Should you have a SMSF?

Clear Vision • November 5, 2014

Meet Teneille!

We would like to introduce our latest and greatest Client Services Adminstrator. Teneille will be assisting Melissa ensuring our clients receive efficient and superior service.
Teneille and her partner have 2 gorgeous little girls, she moved here from Cairns (yes…beautiful, tropical Cairns!!); although she is from Toowoomba originally. Teneille is passionate about personal development and the power of assisting others in their own path of self development and growth.
Say Hi to Teneille next time you call!

Should You Have a SMSF?

The term Self Managed Super Fund is thrown around a lot more now than it ever used to be and with good reason. If you are thinking that you should probably start a SMSF yourself then you should at least get the facts and make an informed decision.

We are seeing more and more clients who are interested in being involved in their superannuation and what it can do. The reason is obvious – it’s probably the second largest asset base you will own – after your home! Clients who are interested in investments generally like the control and flexibility that SMSF’ s offer and with the recommended minimum balances changing they are gaining in popularity. But be aware, with benefits comes greater responsibility and administration must be managed correctly. There are many traps for unwary clients and inexperienced advisors – there’s more to this than just lodging a tax return.

So should you start a SMSF? Call me today to gain better understanding of SMSF’s and a cost analysis.

9.5% Quarterly Super Contributions

The next quarterly super contributions are due by the 28th January 2015 and the minimum super guarantee is now 9.5%. The government has deferred future planned rate rises, so the super guarantee will remain at 9.5% until 1 July 2012.

SuperStream can now be used for employers with more than 20 employees and must be implemented by 30 June 2015. Employers with fewer than 20 employees can start using SuperStream from 1 July 2015 and have until 30 June 2016 to implement it.
If you are finding SuperStream confusing call me today and together we can find the best solution for your business.

Seminars – What Next?

Christmas is almost upon us so we will be winding up our seminars for the year. Our last Marketing Seminar presented by John Gray was extremely popular – we are hoping all those who attended have gained a new understanding of the power of online marketing!

We will start the seminars again next year and are currently booking some new and exciting guest speakers. I would love some ideas for 2015 – what would you like to see?
These free seminars are opportunities for businesses to learn new skills as well as network with other like minded local businesses.

Business Development Camp

By the time March 2015 rolls on I will have promoted the Global Business Camp at least 50 times….that is how highly I rate these camps!
The camp provides you with the opportunity to have 3 days with a Clear Vision Accountancy Group client manager working on YOUR business. Together we can build your business to ensure strong growth whilst providing you with the steps to take it to the next level.
For more information contact Justin Searle today.

By Caroline Gillies March 26, 2026
More data doesn’t mean better decisions. Many business owners are drowning in numbers but starving for direction, tracking everything and understanding nothing. The result? Decisions based on gut feel, cash flow surprises, and growth that looks good on paper but doesn’t actually strengthen the business. Vanity metrics can be misleading. Total revenue, website traffic, or social media likes might feel positive, but they don’t always reflect real performance or profitability.  Real KPIs tell a different story. They give you clarity, control, and confidence in your decisions. While every business is different and the right KPIs will vary, here are some examples of powerful KPIs businesses often track: • Profit Margin – Are you actually making money? • Cash Flow – Do you have enough cash to operate and grow? • Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) – What does it cost to win a new customer? • Debtor Days – How quickly are you getting paid? • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) – How much is each customer worth over time? If you’re not tracking the right numbers for your business, you’re essentially flying blind. Because success isn’t about more data—it’s about the right data.
By Caroline Gillies March 1, 2026
From 1 July 2026, the Federal Government will introduce one of the most significant changes to superannuation administration in recent years: “Payday Super.” These reforms fundamentally shift how and when employers meet their Superannuation Guarantee (SG) obligations. What’s Changing? Under the new rules, SG contributions must be paid at the same time as salary and wages and received by the employee’s super fund within seven business days of payday. This replaces the current quarterly payment system. The changes apply to all eligible employees, including those captured under the expanded definition of “employee,” and extend to salary sacrifice amounts and other qualifying earnings (QE). Employers will calculate SG at the legislated 12% rate on QE, which includes ordinary time earnings and relevant additional payments. Contributions remain subject to the Maximum Contribution Base, limiting employer liability to approximately $30,000 per employee per financial year. Employers will also be required to report QE and SG liabilities through Single Touch Payroll (STP), enabling the ATO to monitor compliance more closely and identify underpayments earlier. Operational Impact for Employers The shift to payday reporting and payment means payroll systems must be updated to calculate, process, and remit super contributions each pay cycle. Businesses will need to ensure their software can manage QE calculations and facilitate timely electronic payments to super funds. Cash flow management will also require attention, particularly for small businesses accustomed to quarterly payments. Super will become a real-time obligation rather than a periodic liability. Importantly, failure to meet the new deadlines will trigger the revised Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), including penalties and interest. While late contributions and SGC amounts remain tax deductible, interest and penalties do not. Employers currently using the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House must transition to alternative payment solutions before its closure on 30 June 2026. Preparing Now Although implementation begins in 2026, early preparation is essential. Reviewing payroll systems, assessing cash flow impact, and updating internal processes will help ensure a smooth transition and minimise compliance risk. Payday Super represents a move toward greater transparency and timeliness, but it also demands proactive planning from employers. If you would like assistance preparing your business for Payday Super, our team at Clear Vision Accountancy Group is here to help. Please contact us on 4688 2500 to discuss how we can support your transition and ensure you remain compliant. We drew inspiration for this article from the ATO
By Caroline Gillies December 11, 2025
The ATO is cracking down on people who claim too many tax deductions for properties that they use both personally and as rentals — especially holiday homes. A new draft ruling says that if you use a property for both personal use and renting it out, you must split (apportion) the expenses in a fair and reasonable way. You can only claim deductions for the portion of time or space used to earn rental income. If the ATO thinks your property is really a holiday home — for example, you block out peak times for your own use and only rent it occasionally — they can classify it as a “leisure facility.” If that happens, you cannot claim big expenses like mortgage interest, council rates, land tax or maintenance. You’ll only be allowed to claim small costs like cleaning, advertising and platform/agent fees. The ATO says many owners of holiday homes have been claiming too much by showing “rental losses” every year. They are now looking more closely at cases where the owner keeps the property unavailable for rent during busy periods.  How do I stay off the ATO naughty list? If you mix personal use with rental use, be careful. Only claim the rental part of your expenses, or the ATO may deny most of your deductions.