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SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

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Burwood, NSW
SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

Trusted CPA Public Accountants & Reg. Tax Agents specialized in Tax, Business Advisory & Accounting. We are Fellow CPA Public Practice & Registered Tax Agents.

We specialize in Taxation, Accounting & Business Advisory for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

11/05/2026

Costs up, spending down: the reality for Australian SMEs

Australian SMEs are navigating one of the toughest operating environments in years. Interest rates have risen to 4.35%, increasing borrowing costs while consumer spending continues to soften under cost-of-living pressure. At the same time, inflation and global fuel shocks are pushing up input costs, tightening already stretched margins.

New risks are also emerging. Chargeback scams and payment fraud are rising, directly impacting cash flow and adding administrative burden. Overlay this with ongoing productivity challenges and uncertainty ahead of tomorrow’s Federal Budget, and many businesses are delaying investment and hiring decisions.

In this environment, cash flow visibility, cost control and proactive tax planning are critical. Small adjustments now can significantly improve resilience over the next 6–12 months.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

04/05/2026

Australia’s $1bn zero-interest loan boost for SMEs

Australian banks have begun rolling out zero-interest loans for small and medium-sized businesses under the Federal Government’s new $1 billion Economic Resilience Program (ERP), designed to ease pressure from rising fuel costs and global supply-chain disruptions.

Delivered through the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, the scheme offers eligible businesses with annual turnover under $100 million access to loans of up to $5 million, with terms of up to two years. Applications officially opened on 20 April 2026.

The program is focused on critical industries heavily exposed to recent market shocks linked to Middle East conflict and global input cost spikes such as freight, logistics, fuel, fertiliser, plastics and manufacturing sectors.

Major lenders including ANZ, NAB and Bendigo Bank have confirmed participation, with support positioned to help viable businesses manage cash flow without the burden of interest costs. Standard bank fees still apply, and loans must be repaid in full.

Banks are also encouraging businesses under pressure to reach out early, with options such as repayment deferrals, restructuring and temporary working capital support available alongside ERP funding.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

30/04/2026

Banks brace for bad credit spike

Two of Australia's major banks are preparing for a possible rise in bad debts amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

National Australia Bank (NAB) has increased expected credit impairment charges to $706 million for the first half of its financial year – around $300 million higher than initially anticipated. Westpac has issued a similar warning. Both expect the energy shock, higher inflation and slowing economic growth to create a challenging environment for borrowers.

This could signal tighter conditions ahead for businesses, with higher input costs, reduced consumer spending and increased lender scrutiny placing pressure on cash flow and debt servicing capacity.

What can you do to mitigate these risks?

* Review cash flow buffers to ensure there’s capacity to absorb rising costs.
* Assess current debt obligations and engage with lenders early to discuss potential repayment adjustments.
* Identify and reduce non-essential expenses.
* Work with your accountant to stress-test your financial position.

Taking early steps can help ease financial pressure and reduce the risk of defaulting on debt.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

28/04/2026

Simpler tax time on the horizon

A proposed change to the tax system could make life easier for millions of Australians at tax time.

Draft legislation has been released for a $1,000 instant tax deduction, which would allow workers to reduce their taxable income without needing to keep receipts for work-related expenses.

Around 6.2 million people, or 42% of taxpayers, are expected to benefit, with an average saving of about $205. Lower and middle-income earners are likely to see the biggest impact, given most of those eligible earn under $100,000.

Importantly, the proposal does not replace existing deductions. Workers who typically claim more than $1,000 can still do so in the usual way, while other deductions like charitable donations remain unchanged.

The broader goal is simplicity. Less paperwork, fewer small claims and a more streamlined process.

Consultation is now open, with the measure expected to apply from the 2026–27 financial year if legislated.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

19/04/2026

ATO introduces temporary relief for small businesses under fuel cost pressure

New measures from the Australian Taxation Office aim to provide temporary relief for small businesses struggling with rising fuel costs and cashflow pressure.

The support will be available to eligible businesses that are unable to meet their payment obligations for a three-month period until 30 June.

The relief includes access to more flexible payment plan arrangements, with longer repayment terms and no upfront payments required. Businesses may also be able to seek adjustments to instalments and request remission of interest and penalties depending on their circumstances.

The initiative is aimed at easing short-term financial strain across sectors impacted by fuel volatility, particularly transport, trade and service-based industries.

