Elphinstone Stevens Pty Ltd

10/10/2026

💳 ATO CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS – DELAYED

The Federal Government has stepped in and delayed the ATO’s planned move to stop accepting credit card payments for tax bills.

The change, originally due from 1 December 2026, will now be delayed until 30 June 2027, with the Government temporarily covering the additional costs.

This is a welcome reprieve for small businesses that use credit cards as a cash-flow management tool when tax bills fall due.

The longer-term solution is still to be determined, but at least businesses have been given some extra breathing space for now.

We’ll keep you updated as more details come through.

03/10/2026

🏆 Congratulations TJ & Bree! 🏆

A fantastic achievement taking home Gold – Best Café at the 2026 Tasmania Hospitality Awards for Excellence! 👏

We’re proud to see our clients recognised for the hard work, passion and commitment they’ve put into Lanigan’s in such a short time.

Congratulations to the whole Lanigan’s team — very well deserved! 🥂🍾

30/09/2026

🚨 NOTE: CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS TO THE ATO BEING REMOVED

The ATIO have announced today that from 30 November 2026, the ATO will no longer accept credit card payments for tax obligations, saying it would not be appropriate for the government to absorb the cost of credit card merchant fees. 💳❌

Yet Australian businesses are still expected to absorb these same fees as a cost of doing business. 🏪💰

Small and family businesses are already managing significant cost pressures. 📈

👉 If it’s not appropriate for government to absorb these costs, there should be a fair conversation about why businesses are expected to do so.

Send a message to learn more

29/09/2026

📈 RBA RATE RISE – TIME TO REVIEW YOUR NUMBERS

The RBA has increased the cash rate by 0.25% to 4.60%, the fourth rate rise this year. The RBA says inflation remains too high, with some cost pressures continuing to build.

For many of our small business and farming clients, higher interest rates can have a much bigger impact than just the monthly mortgage repayment.

💰 Now is a good time to:
* Review business loans, overdrafts and equipment finance
* Check your cash flow and upcoming commitments
* Revisit budgets and profit margins
* Consider whether debt should be reduced or restructured
* Farmers should review finance costs against commodity prices, input costs and expected cash flow
* Speak to us before making major investment or borrowing decisions

With costs already under pressure, cash flow is king.

A small change in interest rates can make a significant difference when you’re carrying substantial business or farm debt.

If you’re concerned about how the latest rate rise could affect your business, give us a call. We’re happy to work through the numbers with you.

25/09/2026

Some of the team made a quick dash to the MCG for a photo for our Footy Colours Day! 😜🏉

More importantly, it was great to get behind the Cancer Council and raise some much-needed funds. We’ve donated over $1,000 — not a bad effort, even though we do have a few Collingwood supporters in the team! 😂🖤🤍

Great work, team! ❤️

https://www.footycoloursday.com.au/fundraisers/ElphinstoneStevensPtyLtd/footy-colours-day-2026-workplace?ref=ch_3UGpDaC1ciwZAa8a0JDe6gan

19/09/2026

🚨 Card surcharges are changing from 1 October 2026

If your small business currently adds a fee when customers pay by card, there’s an important change coming.

From 1 October 2026, no-surcharge rules will apply to Visa, Mastercard and eftpos.

But this isn't just about turning off the surcharge.

Now is the time to:
✔️ Review your pricing and margins
✔️ Check what you're paying your merchant provider
✔️ Compare payment providers
✔️ Update your EFTPOS, invoicing and online checkout systems
✔️ Consider the impact on your cash flow and profitability
✔️ Where practical, encourage customers to use lower-cost payment options such as bank transfer or PayID

The RBA is also introducing changes to interchange fees and greater transparency around payment costs from 1 October, so it's worth reviewing your arrangements rather than simply accepting your current fees.

For small businesses, every percentage point matters.

If you’re unsure how the changes could affect your business, talk to Elphinstone Stevens before 1 October.

General information only. Your circumstances may be different, so please contact us for advice specific to your business.

18/09/2026

🏆 Huge congratulations to our long-standing clients, Dixons Pharmacy, on being named VIC/TAS Pharmacy of the Year and then taking out the National Pharmacy of the Year!

We’ve been proud to work with the Dixons family across generations, and it’s fantastic to see their hard work and dedication recognised at the highest level.

Congratulations to Kathryn and the whole Dixons pharmily! 👏❤️

20/08/2026

✨ A huge congratulations to Chelsea from Chelsea Grace Beauty! ✨

From all of us at Elphinstone Stevens, we couldn’t be more proud to see you recognised as a Bronze POP Rewards Clinic with O Cosmedics! 🥂🏆

What an incredible achievement — and even more impressive as a solo therapist! Your dedication, passion and commitment to your clients, their skin and ongoing education truly shines through in everything you do.

It’s wonderful to see your hard work recognised, and we hope you have the most amazing time celebrating at the Inskin Beauty Expo and POP Rewards Dinner. You’ve absolutely earned that beautiful crystal trophy! 🥹✨

Congratulations, Chelsea — this is such a fantastic milestone, and we’re excited to see what’s next for Chelsea Grace Beauty. 💕👏

13/08/2026

🗳️ Running for the upcoming local council elections? Know the tax rules!

If you're standing as a candidate in a Tasmanian local council election, some campaign expenses you personally pay may be tax deductible. 💰

Generally, eligible election expenses can be claimed up to $1,000 per election.

This may include costs such as:
📣 Advertising
🖨️ Printing and flyers
📍 Posters and campaign materials
📋 Other expenses directly related to contesting the election

🧾 Keep your receipts and invoices so your tax adviser can check what is eligible.

⚠️ Remember: a tax deduction reduces your taxable income — it doesn't mean you get the expense back.

*General information only. Your individual circumstances may affect the tax treatment.

Deductions for the costs of contesting parliamentary and local government elections, and union elections.