranking and Results
Consumer behaviour has changed and your website is now your marketing hub. In this article we look at three key website issues that confront most business owners - not enough website traffic, poor conversion of leads to sales and a lack of strategy… Read More…
What to Do About A Bad Google Review
We know we can’t please all of the people all of the time but with 72% of consumers reporting trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations it can feel really damaging to receive a poor online review. Despite your instinct to try and get it deleted there are other courses of action open to you... Read More…
New Financial Year Brings Change
With the end of financial year now behind us let’s look at a couple of things to address to tidy up last financial year and plan for 2019/20. Namely - Single Touch Payroll and the Immediate Asset Write-Off Changes. Read More…
Tax Office Launches Tip Off Service
The Tax Office has introduced a Whistle Blower Hotline encouraging people to 'dob in' business owners they suspect are operating in the black economy. The Hot Line went live on the 1st July 2019. Read More…
Is Your Business Green & Growing Or Ripe And Rotting?
No business can afford to get complacent. If you are adopting the SALY (Same As Last Year) approach, you may discover your business is ripe and rotting, not green and growing…. Read More…
ATO Expects to Visit 1,800 Businesses in Black Economy Blitz
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has identified specific locations as ‘risk areas’ in each state to target small business looking for evidence of black economy activity. Is your business likely to be one of them? Read More…
Thinking of Renovating Your Investment Property?
Creating wealth through an investment property is a well-established practice in Australia. Of the approximate 9 million residential dwellings in this country, almost 25% are rental properties. Read on for our renovation tax tips Read More…
Don’t miss our latest newsletter which is chockablock full of articles on:-
Tax Planning & Tax Return Checklists
The Federal Budget Round Up
Buyer Beware! – Before You Buy a Business
Thinking of Renovating Your Investment Property?
The Importance of Local Search for Small Business Owners
ATO to visit 1,800 Businesses in a Black Economy Blitz
And don’t forget, Single Touch Payroll becomes mandatory for all Australian employers from today – watch our short webinar in a previous
blog to bring you up to speed….
Read More…
Webinar on Single Touch Payroll
Welcome to our Webinar on Single Touch Payroll. In this webinar we outline what every employer needs to know about the introduction of Single Touch Payroll in Australia. Read More…
Buyer Beware - Before You Buy a Business
Caveat emptor! It’s Latin for ‘let the buyer beware’ and it serves as an important message for people looking to buy a business… Read More…
As the end of another financial year approaches we have created a Tax Planning Guide for 2019 which highlights some end of year tax planning opportunities to help you minimise tax and take action on any items required pre June 30. Read More…
Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs)
One of the primary reasons behind SMSF's popularity is the fact that members have greater control over their range of investments, the ongoing management fees and ultimately their tax liability. Read More…
WANT MORE WEBSITE TRAFFIC? How Small Businesses Can Leverage the Power of Local Search
Whenever you are looking for a product or service in your local area you are probably going to Google it. In this FREE Webinar and article we look at how small business can leverage the Power of Google's Local Search Read More…
FREE Webinar on Starting a Business
Starting a Business is an exciting time, but there are so many things to consider it's hard to know where to start. In this Free 30 minute Webinar we examine the processes and pitfalls when Starting Your Own Business.... Read More…
Single Touch Payroll and Small Employers
In ‘the biggest compliance issue since GST’ small employers (less than 20 employees) need to get on board with the ATO’s Single Touch Payroll system from 1st July 2019 to report employee’s superannuation and tax withholding on a pay by pay basis. Find out what you need to do now…. Read More…
The Foundation Stones of a New Business (Part 8) - Your Website
For a business start-up, your marketing could be the difference between boom, gloom and doom. In the digital and social age your website is the hub of all your marketing … Read More…
The Foundation Stones of a New Business (Part 7) - A Marketing Plan
For a business start-up, your marketing plan could be the difference between boom, gloom and doom. Let’s look at the marketing essentials to get you off to a flying start. Read More…
Bookkeeping may not be everybody’s idea of fun, but it is an essential and unavoidable task in the success of your business. We look at 6 common bookkeeping mistakes and how to avoid them…. Read More…
Happy New Year from MGR Accountants
Happy New Year!
