ACT TAX GROUP

20/10/2026

Providing a company car for private use? Your FBT calculation method could make a difference.

The statutory formula method offers a simpler approach, while the operating cost method may result in a lower taxable value when business use is high and the required records are maintained.

So, which method is more suitable?

It depends on your vehicle costs, business-use percentage, and record-keeping requirements.

Comparing both methods can help you make an informed decision while considering the ATO's requirements and your business circumstances.

📩 Need help understanding your FBT obligations? Contact ACT Tax Group for professional guidance based on your circumstances.

📖 Read our full article for more details, or message our page with your questions.

20/10/2026

Arborists: Are your cash and card payments matching your business records?

Before preparing your Business Activity Statement (BAS), it's worth checking that payments received through cash and card transactions are properly recorded and reconciled with your invoices and bank records.

Keeping your records up to date can help you:

✅ Identify missing or incorrectly recorded transactions.
✅ Check that your sales records are complete.
✅ Spot discrepancies before preparing your BAS.
✅ Maintain clearer records for GST reporting.

Remember, the timing of GST reporting can depend on whether your business uses a cash or non-cash accounting basis.

At ACT Tax Group, we help arborist business owners manage their bookkeeping and tax obligations with greater clarity and confidence.

📩 Book a BAS preparation consultation with ACT Tax Group to discuss your arborist business's bookkeeping records and reporting requirements.
📞 Call us: (02) 6190 7828
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.acttaxgroup.com.au

General information only. Your circumstances and GST accounting method may affect your reporting obligations.

20/10/2026

One suitcase. $97 US. A whole new chapter in Australia.

That’s how Lukasz Klekowski, Principal of ACT Tax Group, remembers arriving in Australia.

After building a successful business in Europe, Lukasz made the decision to leave it behind and start fresh in Melbourne.

And the story behind that $97? Let’s just say a coffee was involved.

In this Reel, Lukasz shares a glimpse into his journey from Poland to Australia and the unexpected path that brought him here.

Want to hear the full story? Watch the complete interview on our YouTube channel! You’ll find the link in the comments section. 👇

19/10/2026

Plan, Protect and Manage Your Main Residence Exemption with Professional CGT Planning!

Home office CGT compliance isn't straightforward, and it can be hard to know what impact your business use might have on your main residence exemption.

With professional CGT planning, you can protect your main residence exemption, understand your obligations and uncover deduction opportunities that'll keep your tax position optimised, no matter what business arrangements you implement.

Ready to see how it works? Contact Us to learn more:
📞 Call us: (02) 6190 7828
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.acttaxgroup.com.au

Disclaimer: This post is for general guidance only. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, please consult ACT Tax Group’s qualified tax professionals.

Learn how a home office can affect your Capital Gains Tax exemption. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.

18/10/2026

Monthly BAS Reminder: 21 October 2026

If your business reports GST monthly, your September 2026 BAS is generally due for lodgment and payment by 21 October 2026.

Before lodging, take a moment to review your records:

✅ Reconcile your transactions – Check that your sales and expenses match your bookkeeping records.
✅ Review GST amounts – Make sure GST on sales and purchases has been recorded correctly, where applicable.
✅ Check your tax invoices – Ensure you have the required supporting documentation for GST credits you're entitled to claim.
✅ Review your BAS figures – Check for missing transactions, duplicates, or potential reporting errors.

Keeping your records organised can help support accurate BAS reporting and make it easier to identify issues before lodgment.

💬 Need assistance with your September monthly BAS? Book a BAS preparation and lodgment appointment with ACT Tax Group.
📞 Call us: (02) 6190 7828
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.acttaxgroup.com.au

📌 Important: This reminder applies to businesses reporting monthly. Quarterly BAS deadlines differ, and individual lodgment arrangements may affect your due date.

General information only. This post does not constitute personalised tax advice.

16/10/2026

Electricians, paying business expenses upfront? Here's something worth knowing.

Paying for your business insurance, licence renewals or annual subscriptions in one go doesn't always mean you can claim the full amount as a tax deduction straight away.

Some prepaid expenses may qualify for an immediate deduction, while others may need to be claimed over the period they cover.

The correct treatment depends on the type of expense, the applicable tax rules and your business circumstances.

💡 A useful tip: Keep your invoices, payment records and details of the coverage or subscription period. These can help when reviewing your deductions at tax time.

Not sure how your prepaid business expenses should be treated?

📩 Book a business tax consultation with ACT Tax Group to discuss the treatment of prepaid expenses and deductions for your electrical business.
📞 Call us: (02) 6190 7828
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.acttaxgroup.com.au
Disclaimer: This post is for general guidance only. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, please consult ACT Tax Group’s qualified tax professionals.

14/10/2026

Working from home and wondering which expenses you may be able to claim at tax time?

For the 2025–26 income year, eligible taxpayers can use the ATO's fixed rate method to claim 70 cents per hour worked from home.

But there are a few important things to remember. 👇

✅ Keep a record of your actual hours worked from home throughout the income year.
✅ Keep evidence of relevant expenses, such as electricity, internet and phone bills.
✅ Avoid claiming expenses separately if they're already covered by the fixed rate.
✅ Eligible work-related equipment may be claimed separately, depending on the applicable deduction rules.

💡 The actual cost method may also be worth considering, depending on your circumstances.

Not sure which method is appropriate for you?

📩 Message ACT Tax Group or read our full article to learn more about working-from-home deductions.

14/10/2026

How does the Tax-Free Threshold relate to Starting Your Arborist Career?

According to Australian tax law, new arborists can retain significantly more of their take-home pay when they understand threshold claiming rules.

Building tax knowledge that helps you keep more of what you earn does as much for your financial wellbeing as proper safety gear does for your physical wellbeing.

Want to learn how? Contact Us to learn more:
📞 Call us: (02) 6190 7828
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.acttaxgroup.com.au

Disclaimer: This post is for general guidance only. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, please consult ACT Tax Group’s qualified tax professionals.

Learn how the tax-free threshold affects your first year as an arborist and what it means for tax return. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.

13/10/2026

Running an arborist business often means using your phone and software for everything from customer enquiries and quotes to scheduling jobs and managing invoices.

But what happens when some of those expenses also involve personal use?

For eligible business expenses, you may be able to claim the business-related portion, depending on your circumstances.

A few record-keeping habits can help:

✅ Keep invoices and receipts for phone plans and software subscriptions.

✅ Track how much of each expense relates to business activities.

✅ Use a reasonable method to separate business and private use.

✅ Keep supporting records for your calculations.

Clear records can make it easier to work out which expenses may be deductible and support your claims at tax time.

Not sure how to account for mixed-use expenses in your arborist business?

📩 Book a business tax consultation with ACT Tax Group to discuss eligible phone and software expenses.
📞 Call us: (02) 6190 7828
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.acttaxgroup.com.au

*General information only. Tax deductibility depends on your individual circumstances and applicable ATO requirements.*

12/10/2026

Providing a car for employee use? The way you calculate FBT matters.

When a company car is available for private use, Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) may apply. But did you know there are two methods for calculating its taxable value?

✅ Statutory Formula Method: Uses a standard 20% rate and generally involves less record-keeping.
✅ Operating Cost Method: Takes actual vehicle costs and business use into account. It may result in a lower taxable value when business use is high, but more detailed records are required.

💡 So, which method should you use?
It depends on your vehicle costs, business use, and available records. Comparing both methods can help you make a more informed decision.

Need to determine the appropriate FBT calculation method for your business? Book a professional FBT consultation with ACT Tax Group to assess your vehicle arrangements and compliance requirements.

📩 Send us a message or read our full article to learn more.