Businesses are being encouraged to engage early with the ATO to access tailored support during the relief window.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

16/04/2026

Is your business using the right GST reporting and accounting methods?

Business growth is great, but a higher GST turnover can trigger new tax reporting obligations.

The ATO has identified cases where businesses have exceeded thresholds but not updated their GST reporting and accounting methods accordingly.

Here are the requirements based on your GST turnover:

* $10 million or more in GST turnover: you must move to full BAS reporting and account for GST on a non-cash (accruals) basis. Under accrual accounting, GST is reported when invoices are issued, not when payments are received.

* $20 million or more: you must report GST monthly on your BAS instead of quarterly.

The ATO will begin moving businesses to the correct methods from 1 July 2026. However, you can make the switch earlier through the ATO’s Online Services for Business portal to minimise disruption

( https://lnkd.in/gngy5FXn).

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

14/04/2026

Are your employees worried about AI taking their jobs?

A Finder survey found that nearly 1 in 10 (9%) Australians think their job will 'definitely' be replaced by artificial intelligence, while a further 21% have concerns, but are not sure it will happen.

That's around 4.2 million people who worry that AI will threaten their livelihoods.

Gen Z professionals are the most concerned, with 38% who think they're going to be replaced by AI, followed by 34% of millennials.

But the concern isn’t just about machines eliminating jobs, it's also about roles slowly shrinking, hours being cut and fewer opportunities in the job market.

If your business is considering AI technology to improve cost efficiency, taking a transparent approach can help prepare employees for changes and potentially ease job security anxiety.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

12/04/2026

ATO cautions against contingency fee tax arrangements

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning businesses to be cautious of advisers charging contingency fees on tax refunds, particularly where claims are not fully substantiated.

While contingency fees are legal, the ATO is increasingly seeing cases where some tax practitioners encourage refund claims that clients may not be entitled to. High-risk areas include GST refunds, research and development tax incentive claims, and fuel tax credits, where inflated or poorly supported claims can put you under further scrutiny.

Common red flags to look out for include:

* promises of guaranteed tax savings
* inflated or unsubstantiated claims with limited supporting evidence
* pressure to act quickly
* advice that isn't tailored to your specific circumstances

If the ATO determines you're not entitled to a refund, you – not your adviser – will be responsible for repaying overclaimed amounts, plus any interest and financial penalties imposed.

If you are in doubt, ask for the basis of the advice to be explained, check it against ATO published guidance and consider seeking an independent second opinion.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

09/04/2026

Job vacancies rise as hiring demand picks up

Australian businesses are continuing to hire, with new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing job vacancies increased by 2.7% in the three months to February 2026.

There were 337,900 job vacancies in February, the highest level since November 2024. Over the 12 months to February 2026, vacancies rose by 3.7%, reflecting ongoing demand for workers across many parts of the economy.

The growth was broad-based, with vacancies increasing in 12 of the 18 industries. Construction recorded the largest rise, up 19.3% over the quarter, followed by wholesale trade (+14.2%). Customer-facing sectors such as retail and accommodation and food services also contributed to the increase.

Not all industries saw gains, though. Information media and telecommunications vacancies fell by 9.5%, while arts and recreation services declined by 5.9%.

Across the country, vacancies increased in most states and territories, led by the Northern Territory (+23.0%) and Tasmania (+5.9%), while South Australia was the only state to record a decline (down 2.3%), highlighting continued strength in hiring demand in early 2026.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

07/04/2026

Card surcharge ban: what it means for small businesses

Australia’s Reserve Bank has announced that surcharges on debit, credit and prepaid card payments will be banned from 1 October 2026. This means merchants can no longer add extra fees at the till for customers paying with cards, and the goal is to make pricing simpler and more transparent.

While the change could save consumers around $1.6 billion a year, industry groups warn that many small retailers use card surcharges to recoup the cost of processing fees. Removing that option could squeeze margins further, especially for small businesses already facing high costs for wages, rent, energy and supply chains.

The reforms also include lower caps on interchange fees paid by merchants, which could reduce some costs, but it may not fully offset the loss of surcharge flexibility.

SBS Business Advisors and Tax Specialists

Address

Level 1, 4 Railway Parade
Burwood, NSW
2134

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm
Sunday	9am - 4pm

Website

https://www.sbsbusiness.com.au/

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