The staff at MGR Accountants wish you every success for 2019 and we'll be full throttle from Monday 14th January.
In the meantime, wherever the road takes you financially this year we’ll be there to support you. Dream big. And if those dreams include
Starting or Buying a Business this year, we’ll help you every step of the way....
Read More…
How to Reduce Your Business Risk
Running your own business can be rewarding. You get to follow your passion, choose who you work with and potentially make more money. It sounds irresistible with the flexibility, independence and freedom, however, there is a catch. There are risks but there are also strategies to help reduce those risks… Read More…
Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s coming up to the Holiday Season and you might be thinking of throwing an office break up party or providing your staff with Christmas presents. Without being The Grinch, there are Fringe Benefits Tax implications for both of these scenarios that you need to be aware of. Read More…
Cash Flow – The Lifeblood of Your Business
With Christmas and the holiday season fast approaching, businesses may find their cash flow suffering particularly if current invoices don't get paid until February next year. This can be catastrophic for seasonal businesses so let’s look at some ways to help improve your cash flow. Read More…
Tax Office Launch Mobile Strike Teams
The Tax Office has deployed what they refer to as "mobile strike teams" to uncover business owners attempting to avoid tax, especially to target the cash economy. With plans to visit some 10,000 small businesses in the 2019 financial year nationwide, this follows on from their earlier successful blitz of cash-centric suburbs around Australia. To this end we outline some of the common mistakes the ATO has recently observed. Read More…
Cents per Kilometre Rate Change
The rate for work-related car expenses has increased for the income year starting 1 July 2018. It is now 68 cents per kilometre.
This applies if you have chosen to use the cents per kilometre method for calculating work-related car expenses and will remain in place until the Commissioner decides it should be varied.
If you are paying your employees a car allowance in excess of 68 cents per kilometre, you need to withhold tax on the amount you pay over 68 cents.
Read More…
Financing Your Start Up Business
One of the most challenging aspects of starting a new business is sourcing finance. Once you know how much funding you require it’s time to explore your finance options and there are 6 sources of funding available. Read More…
The 2019 Live for Lily Charity Bike Ride is coming up. Read More…
The Foundation Stones of A New Business (Part 6) Legal Issues & Contracts
There are numerous issues to consider when starting a new business. In this article we examine one of the most important issues, the need for legal advice and guidance with contracts, leases and other legal matters. Read More…
Expand Your Customer Base With Facebook Advertising
Facebook remains every marketer's dream, with access to around 15 million users Australia wide. Advertising on Facebook may provide your business with the opportunity to expand your customer base without costing an arm and a leg. Read More…
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, recently passed intestate (no Will) leaving a purported estate worth US$80 million. A number of claims from interested parties have already been lodged against the estate, which highlights the importance of having a Will. Let’s look at the administrative taxation process involved when you’re left to deal with a loved one’s estate. Read More…
What’s on the ATO’s Hit List this Year?
The ATO has indicated they are casting a wider net when it comes to claims for home office expenses, work-related expenses and ride-sharing income. Find out what’s under the microscope this financial year. Read More…
Law Changes Impacting Business Owners
As a business owner and employer there are a number of legislative changes that came into effect on July 1, 2018 which you need to be aware of including Single Touch Payroll, the continuation of the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amnesty, increased Minimum Wage Rates as well as changes to Penalty Rates and the Unfair Dismissal Threshold. Read More…
The Foundation Stones of A New Business (Part 5) A Business Plan and Cash Flow Budget
Eureka! You’ve had that brilliant idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and one of those important issues is having a Business Plan and Cash Flow Budget. Read More…
ATO Warns Against Just Claiming 'Standard Deductions'
The Tax Office warns individuals and business owners not to claim ‘stock standard’ deductions on their tax returns this tax time. Taxpayers mistakenly claim expenses not directly related to their work. Read More…
The Foundation Stones Of A New Business (Part 4) The Right Business Insurances
Before you start your new business there are numerous issues to consider. One of the most important issues is making sure you have adequate and appropriate insurances. Read More…
The Foundation Stones Of A New Business (Part 3) The Right Business Registrations
It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and you’re hit with an idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you must navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those importance issues is making sure you carry out the right business registrations. Read More…
