Clift Pearce Accounting

01/04/2026

It was announced yesterday that from 1 October 2025 businesses won’t be able to charge surcharges linked to paying by credit cards etc. As part of these changes, the amount banks are permitted to charge businesses is going to be reduced.

While I personally support the changes as the simplify things for all of us when making purchases to know the exact cost, in my view, claims from the Federal Government and in the media, it will mean savings for consumers (you and I) are in the realm of fantasy.

I’ve never charged a surcharge for clients paying by card, but it is easy to understand why many businesses, particularly small businesses, do given how much the combined total of these surcharges add up.

I’ve spoken to a number of business owners across different industries since it was announced the Reserve Bank was considering whether or not to support the changes and each have confirmed they will simply increase their prices to recoup the costs and those price increases won’t just be the amount of fees they are paying but rather rounded up to convenient numbers with a view to customers who choose pay via cash.

For example, I see on Channel 9 this morning there was suggestion a beer at the pub may go from $10 to $10.08. I’m suggesting the price would go to $10.10 (and possibly higher) given we can’t pay $0.08 in cash which is going to be inflationary at a time we already have a significant inflation problem in our country which I don't see resolving anytime soon.

16/12/2025

Today will be my last official working day before closing for Christmas break reopening Monday 5th of January. I'll be available via email throughout my break.

Would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contributions to 2025 and I look forward to doing it all again with you next year.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe.

10/12/2025

Doing a session with ATO as part of their consultation program. Today's topic is about their work in relation to their Counter Fraud Program. Can't got into details as not public as yet but ATO do take it very seriously and continue to evolve their activities.

I'll give ATO lots of grief over things (has been suggested I could write a book about it) but doing so means giving time when asked to help them and to help them understand the issues as to how they impact clients.

10/11/2025

20/08/2025

Apologies to anyone trying to contact me. Unfortunately someone has made a whoopsie and cut my internet and therefore phone connection which won't be resolved until tomorrow.

18/07/2025

I'm currently having a weird phone issue causing those calling in to get what sounds like interference noise on the line. It is fine when I dial out which is odd so until resolved I'll let calls go to voicemail and call back. Am in contact with my phone guru to resolve. Apologies for any inconvenience

Send a message to learn more

13/05/2025

I won't be available on Friday this week due to local public holiday for Ipswich Show

Send a message to learn more

06/05/2025

I'll be away from the office for the rest of this week returning Monday 12/05. I anticipate being able to monitor emails early morning and towards the end of each day.

Send a message to learn more

24/04/2025

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

25/03/2025

Quick comment about last night's Federal Budget.

The Treasurer spoke about concerns for the Australian economy in relation to global uncertainty. Something being mentioned across the globe. Regardless of who wins the election to be called soon, if there is a downturn/contraction, our Government won't be able to act to react lessen the impact on Australians because there just isn't the funds to do so without significantly increasing national debt.

To me this is a concern because as citizens we can't just keep borrowing more and more money to fund what we want to do, we have to live within our means. I worry that projected debt levels will be a burden for decades to come, for future generations to have to pay back.

Also of concern is impacts on small business. One example is instant write-off of $20K for 24/25 is still yet to pass parliament. Just last week I saw comment from the Treasurer about extending the measure and discussion around making it permanent. This week no mention at all in the budget indicating the measure will end 30 June this year, assuming the legislation for 24/25 does get through parliament. If it doesn't, it has already ended even though businesses have made decisions, made purchases based on being told it would apply.

Send a message to learn more

13/03/2025

There is nothing to fear from ATO audit activities if we only claim costs that are genuinely deductible as costs to earn income and we have the appropriate documentation.

Small business are becoming an increasing focus for ATO due to claiming expenses that aren't deductible, failing to appropriately apportion for private usage and the good old "cashie".

The Australian Taxation Office has announced its hit list as it looks to crack down on dodgy practices. Details: https://bit.ly/4kEFN0a

09/03/2025

I will be in the office today and apologise if I may be slow replying to calls and emails.

Significant rainstorm overnight in town and Laidley has seen the river already rise significantly with a lot more water on the way. BOM have increased frequency of updates and predictions remain that won’t reach into the building but I'm increasingly expecting water to reach the property so I’m going to need to prepare in case of need to move things out. Purely precautionary at this stage but the time has come that I am going to need to do it.

If anyone is needing information, assistance something etc I will be here for you but just need to hedge my bets at this stage.

Stay safe.

Send a message to learn more