Small business owner? Here are four tax changes you need to know about

With the financial year well and truly here, many small business owners may be gearing up for the next 12 months by jotting down a new set of financial goals and targets.
But the one thing many owners may not be prepared for are four new tax changes that came into effect on July 1 that could impact the way small business owners run their business and their next tax return.
“Being aware of these regulatory changes and how they can affect you and your business, may assist in the smooth operation of your business and help you maximise your return,” said Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Senior Tax Advocate, Susan Franks.
So if you’re an Aussie with a small business, here are four tax changes you need to be aware of this upcoming financial year.
Rolling over to single touch payroll (STP)
From July 1, 2019, all employers are now required to report their employee’s tax and superannuation details through STP. Many businesses across the country have already implemented the STP system, which according to the ATO, sends a report of an employee’s salary, PAYG withholding and super information.
If you anticipate that your small business may need more time to get ready to transition to the new STP system, you are able to access various concessions, like lodging deferral to September 30.
Cash wages deduction restrictions
Business owners who pay cash wages to their employees but fail to report these payments or send back the tax associated with cash wages will no longer be allowed to claim a tax deduction on cash wages. It’s hoped that this change will help businesses compete fairly.
Lowered company tax rate for active small businesses
The company tax rate for active small businesses will decrease from 27.5% to 26% in the 2020/21 financial year, before lowering further to 25% in the 2021/22 financial year.
Using the instant asset write-off
Until June 30, 2020, businesses will be able to make new or second hand asset purchases under $30,000 and immediately claim a deduction. That’s why it could be important to start considering what new assets your business will need to thrive in the new financial year. Of course, not every small business owner has $30K up their sleeve, so if you are keen to give your business the boost it needs, you may want to consider taking out a business loan.
Not sure what makes a great value business loan? Check out our tips below.
How to find the right business loan for your business
Shop around on interest rates - Unlike a car or home loan, business loans look a little different. When you start shopping around for business loans, you may see a lender advertise their rates on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis and some don’t advertise rates at all. This could be because the lender will offer you a customised rate after you apply. While there is no right offer, you’ll need to consider which rate will work best for your business.
Watch out for fees - Although a low rate is important, business owners should also be wary of various fees attached to business loans. These could be application, valuation, ongoing or exit fees as well as late payment fees. Depending on the lender, these could hit the thousands of dollars, so be sure to do your research before signing the dotted line.
Be mindful of handy features - Similar to a home loan, a business loan can come with some handy features that can help you pay off the loan faster, such as flexible repayment options.
Know what you need to apply - Most lenders will have different application processes and can ask for a range of details, so make sure you have all your business and personal information ready to go when you apply. This will help ensure a smoother and faster application process, which can come in handy if you need the cash fast.
Ready to start shopping around on business loans? Then make your next stop our business loans comparison tool or check out some other great offers down below.
Compare business loans - rates updated daily
Line of Credit
Unsecured business funding up to $500K. Start the online application process in just 5 minutes, and get access to funds within 24 hours once approved. Great for ABN registered businesses with an annual turnover of $200K+.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
On Application2% to 3%Instantly, once approvedLine of Credit
Unsecured business funding up to $500K. Start the online application process in just 5 minutes, and get access to funds within 24 hours once approved. Great for ABN registered businesses with an annual turnover of $200K+.
- Interest Rate
- On Application
- Upfront Fee
- 2% to 3%
- Ongoing Fees
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- -
- Transaction fee
- -
- Early repayment penalty
- 0
- Other fees
- Various late payment fees may apply.
- Loan type
- Line of Credit
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $500,000
- Minimum loan term
- 6 months
- Maximum loan term
- 5 years
- Repayment frequency
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- 18 months
- Minimum annual turnover
- $200,000
- Application speed
- 10 minutes
- Approval speed
- 24-48 hours
- Funding speed
- Instantly, once approved
- Extra repayments allowed
- Yes
- Redraw allowed
- Yes
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
Short Term Business Loan
Unsecured business loans from $10,000 - $250,000, over 6 to 24 months. Online application takes only 10 minutes and you'll know if you're approved within hours. Apply now.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
On Application3.00%from 24 HoursShort Term Business Loan
Unsecured business loans from $10,000 - $250,000, over 6 to 24 months. Online application takes only 10 minutes and you'll know if you're approved within hours. Apply now.
- Interest Rate
- On Application
- Upfront Fee
- 3.00%
- Ongoing Fees
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $0.00
- Transaction fee
- $0.00
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $250,000
- Minimum loan term
- 6 months
- Maximum loan term
- 2 years
- Repayment frequency
- Daily, Weekly
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- 1 year
- Minimum annual turnover
- $100,000
- Application speed
- 10 Minutes
- Approval speed
- from 24 Hours
- Funding speed
- from 24 Hours
- Extra repayments allowed
- No
- Redraw allowed
- Eligible to apply for renewal after 50% paid down
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- Minimum $100k turnover and 1 Year in Business.
Invoice Finance
Get your customer invoices paid early, without waiting up to 90 days for payment. Apply online in 10 minutes and select your local or overseas invoices to fund. Flexible funding with no lock-in contract.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
On Application$0.00Same DayInvoice Finance
Get your customer invoices paid early, without waiting up to 90 days for payment. Apply online in 10 minutes and select your local or overseas invoices to fund. Flexible funding with no lock-in contract.
- Interest Rate
- On Application
- Upfront Fee
- $0.00
- Ongoing Fees
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $0.00
- Transaction fee
- On Application
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Line of Credit
- Security type
- Secured
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $100,000,000
- Minimum loan term
- 0 years
- Maximum loan term
- 4 months
- Repayment frequency
- -
- Repayment types
- -
- Minimum trading period
- 0 years
- Minimum annual turnover
- $0
- Application speed
- 10 Minutes
- Approval speed
- 24 hours
- Funding speed
- Same Day
- Extra repayments allowed
- yes
- Redraw allowed
- yes
- Other benefits
- No lock in contract, flexible funding drawdowns, international invoices, trade finance
- Other restrictions
- -
- Hot DealNo repayments on Lumi Business Loans for the first 6 weeks (T&Cs apply).
Unsecured Business Loan
A straightforward business loan with no hidden Lumi fees or charges. Speedy application and approval process with fast access to funds according to Lumi.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
from 9%$0.00Within same dayUnsecured Business Loan
A straightforward business loan with no hidden Lumi fees or charges. Speedy application and approval process with fast access to funds according to Lumi.
- Interest Rate
- from 9%
- Upfront Fee
- $0.00
- Ongoing Fees
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- -
- Transaction fee
- $0.00
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Other fees
- $0.00
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $5,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $300,000
- Minimum loan term
- 3 months
- Maximum loan term
- 3 years
- Repayment frequency
- Weekly
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- 6 months
- Minimum annual turnover
- $50,000
- Application speed
- 10 minutes
- Approval speed
- 2 hours
- Funding speed
- Within same day
- Extra repayments allowed
- yes
- Redraw allowed
- yes
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- Loans above $300,000 must be secured by property.
Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.
While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.