How to Turn Your Website from an Electronic Billboard into a Marketing Machine (Part 3)
In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of Headlines, a Live Chat feature, Testimonials & Social Media Links. Read More…
Don’t Leave Profit On The Table
Profit is the way we keep score in business. It is achieved through making the right management decisions and it impacts on your business valuation. You simply can't afford to leave any profit on the table. Read More…
Single Touch Payroll reporting starts from 1 July 2018
From the 1 July 2018 all employers with 20 or more employees will be required to report to the Australian Taxation Office through Single Touch Payroll (STP) enabled software. Read More…
Welcome to Central Victorian Technology Services (CVTS)
Two of Bendigo’s leading IT Service providers merge to create Central Victoria’s largest managed IT service company. Read More…
2018-19 Federal Budget Overview
The Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, handed down his third Budget on the evening of Tuesday May 8th. We provide a round-up of the changes that may impact you or your business. Read More…
The Foundation Stones Of A New Business (Part 2) The Right Accounting Software
It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you have to navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is the right accounting and bookkeeping software. Read More…
Catherine McAuley College Careers Night
Anthony Cappy & Matthew Sherlock advise the younger generation on becoming an accountant in the future. Read More…
Cyber Breach & Security Information Afternoon
MGR Information Technoloy hosted a Cyber Breach & Security Information Afternoon at the Julie-Anna Centre in Bendigo. Read More…
End of Financial Year Tax Planning Guide
The end of another financial year is fast approaching. Our 2018 Tax Planning Guide for the end of the 2017/18 financial year highlights some end of year tax planning opportunities which you may wish to consider before June 30, 2018. Read More…
How to Turn Your Website from an Electronic Billboard into a Marketing Machine (Part 2)
In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of Calls to Action and Lead Magnets. Read More…
The Foundation Stones Of A New Business
It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and you’re hit with an idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you must navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is the right business structure. Read More…
Strategies for Passing Control of Assets in a Family Trust
Estate and succession planning these days needs to go a little bit further than wills establishing testamentary trusts (that is trusts established on death under a will). The reason for this is that many people’s affairs are more complicated as a result of controlling wealth rather than owning it, as well as having personal circumstances that do not reflect the traditional nuclear family. Read More…
How to Turn Your Website from an Electronic Billboard into a Marketing Machine (Part 1)
In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of blogs, mobile responsiveness and video content. Read More…
A Reporting Change for Employers - Single Touch Payroll
All employers need to perform a headcount as at 1 April 2018 to determine when they need to implement the latest ATO digital initiative - Single Touch Payroll. Employers with 20 or more employees will need to start reporting through Single Touch Payroll from 1 July 2018. Let’s look at what employers need to be doing right NOW. Read More…
Last weekend our team Peter Mulqueen & Kelly McDermott attended the 2018 AFDA Convention. Read More…
When Can You Access Your Super?
Can’t I use my superannuation? This is a very common question we get asked and in this post we look at what the government restrictions are on accessing your super and the impact of preservation age. Read More…
Half of Australian Small Businesses Don’t Have A Website - Surely Not!
According to a recent Telstra survey, only 50% of Australian small businesses have a website. Surely this can't be true! With the same report finding that 62% of customers will stop considering a small business if they can't find information about it online - there can be no doubt that having a website is a fundamental weapon in your marketing arsenal. Read More…
ATO Audits – A Blitz on Cash-Based Businesses
The ATO recently conducted a blitz in specific suburbs around the country where it identified a suburb as having 'high cash economy risk behaviours'. Due to its success, the Tax Office will maintain its audit focus on cash-based businesses. Could yours be next? Read More…
Franchising is big business in this country and while buying into a franchise can often be promoted as a ‘gold mine’, the reality is, franchises can also fail. Let’s examine some of the most important things you need in place when buying a franchise. Read More…
Cash is King, make no mistake, but managing cash flow remains a constant challenge for today's small business owners. In this article we examine the differences between cash flow and profit and the importance of understanding your numbers to maintain a positive cash flow. Read More…
Small Business Income Tax Concessions
We focus on the “income tax” concessions for small businesses. Read More…
In this article we go through the traps and significant importance of the new superannuation rules.
