Financial Strategies Group Qld

13/01/2026

Workers’ Compensation: Why It
Doesn’t Cover Travel To & From Work

Workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees if they’re injured while performing their work duties. But a common misconception persists: many people believe they’re automatically covered while travelling to and from work. In most cases, this isn’t true.

Historically, some jurisdictions offered broader coverage for “journey claims,” but these rules have changed significantly. Today, workers’ compensation generally does not apply if an injury occurs during your normal commute. For example, if an employee slips at a train station on the way to work or is involved in a car accident driving home, this usually falls outside the workers’ compensation framework.

Why the exclusion? The key reason is that standard commuting is
considered a personal activity, not one undertaken “in the course of employment.” Employers typically have no control over where employees live, how they travel or the risks involved in their commute. However, there are limited exceptions. Workers’ compensation may apply if:

• The employer directs or requires you to travel as part of your job
• You are travelling between work sites
• You’re attending an off-site meeting, client visit or training
• You’re using a company vehicle under specific work-related
conditions
• There is a clear and direct connection between travel and
your employment duties.

The misconception often arises because many people assume workers’ compensation works like broader personal accident insurance. It doesn’t. It is only intended to cover injuries that are sufficiently linked to work activities or requirements.

Understanding this distinction is important for both employers and employees. Employers should ensure staff know what is and isn’t covered, and employees should consider whether they need their own personal insurance for situations outside the workplace.

In short, commuting injuries are generally not covered under workers’ compensation. Clear communication and awareness can help prevent misunderstandings when an incident occurs.

01/12/2025

FBT Implications Of Workplace Giving Programs – What Employers
Need to Know This Christmas

The Christmas season is a time when generosity often takes
centre stage. Many employees may want to support charities
and community causes, and employers can play a role in
facilitating this through a workplace giving program.

But while the spirit of giving is straightforward, the tax implications
- particularly around Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) - are not always as clear.

HOW WORKPLACE GIVING WORKS
Workplace giving allows employees to make regular donations to
registered charities directly from their pre-tax salary.
Instead of receiving the cash and then making a donation themselves, the employer makes the contribution on their behalf. These donations are deducted before tax is calculated, giving employees immediate tax benefits without the need to claim deductions at year-end.

IS FBT TRIGGERED?
One of the key advantages of workplace giving is that it is not
considered a fringe benefit. The donations are treated as having
been made by the employee, not the employer, so there is no FBT liability for the business. However, things can get more complicated if employers try to use workplace giving in connection with salary
packaging or performance bonuses.

WHAT IF A CHRISTMAS BONUS IS REDIRECTED?
This is a common scenario during the festive season. An employee may receive a Christmas or performance bonus and ask that it be paid directly to a workplace giving program rather than into their bank account. Some employees may prefer their donation to be
reflected on their tax return. Others may question whether the donation was actually made if it falls to the employer to make the donation on their behalf. While there are no net income tax differences between the two options (which would impact their tax return), it ultimately comes down to a matter of personal choice
and trust in the employer regarding how they would like
to proceed.

If you’re considering offering staff the option of channelling Christmas bonuses or other payments into workplace giving, it’s worth seeking advice to ensure the arrangements
are set up correctly and remain FBT-free.

18/11/2025

Incurred a tax debt and hoping it will sort itself out? Unfortunately, ignoring it won’t make it disappear — but taking the right steps early can make all the difference.

Finding out you owe tax can feel overwhelming, but it’s more common than you think. What matters is how quickly and responsibly you respond.
And if you’re unsure where to start, this is where professional help matters. A registered tax agent or accountant can check the assessment, help you understand what you genuinely owe, and guide you through disputes, repayment strategies and compliance obligations.

This tax season, being proactive is the key to staying in control. If you’ve received an unexpected debt or something doesn’t look right, start a conversation with us — we’re here to help you navigate it confidently. Financial Strategies Group Qld

05/11/2025

There's a new tax scam doing the rounds online. Here's what it looks like 👇
If you’re being asked by the ATO to click on a 'DocuSign' link to release your tax return – don’t. It's not us.
It’s a scam designed to steal your personal info to:
💰 Commit refund fraud
💰 Access your tax and super details
💰 Sell your identity to organised crime groups
We never use ‘DocuSign’ to finalise tax refunds. If you receive an email like this, here's what you need to do 👇

There's a new tax scam doing the rounds online. Here's what it looks like 👇

If you’re being asked by the ATO to click on a 'DocuSign' link to release your tax return – don’t. It's not us.

