Smith, Sharpe & Abbott Chartered Accountants

24/04/2026

🐾 World Veterinarian Day - 25 April🐾

World Veterinarian Day is tomorrow. We’re celebrating veterinarians like our very own Brendan Sharpe, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for NSW, and the vital role they play as 'Guardians of Food and Health'.

From developing policies to protect NSW from animal diseases, to leading surveillance and emergency responses, Brendan’s work helps safeguard animal welfare, public health and our food systems every day. His role spans briefing government leaders, strengthening biosecurity preparedness, working with industry, and representing NSW nationally on animal health matters.

Veterinarians also play a critical role in ensuring safe, sustainable food from farm to plate, often behind the scenes, through disease surveillance, emergency planning, food safety inspections and research.

“From a government veterinary perspective, we develop and enact policies and procedures for exotic and endemic animal and aquatic diseases; design, implement and manage surveillance programs for early disease detection, monitoring of disease programs and ensuring freedom-of-disease for critical trade dependant diseases; and respond to incursions of exotic and significant endemic animal and aquatic diseases,” said Dr Sharpe. “All these activities are centred around protecting animal health and welfare and the NSW economy.”

Thank you to Brendan, and to all veterinarians, for the essential work you do to protect our communities, industries and economy.

19/11/2025

Tax agents are no strangers to pressure. As we dive deeper into tax season, it’s becoming more and more clear that the juggling act is real – and it's not just about crunching numbers. Here's a peek into the reality:
📅 Time Pressure: With deadlines looming, there's always that constant race against the clock. We're working hard to ensure every client gets the attention they deserve, but with so many filings to process, it can feel like there's never enough time.
📊 Client Expectations vs. Regulatory Demands: Clients want quick, accurate results, but we have to navigate through a maze of ever-evolving rules and regulations. Every tax year brings new changes, and keeping up with them can be a challenge!
💰 Affordability Concerns: Many clients are struggling with costs, but tax agents are also feeling the strain. As fees and administrative costs rise, finding that balance between providing quality service and keeping things affordable is no small feat.
⚖️ The Balancing Act: At the end of the day, we aim to provide the best service possible while ensuring compliance with tax laws. But it’s tough when we’re constantly trying to meet everyone’s needs within a limited window of time, all while keeping up with the complex world of tax regulations.
To all the clients – thank you for your patience and understanding. And to my fellow tax agents, we’ve got this. Together, we keep the wheels of the financial world turning. 💪

28/10/2025

🌟 Final Week of the One Foot Forward Challenge! 🌟
I can’t believe we’re already in the last week of the One Foot Forward challenge to support mental health! 💚
When I started, my goal was 100 km and $500 — and thanks to your amazing support, I smashed that goal! 🙌
So I raised the bar to 125 km and $750… and reached that too!
Now, I’ve pushed my limits again: my new goal is 175 km and $1200 🏃‍♀️💪
With just one week left, I’d love your help to finish strong. Every step, every dollar, and every message of encouragement makes a difference for people facing mental health challenges.
If you can, please donate or share my page to help me reach this final goal. 💙
Together, we’re moving one foot forward — for mental health.

Together, we can help create better mental health for all.

09/10/2025

📢 Big study loan changes

If you employ staff, helping them get the benefit starts with you.

✅ Check the updated withholding schedule & tax tables
💰 Work out the right amount to withhold from payments to employees & other workers
💻 Update your payroll software
📅 Use the new rates from 24 September.

09/10/2025

If you’re an Australian resident for tax purposes, overseas income needs to be included in your Australian tax return.

This includes income from:
💲 carrying on a business
💸 interest earned on an international bank account
📱 content creation.

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

06/07/2022

Employing staff? There are some important super changes now in motion 🚂

From 1 July:
✔️ the super guarantee rate increased to 10.5%
✔️ the $450 eligibility threshold was removed. This means you now need to pay super for all eligible employees – regardless of how much they earn.

For more info, visit www.ato.gov.au/business/super-for-employers/work-out-if-you-have-to-pay-super/

15/06/2022

Borrowed money from your rental property loan to upgrade the family car? 🚗

Tax tip: You can only claim interest on the portion of the loan that was used to pay for your rental property expenses.

Find out more at www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Investments-and-assets/Residential-rental-properties/Rental-expenses-to-claim/Rental-expenses-you-can-claim-now/

15/06/2022

🧑‍💼👷 Whether it’s a plain white shirt or a high vis vest, not all clothes that you wear for work are tax deductible.

You can’t claim the cost of your everyday clothes, even if you’re required to wear them to work. However, you may be able to claim a deduction for clothing if it’s either:
✔️ a compulsory uniform
✔️ protective clothing
✔️ specific to your job.

To find out if the clothing you bought for work fits the bill, visit www.ato.gov.au/individuals/income-and-deductions/deductions-you-can-claim/clothing,-laundry-and-dry-cleaning-expenses/