Read More…
The New Notifiable Data Breach Scheme – Is Your Business Ready?
We’ve all heard about the increasing prevalence of data ‘breaches’ and ‘hackings’, but is your business ready for the notification obligations that are soon to become law? Read More…
2017 Merry Christmas from MGR Advisory Group
Merry Christmas from MGR Advisory Group Read More…
Website Essentials if You're Looking for New Customers
Your marketing could be the difference between Gloom, Doom or Boom in 2018. We outline 4 Website Essentials you need if you're looking for new customers. Read More…
The Gift of Giving: FBT Free Benefits at Christmas
We highlight the tax implications of holding a Christmas party (on-site or off-site), along with details of providing staff with Christmas gifts. Read More…
MGR in the Top 100 Accounting Firms
MGR achieved a placing at number 69 in this list for Top 100 Accounting Firms in the Australian Financial Review. Read More…
A big thank you to our clients that attended the 2017 MGR Annual Client Event. Read More…
The Warning Signs of a Cash Flow Crisis
Cash flow is the life blood of any business. In fact, it can be the difference between success and failure with a lot of business owners walking a tightrope. Let’s briefly examine some of the most common causes of a cash flow crisis. Read More…
Tax Deductibility of Commercial Website Expenses
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) have provided clarification regarding the deductibility of costs relating to commercial website expenses.
Read More…
Industries with the Highest Work-Related Expense Claims
The highest expense claiming industry claimed three times more than average... The variation in work related expenses is significant and supports the fact that every industry is different. Read More…
What Is This Thing? This Inbound Marketing?
There has been a fundamental shift in the way consumers make their purchasing decisions. The availability of free, high-quality information online has changed the way consumers buy and Inbound marketing has replaced traditional Outbound marketing methods. Read More…
Getting The Right Business Structure
As a business owner it is important to separate your personal and business risk. It is also important to optimise your tax position. The starting point for these objectives is to ensure your business is appropriately structured. Read More…
Personal Property Security Register Case Study: ABN vs ACN
It's extremely important to accurately record all details when registering your security interest on the Personal Property Security Register as this case study demonstrates. Read More…
Tax Update - Reduced company tax eligibility / Rental Property deductions
Our latest Tax Update outlines the eligibility requirements that companies must satisfy to be entitled to the reduced tax rate of 27.5%, and also explains changes to tax deductions for residential rental properties. Read More…
MGR Information Technology make a generous donation to the Bendigo RSL in support of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute revitalisation project. Read More…
New Location for our Castlemaine Office
MGR's Castlemaine office is relocating. Read More…
The team at MGR Advisory group wear casual clothes and donate to Daniher's Drive, let's cure MND. Read More…
We are pleased to provide you with a summary of some of the recent tax changes that may impact you and your business. Read More…
Inbound Marketing is designed to earn the attention of potential customers and draw them to your business. But is it right for your business and can it deliver more customers for less investment of your time and money? Read More…
How To Build Your Email Subscriber List
As a savvy business owner, it’s important to use email marketing. The benefits of Email Marketing almost sound too good to be true – a 4300% ROI for starters! This article will guide you through the first step – how to build your email marketing subscriber list. Read More…
7 Trends Rocking Video Marketing in 2017
Video is no longer an option for businesses looking to grow, it’s essential. These are the video marketing trends that you need to be aware of in 2017 to stay ahead of your competitors. Read More…
A Great Day 'Defining Success' with our Panellists
MGR Advisory Group was delighted to work with Womeni.s.e. and Be.Bendigo to host a panel discussion on ‘Defining Success’ at The Capital Theatre. Read More…
What You Think You Know About Work Clothing Tax Deductions... Is Wrong!
Over the past five years, claims for uniform and laundry tax deductions have increased. The ATO had sat up and take notice. The ATO AC, Kath Anderson has stated that too many taxpayers’ beliefs around how to claim clothing deductions are wrong. Here, we provide helpful advice and tactics to ensure you're getting your tax deductions right. Read More…
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
You might be surprised to know the range of assets you can actually finance. While cars, trucks and equipment are items commonly financed, it is possible to finance boats, buses, planes, computers, dental chairs and office fit outs. Read More…
Tax Time: The Work-Related Expense Claims the ATO is Watching This Year
Australians claimed about $23 billion of work-related expense deductions in 2015/16, however, the ATO believe a significant proportion of this amount is the result of over claiming of expenses.