It’s a scam designed to steal your personal info to:

💰 Commit refund fraud
💰 Access your tax and super details
💰 Sell your identity to organised crime groups

We never use ‘DocuSign’ to finalise tax refunds. If you receive an email like this, here's what you need to do 👇

04/11/2025

For some, it’s Tax 101. But have you ever thought, ‘Wait, can I claim this on tax?’

Check if you can by following these 3 golden rules…

✨ You paid for it yourself (and weren’t reimbursed)
✨ It’s directly related to your job – not just loosely connected
✨ You’ve got proof – like receipts.

Remember, if you claim a deduction, you have the responsibility of getting it right. Even if you lodge with an agent.

Claim what you’re entitled to. Nothing more, nothing less.

15/10/2025

What Small Business Owners Should Watch Out
For When It Comes To The Economy

Prices, rates and demand move around - your job is to stay nimble. Here’s a simple checklist
to help your business adapt.

15/10/2025

Employers – remember that your super guarantee contributions for eligible workers need to be paid by 28 October.

Payments must reach their super fund by this date to be considered paid on time.

To meet this deadline, you’ll need to make payments early enough to allow for processing times.

05/10/2025

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.

30/09/2025

Running A Business From Home? Do You Know Your Eligible Tax Deductions?



If you run your business from home, you’re not alone - and you may be entitled to valuable tax deductions.



The ATO allows deductions for the portion of your home expenses that relate directly to your business.

Let’s break down the essentials so that you know what you might be able to claim on your tax return.



1. What Counts as a Home-Based Business?

A home-based business is one where a part of your home is used for business—whether that’s a dedicated study or even a corner in your living space.


The key rule is: only the business-use portion of expenses is deductible.

2. Two Types of Expenses

Running expenses cover day-to-day costs like electricity, internet, phone, cleaning, and repairs. You can claim these even if your workspace isn’t a distinct “office” room.
Occupancy expenses include rent, mortgage interest, council rates, and insurance. These are only deductible if your workspace acts like a true “place of business”—for example, it’s used exclusively, clearly separate from your personal living space, or used by clients.

3. How to Calculate Your Expenses

The ATO offers a few easy-to-use methods—choose whichever best suits your situation:

Fixed-rate method: Claim 70 cents per hour worked from home. This covers energy, phone, internet, stationery, and computer consumables. Just keep a record of your working hours.
Actual cost method: Claim your actual expenses (but only the business portion), provided you have the receipts to back it up.
Floor area method: If you have a designated workspace, apportion occupancy costs based on the floor area used for business and the time it’s used.

4. Other Important Considerations

Depreciation: You can separately claim depreciation for business-use items like laptops, phones, or office furniture—regardless of whether you use the fixed-rate method.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If you sell your home and have claimed occupancy expenses, a portion may not be covered by the main residence exemption.
Records: Keep detailed records—including diaries of hours worked (if using fixed-rate), receipts, and calculations—for at least five years.
Understanding and claiming the right home-based business deductions can mean real savings—if you do it the right way. Keep it simple: choose the method that works best for your business, track everything, and only claim your fair share of the expenses.


Financial Strategies Group Qld can help you choose the best method for your situation and ensure you're both compliant and maximising your entitlements. Why not speak with us and find out how we can help you and your business today?

23/09/2025

What is the “Widow’s Tax”?

Recently, some news outlets have referred to a proposed change in Australia’s superannuation system as the “widows tax.” While it’s not an official tax, the term has been used to describe how new rules may affect certain retirees and their spouses.

Under current proposals, from 1 July 2025, investment earnings on superannuation balances above $3 million will be taxed at 30% instead of the usual 15%. This change is expected to impact a relatively small number of individuals - around 80,000 people across Australia.

The concern for widows and widowers arises because some pensions, such as judicial or public service pensions, are included when calculating whether someone’s superannuation balance exceeds the $3 million threshold. In cases where a spouse passes away, the surviving partner may find themselves with a higher balance due to the pension transfer, potentially pushing them into a new tax bracket.

An important exception applies under Division 296: Judges and certain senior public servants are exempt, as the law prevents the government from applying this extra tax to them (a position confirmed by the High Court).

