Eagle Accounting

01/10/2026

DID YOU KNOW THERE MAY BE AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL BANK GUARANTEES FOR COMMERCIAL LEASES?

For many businesses, securing a commercial lease often means tying up valuable funds in a traditional bank guarantee.
An alternative that is gaining traction is the use of Commercial Lease Bonds, which can help businesses preserve working capital while still providing landlords with the security they require.

Potential benefits include:
• No cash collateral locked away
• Fully digital administration
• Streamlined lease process
• Improved cash flow flexibility

Comparison of Commercial Lease Security Options:

💵 Cash Bond • Capital Requirement: High (upfront 2-6 months' rent) • How It Works: Cash paid directly to landlord or third-party trust • Best For: Simple, small-value arrangements

🏦 Bank Guarantee • Capital Requirement: High (cash locked as collateral) • How It Works: Bank commits to pay landlord on default • Best For: Traditional arrangements or businesses with short trading history

🛡️ Commercial Lease Bond • Capital Requirement: Low (annual fee, no cash collateral) • How It Works: Insurer guarantees payment on demand unconditionally • Best For: Growing businesses with more than 12 months' trading history

If your business is entering into a new commercial lease or reviewing an existing one, it may be worth exploring the options available and discussing how they could impact your cash flow and borrowing capacity.

17/09/2026

PAYG INSTALMENT VARIATIONS: ATO WARNING FOR TAXPAYERS

If you vary your PAYG instalments, it's important to ensure they are not significantly understated.

The ATO has recently announced that if varied instalments are less than 85% of your total tax payable, then General Interest Charges (GIC) may apply

What this means:
• The ATO may apply General Interest Charges (GIC) to the difference between the ATO instalments issued, and your varied amounts
• You will have a large catch up payment when the final tax bill tax is due. If you can’t afford to pay the instalments as you go through the year, will you be able to afford the catch up?
• Penalties may apply in some circumstances
• Since 1 July 2025 ATO interest is not tax deductible

If you're considering varying your PAYG instalments, make sure the variation is based on reasonable estimates and current financial information.

For more information, visit the ATO website here: ATO issues GIC warning for PAYG instalments | Accountants Daily or speak with your accountant

14/09/2026

A birthday celebration isn't complete without a sparkler dessert and a big smile!

Today we're celebrating Chris. Thank you for your leadership, hard work, and the positive impact you have on our team and clients every day.

We hope you have a wonderful birthday and an amazing year ahead. Join us in wishing Chris a very Happy Birthday! 🎉🎂

10/09/2026

A big shout-out to the team from Mad Monkey Backpackers, who we spotted this week helping keep our town beautiful by picking up rubbish around the streets.

Thank you for giving back and setting such a positive example. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

28/08/2026

ATO EXPANDS MOTOR VEHICLE DATA MATCHING PROGRAM

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it will continue its motor vehicle registries data-matching program through to the 2029-30 financial year.

Under the program, the ATO is collecting registration and transaction information from state and territory vehicle registry authorities. The information is used to identify cases that may require tax compliance action.

If you claim motor vehicle expenses, use vehicles within your business, or buy and sell vehicles through a business structure, it's important to ensure your records and tax reporting are accurate and up to date.

✅ Keep detailed records of vehicle purchases and sales
✅ Keep a logbook to ensure business and personal vehicle use is correctly documented
✅ Review any motor vehicle claims before lodging your tax return

For more information about the ATO's data-matching programs and your tax obligations, visit https://www.ato.gov.au

26/08/2026

✨ SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT: ORR MADE ✨

This month, we're proud to shine the spotlight on Orr Made, a Far North Queensland interior design and construction company led by husband-and-wife team Rhiannon and Matt Orr.

With a shared passion for creating beautiful, liveable homes, Rhiannon and Matt combine thoughtful, conscious design with exceptional craftsmanship to deliver spaces that are both functional and deeply personal. Their unique integrated approach guides clients seamlessly from the initial concept right through to project completion, ensuring every detail is carefully considered along the way.

At Orr Made, it's not just about building homes, it's about creating spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them.

We're delighted to feature this talented local business and the amazing work they do across Far North Queensland.

Learn more about Orr Made and their inspiring projects by following their page: https://www.instagram.com/orr_made/

21/08/2026

FUEL TAX CREDIT RATES HAVE INCREASED

To make sure you're claiming correctly:

• Check your eligibility
• Keep accurate fuel records
• Apply the correct rate when completing your BAS
• Use the ATO Fuel Tax Credit Calculator

For more information and access to the calculator, visit:

https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/fuel-tax-credit-tools

18/08/2026

REMINDER: TPAR DUE 28 AUGUST

Yes, you might!

If your business pays contractors for providing certain services on your behalf, you may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR).

It tells us who you paid and how much you paid them.

You may need to lodge if you paid contractors for:

🚧 building and construction
🧹 cleaning
🚚 courier and road freight
💻 IT
🛡️ surveillance, investigation or security.

Check to see if it applies to your business, and lodge online by 28 August.

27/07/2026

CARD PAYMENT SURCHARGES CHANGING FROM 1 OCTOBER 2026

From 1 October 2026 businesses will no longer be permitted to charge customers a surcharge on payments made using debit, credit or prepaid cards

What businesses should do now:
• Review your current surcharge practices.
• Consider whether card processing costs need to be factored into your pricing model.
• Speak with your merchant facility or payment provider about how these changes may affect your business.

For now, current rules still apply. Businesses can continue charging card surcharges, however the surcharge must not exceed the actual cost of accepting that payment type.
It's important for small business owners to start planning ahead so there are no surprises when the new rules commence.

For more information, visit the ACCC website: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/pricing/card-surcharges

23/07/2026

✨ Shine the Spotlight: Tropical Kids Swim School ✨

We’re excited to showcase one of our fantastic clients, as the first in a series of SPOTLIGHTS !

👇 Hear from our client:
At Tropical Kids Swim School, we are passionate about helping swimmers build confidence, develop essential water safety skills, and foster a lifelong love of the water. Conveniently located at 70 Russell Street, Edge Hill, our heated, undercover private mineral pool provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for learning all year round. We offer learn-to-swim lessons for babies through to primary school-aged children, with adult learn-to-swim classes now also available. Our experienced and caring instructors focus on creating fun, engaging lessons tailored to each swimmer's individual needs and abilities. To help families get started, we offer your first lesson free. To book or find out more, contact us on (07) 4053 2549.

Let’s show them some support and celebrate the amazing work they do in our community!