Annoucement: This blog has relocated

We have a new look and location. Now you can read the Dollars & Sense blogs at Dollars & Sense.

Office 2007 Tips & Tricks

Simple tasks can become very frustrating if you're not sure how to go about them. Sometimes you simply need to know how to fix your page numbering in Word or produce a particular chart in Excel.

Small business operators especially simply cannot afford to waste a single moment more on administrative tasks than necessary. For this reason, I have created a blog to handle queries and showcase tips, tricks and tutorials to save you time and stress at the computer.

Practical Computing lays everything out in a clear manner with regular video demonstrations and plenty of screenshots to accompany instructions.

Writing Off Bad Debts in MYOB

The above screencast demonstrates how to write off bad debts in MYOB. Full instructions along with more screencast tutorials will be made available from our web site soon. Be sure to send in any requests!

Office Closed 6th - 13th April

Please note that our office will be closed from Sunday 6 April until Sunday 13 April. Clients who wish to speak with Alan are welcome to try reaching him on his mobile phone.

If you don't get through (we are staying in an area with little reception) please leave a message on the mobile and Alan will call you back as soon as he can.

Alternatively, voice messages left on the office answering machine will be followed up on the 13th when we return. Thank you for your understanding.

2008 Next Big Thing Awards

Applications are being sought nationwide from businesses and individuals who have designed new products with the potential to become the 'next big thing'.

The Next Big Thing Award, created by the Victorian Innovation Centre INNOVIC, is designed to celebrate and promote Australian innovative ideas.

Winners receive over $50 000 in cash and prizes plus media exposure. An exhibition of the 21 finalists' innovations also be held at the Melbourne Museum.

Applications close on 14 March 2008. For more information on eligibility and the application process, refer to the Next Big Thing Award website or phone INNOVIC on (03) 9650 4733.

December quarterly superannuation contributions due soon

ATO Media Release 2008/05

The Tax Office today reminded employers that December quarterly superannuation contributions for their employees must be paid to a complying superannuation fund by Tuesday, 29 January 2008.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said that since the 28 January deadline falls on a public holiday, contributions can be made without penalty until close of business on Tuesday, 29 January 2008.

“Even if you contribute more frequently than quarterly, you should pay all super guarantee contributions for the December quarter on or before the due date,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

“If employers don’t make sufficient superannuation contributions by the deadline, they must lodge a superannuation guarantee charge statement and pay the super guarantee charge to the Tax Office by 28 February 2008.”

Employers unsure how to meet their super guarantee obligations can visit the Tax Office website at www.ato.gov.au/super or phone 13 10 20 for more information.

Company, Super and Trust Returns Due

REMINDER:

If you are not using a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge for you, the due date for company, superanuation fund and trust income tax returns is January 15th, 2008.

Centrelink info for business

As a business owner and/or employer, you should be aware of information available to you from Centrelink.

Without ever leaving your computer, you can discover a range of information on assistance, services and business opportunities available to you and download a number of business publications.

For more information check out the Centrelink Business Index.