As a result, the ATO have stated that they will be monitoring higher than expected claims. These are the areas you should brush up on to keep your work related expenses clear.
Read More…
New Simpler BAS from 1st July 2017
From 1 July 2017, eligible small businesses will automatically transfer to Simpler Business Activity Statements. Read More…
Bendigo Business Excellence Awards
Congratulations to Frankie & Co Clothing, Elmore Bakery and Signarama for their awards at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Read More…
Sunday penalty rates will change from 1st July 2017. Here's what SMEs need to know. Read More…
Scam Emails targeting ASIC Customers
Scammers pretending to be from ASIC have been emailing Registry customers asking them to pay fees and give personal information.
Read More…
7 Deadly Wins to Lead Generation
Your website looks good, but it’s not getting visitors, generating leads and converting to sales.
The primary difference is that the brochure style websites are all about the company, while lead generation websites are all about the customer.
Let’s examine the seven must-have online marketing tools that can help you turn your old website into a lead generation machine.
Read More…
EOFY Tax Planning Strategies for SME’s
We examine some of the strategies that business owners can put in place prior to the end of the financial year to reduce their tax liability. Read More…
2017-18 Federal Budget: What it means for you
Whether you are a business owner, investor, or an individual with or without family, our 2017-18 Federal Budget guide will help you understand how it impacts you. Read More…
Airbnb is big and getting bigger. We answer the most common questions on the taxation implications, deductions and declarations around renting out all or part of your property on this very popular service. Read More…
Deductibility of Website Costs
When building a new website or investing in a website makeover or upgrade, it’s important to understand that not all website expenses are immediately fully tax deductible. Read More…
The 2017 Federal Budget was announced. Here we provide you with a summary of the key announcements. Read More…
Disclosure of Tax Debts by ATO to Credit Reporting Agencies
From July 1, 2017 the ATO will be allowed to disclose the tax debt information of businesses to credit reporting agencies unless they Read More…
SMEs Come Under the ATO Microscope
Over 400 SMEs are about to receive a visit from the ATO as part of a crackdown on cash based businesses. Here are some ways to avoid attention. Read More…
Congratulations to the Live for Lily Bike Riders
After 8 long days and 1,300kms from Sydney to Melbourne, the Live for Lily charity bike ride has come to an end.
Read More…
Uber is looking for more drivers and Airbnb is seeking more hosts but what are the implications of becoming part of this new ‘sharing' economy’? Read More…
Live for Lily Ride - Day 7 & 8
Live for Lily charity bike ride is coming into its last two days! Read More…
Avoid these Common Errors on Your BAS
There is clear evidence that business owners continue to struggle to complete their Business Activity Statements (BAS). All too often they are penalised for failing to Read More…
Live for Lily Ride - Day 5 & 6
Live for Lily charity bike ride day 5 progress update and where the group are off to for day 6. Read More…
Day 4 of the Live for Lily bike ride Read More…
Day 3 of the Live for Lily bike ride Read More…
Day 2 of the Live for Lily bike ride Read More…
Live 4 Lily bike ride is just days away from the start of their 1,300km journey from Sydney to Melbourne. Read More…
If you are employing staff in Australia for the first time, this fact sheet will help you understand your tax and superannuation obligations. Read More…
MGR Advisory Group joins with Hi Tech ICT
MGR Advisory Group are pleased to announce our merger with Hi Tech ICT. Read More…
Is Your Website Generating New Business?
