Guides

Plain answers to the bookkeeping, GST and BAS questions small businesses ask.

1. 22 October 2026 Xero alternatives in Australia: what to look for in 2027 Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online, spreadsheets plus an accountant, and AI bookkeepers compared by the job you need done, with vendor prices as at October 2026.
2. 15 October 2026 Does a family trust need to lodge a BAS? A family trust generally lodges a BAS only if it is registered for GST or has PAYG withholding. It lodges a trust tax return every year either way.
3. 8 October 2026 How to do your first BAS (Simpler BAS, step by step) Most small businesses report three GST figures on the BAS: G1 total sales, 1A GST on sales and 1B GST on purchases. Here they are, with an example quarter.
4. 1 October 2026 Do you need a tax invoice to claim GST? Yes, for any purchase over $82.50 including GST you must hold a valid tax invoice to claim the GST credit. Here is what counts and what to do without one.
5. 24 September 2026 Do I need to register for GST on a rental property? Usually not for residential rent, which is input taxed and doesn't count toward the $75,000 threshold. Commercial rent does count, and it changes the answer.
6. 17 September 2026 Commercial property and GST: rent, outgoings and the BAS Registered landlords charge GST on commercial rent and on outgoings the tenant pays, and claim GST on costs. The BAS figures, with a worked quarter.
7. 10 September 2026 What does a bookkeeper actually do, and do I need one? A bookkeeper records and sorts your business's money so the BAS and tax return can be done. Whether you need one depends on how much you want to do yourself.
8. 3 September 2026 Side hustle and a day job: keeping the books for both Side hustle income goes on the same tax return as your wages. How to tell business from hobby, what records to keep, and when GST and PAYG instalments start.
9. 27 August 2026 Paid a business expense on your personal card: how to record it Record it as the business's expense and show where the money came from: the owner's own money for a sole trader, a loan from you for a company or trust.
10. 20 August 2026 Getting your books ready for your accountant What to have ready at year end: reconciled accounts, coded transactions, receipts, clear loans and drawings, an asset list and a BAS that matches.
11. 13 August 2026 Bookkeeping for several rental properties without losing track Keep each property's rent and costs separate, sort repairs from capital items as they arrive, and split shared costs and loans on a basis you can explain.
12. 6 August 2026 Dormant company: what the ATO and ASIC still expect A dormant company still owes ASIC an annual review fee and a solvency resolution, and the ATO a tax return or non-lodgment advice. Here is the list.