However, when they pass away, the money is no longer going to the judge or public servant themselves. At that point, the government is able to impose the tax on the recipient - which may be their spouse, in many cases.

This situation has led some commentators to label it the “widows' tax” - not because it targets widows explicitly, but because of how the rules may apply in practice.

For most Australians, these changes won’t apply, as balances below $3 million will continue to be taxed at the standard 15%.

For those who may be affected, it highlights the importance of reviewing estate planning, superannuation strategies, and the structure of pensions or death benefits.
While the “widow’s tax” isn’t a formal law, it’s a reminder that superannuation can have complex tax outcomes, especially when large balances or inheritances are involved.
As with all superannuation matters, professional advice is key. Understanding how the rules apply to your specific circumstances can help ensure you make informed decisions for your retirement and your family’s future.
If you’re concerned about how these changes might affect you or your family, it’s worth seeking tailored advice before they take effect.

17/09/2025

The Risks of Illegal Early Access to

is designed to provide financial security in retirement. For most Australians, it’s one of the most significant assets they will ever hold. Because of this, it can be tempting to dip into super early, especially when money is tight.
However, accessing super outside of strict legal conditions is not only risky - it can have long-term financial and legal consequences.

When Early Access is Illegal

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) only permits early access to super in very limited circumstances, such as severe financial hardship or specific compassionate grounds. Outside of these conditions, withdrawing funds is considered illegal.
Unfortunately, promoters sometimes target individuals with schemes that claim to help them unlock super early. These are often presented as investment opportunities or “loopholes,” but in reality, they can leave you with substantial tax bills and penalties.

Financial and Legal Consequences

If super is withdrawn illegally, the amount taken out is treated as assessable income and taxed at the highest marginal tax rate. This can turn what seems like quick cash into a significant financial burden.
Additionally, the ATO may impose penalties and interest, further increasing the overall cost.
You may also risk losing your retirement savings altogether. Promoters who push these schemes often charge high fees or funnel money into fraudulent investments, leaving very little - if anything - left in the account.

Long-Term Impact

Beyond the immediate penalties, early access can damage future retirement security. Even a small withdrawal today reduces the compounding growth that super generates over time, meaning less wealth in retirement when it’s most needed.

Protecting Yourself

The best way to avoid these risks is to be cautious of anyone offering early access to super.
Always check with a trusted accountant or adviser before making any decisions. If you are experiencing financial hardship, there may be legitimate solutions available without jeopardising your future.
Illegal access to super may seem like a quick fix, but it can have devastating consequences. An accountant can provide the right advice to navigate financial challenges safely - helping clients protect both their super and their future.

Find out how we might be able to assist you by booking a chat today.

15/09/2025

The challenge in retirement is straightforward to say but harder to execute: pay yourself reliably while keeping savings growing enough to last.

Retirement income works best when it blends certainty for today with growth for tomorrow.

A simple framework can do both.
A common approach is to combine flexible, market‑linked income (like an account‑based pension) with more secure products (such as term or lifetime annuities) to cover essential expenses.

Think In Layers

● Cover your must‑have costs — housing, food, utilities, healthcare — with the most dependable income sources you can.
● Fund the nice‑to‑have items — travel, gifts, hobbies — from the more flexible, growth‑oriented pool. This mindset reduces anxiety when markets wobble.
● Manage two key risks: sequencing risk (poor returns early in retirement) and longevity risk (living longer than expected).
● Keeping a cash reserve for a year or two of spending can help you avoid selling growth assets after a downturn, and moderate exposure to growth supports purchasing power over decades.
● Review your plan annually. Spending usually changes as you move from active early years to a steadier pace later on.
● Check estate‑planning documents, super pension settings and beneficiary nominations while you’re at it.
With clear priorities and a bit of structure, retirement income planning becomes less about guesswork and more about calmly funding the life you want.

Taking action doesn’t need to be complicated.

Start small: map out your goals on one page, list three risks and how you’ll manage them, and book a short check-in with your accountant to sense-check the plan.

From there, commit to a rhythm—keep good records, review your progress each year, and adjust as life or the economy shifts. By breaking it down into simple, practical steps, you’ll stay in control without feeling overwhelmed.

Always seek out personalised advice from a licensed professional before making a decision and taking action.

Contact us today: [email protected]