It wasn’t that long ago that most websites were simply electronic brochures. They simply listed the who, what and where of the business but times have changed. Read More…
Managing cashflow is crucial to running a successful business
Monitoring your cashflow and planning accordingly is important at every stage of the business lifecycle. Read More…
How to Get Your Business Off to a Flying Start
Starting a business can be a maze of research, registrations and red tape. No amount of passion can guarantee your business success but the proverb, ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’ serves as both great advice and a warning for new entrepreneurs. Read More…
Live for Lily Charity Ride Update
With just over 50 days to go, Jason has been training hard to make sure he is in peak condition for this challenging, but very worthy, bike ride. Read More…
New tax rates for working holiday makers
From 1 January 2017 tax rates are changing for working holiday makers Read More…
More Website Traffic with Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
When Google displays its search engine results page they display three different types of results including organic, pay per click and local search results. Let’s explore how they all work. Read More…
Your website should effectively be your home base on the internet but how does it actually work and what is hosting and domain names? Read More…
Your Online Presence in the Digital Age
In the digital age your online presence could make or break your business. While your website should be at the hub, your digital presence needs to extend beyond a website. Read More…
Merry Christmas from MGR Advisory Group
Merry Christmas from all of the staff here at MGR Advisory Group. We wish you and your family a safe and happy festive season full of fun, rest and rejuvenation. Please note that this office will close at 3pm on Friday 23 December 2016 and will re-open at 9am on Wednesday 11 January 2017 Read More…
Client Event with David Parkin
A big thankyou to all those who attended our client event with special guest David Parkin. Read More…
Is Your Business Dependent Upon Key People?
While many organisations depend on key people, too few understand the level of risk that the business faces by relying exclusively on certain individuals to be available to fulfil important roles. Read More…
Spending Patterns in Retirement
Today’s retirees are spending more money compared to retirees of similar age surveyed 8 years ago! Read More…
On the 1st of April Jason Harvey along with 19 other will head off on a charity ride over 19 days from Sydney to Melbourne. Read More…
Negative Gearing Traps Exposed
Creating wealth through purchasing a negatively geared investment property is a well established practice in this country. We have identified some common areas where property investors often trip up including claiming interest on loans. Read More…
Business Structures – The Family Trust
In Australia there are a range of business structures available and in this blog post let’s specifically look at the family trust option. Read More…
Well done to the MGR Advisory Group team that participated in the recent Bendigo Bank Fun Run. Read More…
The ATO Tax Rates are changing, which means you need to work out the new amount to withhold from payments made to employees or payees from the 1st October 2016. Read More…
MGR Staff Reach Great Milestones
Aimee Semmens & Kerryn Hamilton received flowers from MGR Accountants as a congratulations for reaching great milestones with MGR Accountants. Read More…
ATO Focuses on Rental Property Deductions
The ATO have said they will be paying close attention this year to deductions claimed by rental property owners. Read More…
Thinking of Buying a Business?
Starting a business can be a mine field and the risks are high which explains why so many budding entrepreneurs look to buy an existing business or franchise operation rather than start from ‘scratch’. Read More…
7 Myths About Employee/Contractor Arrangements
If you use contractors in your business, make sure you don’t get caught by some common employee/contractor myths. Read More…
The Right Foundations for Your New Business
As any entrepreneur will tell you, starting or buying a business involves research, risk, passion and planning. To be successful you need to make the right opening moves and over the years we have helped hundreds of clients navigate their way through the business start-up maze. Read More…
Apprentices and Students Tax Return Offer
With the new financial year and tax time now upon us, we are pleased to offer apprentices and students the special price of $66 for preparation and lodgement of your 2016 Income Tax Return. We can provide you with a fast and reliable service and our well trained advisers can help you achieve best tax outcomes. Read More…
Is Your Handbag Tax Deductible?
Can your handbag purchase be claimed as a tax deduction? Possibly, under the right circumstances. Read More…
Bedsheets and Spreadsheets: Succeeding in Family Business
As part of the Small Business Festival, MGR Advisory Group is proud to host the Family Business Australia seminar "Bedsheets and Spreadsheets - Succeeding in Family Business" on Thursday, 11th August 2016. Read More…
2016 End Of Financial Year Tax Planning Strategies
With the end of financial year fast approaching, we have released our latest blog containing some useful tax planning strategies. Read More…
Become an Empowered Mobile Business
More businesses are beginning to utilise the power of mobile technologies to increase the efficiency of their staff and the business as a whole. But what are the implications for the organisations overall technology platform? Read More…
Convert Relationships into Sales
The successful businesses of the future are the ones who are continuously investing in mutually beneficial relationships today. However, how do you manage the workload required to maintain and keep track of these relationships and convert them into sales? Read More…
Is Your Business a Technology Minimalist?
When many businesses first start out the technology that is put in place can often be minimal. Does the technology you have in place reflect the proper status of your business or undermine it. Read More…
The Federal Budget for 2016-17 has been released. Here, we provide you with a summary of the key announcements. Read More…
Starting a Business - Do the Numbers Stack Up?
That ‘light bulb’ moment and idea for your new business is exciting but it's only the beginning of the journey for an entrepreneur. The moment of truth is identifying all the costs you will incur before you open the business doors. Will you need to source loans and how much? Read More…
When you're investigating buying a business it's important to do a detailed review of the business's operations, finances, reputation and industry as part of what is called the ‘due diligence’ process. Read More…
In the fourth and final blog from our recent ‘Your Business Improvement Series’ seminar, we tie together the lessons from our previous blogs in this series to discuss how referral machine businesses win new business through their key relationships naturally without pressure or coercion. Read More…
In the third blog from our recent ‘Your Business Improvement Series’ seminar, we discuss how referral machine businesses nurture and invest in their key relationships so that they evolve under their own right rather than through pressure and coercion. Read More…
In the second blog from our recent 'Your Business Improvement Series' seminar, we further examine how to turn your business into a referral machine. In particular we discuss building instant rapport. Read More…
Turn Your Business into a Referral Machine
MGR Accountants held the first seminar in the 'Your Business Improvement Series' last week. Over the next few weeks we will share some of the learnings from the seminar via a series of blog posts, starting with this first post - Turn Your Business into a Referral Machine. Read More…
Small Business Restructure Rollover
The Government is currently considering the implementation of the “Small Business Restructure Rollover”. This new income tax rollover, it if becomes law, will present many new opportunities for businesses to change their operating structure without adverse tax implications.
Read More…
Helping You With Your Online Marketing
As accountants, the number one thing our business clients want is advice to help them grow their business. In the digital age we believe the secret to growth is marketing and it could be the difference between boom and gloom for any business. Read More…
Grow Your Business by Increasing Process Efficiency
In this final post in the series we look at the fourth way to grow your business - increase the effectiveness of each process in your business. Read More…
Is Your Domain Name Perfect for Your Business?
When you went searching for the perfect domain name to match your business, was your first choice available or did you have to compromise because all the best names were gone? Read More…
How to Increase Your Average Sale
Every entrepreneur wants to grow their business but there's no simple formula that guarantees success. In this series of posts we are up to the third way to grow your business, how to increase the value of each sale. Read More…
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Read More…
Stand up, speak out and act to prevent violence against women and children. Read More…
How To Increase the Number of Times Customers Come Back
Clearly, everyone wants to grow their business. Unfortunately there is no magic potion or silver bullet but we do know there are only four ways to grow a business. In this blog we examine the second method, how to increase the number of times a customer comes back and buys from you. Read More…
Last night MGR Accountants sponsored BeStella's first event "Courage or Confidence", with a very motivational guest speaker Fabian Dattner.
We would like to say a big thank you to everyone at BeStella for a wonderful evening and the opportunity to be involved.
Read More…
If You're Thinking of Buying a Franchise ...
Buying a franchise might sound like a guaranteed money spinner but some recent media reports suggest this isn't the case. Read More…
MGR Accountants are proud to partner with beStella
MGR Accountants are proud to partner with beStella Read More…
The Federal Government has brought forward the start date for new farm tax breaks, effective immediately.
Farmers would now be able to deduct the full cost of water facilities and fencing in the year in which they were purchased.
Read More…
Lessons from the Shark Tank (Part 3)
If you're looking to raise capital from investors there are some valuable lessons to be learnt from the TV show, Shark Tank. Read More…
Lessons from the Shark Tank (Part 2)
The latest Australian season of Shark Tank on television emphasised the importance of knowing your business' numbers. Read More…
Lessons from the Shark Tank (Part 1)
If you're looking to raise capital from investors there are some valuable lessons to be learnt from the TV show, Shark Tank. Read More…
Thinking of Starting a Handyman Business?
Starting any business necessitates research, risk, passion and planning. However, a great idea, loads of talent or enthusiasm is not enough to guarantee business success in the digital age. Read More…