In the 2019–20 Budget, the government announced that Single Touch Payroll (STP) would be expanded to include additional information.
The expansion of STP, also known as STP Phase 2, will reduce reporting burden for employers who need to report information about
their employees to multiple government agencies.
The mandatory start date was 1 January 2022 however Xero Payroll users obtained an extension until 31 December 2022. STP Phase 2
will be rolled out in phases:
| Stage one: |
The first stage will start being available within Xero from mid-April onwards. This will include updates to the way new employee records are set up in payroll, ensuring STP Phase 2 compliance. |
| Stage two: |
The second stage will begin rolling out within Xero mid-year. This will extend the set up process to enable the transition of existing employee payroll records to STP Phase 2 compliance. This will provide ample time for you to ensure all employees in your business are correctly set up for STP2 Phase 2 compliance. |
| Stage three: |
The final stage will be available in the second half of this year. It will see the new pay items from STP 2 finalised in Xero, with product support to review existing pay items that may need to be changed to those stipulated by STP Phase 2. |
The short answer is no. Many lenders offer no-deposit car loans, which means you can borrow the full value of the vehicle.
A travel loan is simply a type of personal loan that’s used specifically for holiday-related expenses.
We’ve all seen it: slick social media reels, perfectly filtered property gurus, and bold AI influencers promising fast wealth. But in Australia’s regulated finance and property landscape, chasing that hype can lead to more heartbreak than haul.
Bridging loans can be a smart strategy for homeowners looking to upsize, downsize or relocate – especially in a competitive property market.
Explore a detailed, state-by-state guide on how payroll tax applies to medical and healthcare practices across Australia. Includes thresholds, exemptions, rates, and recent legislative updates for GPs and contractors in 2025/26.
Australian housing values are gaining momentum with falling interest rates driving renewed growth in the property market.
WEBINAR - Recording
In this webinar we explore how a Self-Managed Super Fund can help you take control of your
retirement in today’s changing economic landscape.
Despite elevated interest rates causing stress to borrowers, trust in brokers remains high.
This past financial year brought a wave of opportunity—and many super funds delivered, with double-digit growth across key asset classes. The big question: is your fund among the top performers?
More and more Australians managing their own super through SMSFs are outperforming the country’s largest funds—and they’re doing it with calm confidence, not complexity.
Investing in property isn’t just about mortgage repayments. There are significant upfront and ongoing costs to consider.
Low-doc loans are a practical solution when tax returns or full financial statements aren’t available.
Geopolitical tensions remained in focus in June as renewed conflict in the Middle East disrupted oil supply routes and raised concerns about broader regional instability. Oil prices spiked as tensions rose and supply concerns mounted, though moderated after a ceasefire was called 12 days later. Brent closed June +5.8% higher at $67.61.
Discover how the ATO’s data-matching program works and how staying informed can help you prepare your taxes with clarity and confidence.
Late super payments can cost your business thousands in tax, penalties, and even personal liability. Here’s how to avoid the spiral and protect your future.
The Australian business landscape is expanding, signalling a potentially strong future for commercial property markets.
Australia's commercial property market is showing signs of recovery after a challenging period, with tentative growth expected throughout 2025 and stronger performance anticipated in 2026.
According to the CBRE Lender Sentiment Survey, 56 percent of lenders expressed intentions to grow their commercial real estate exposures.
Property prices have surged in several markets since the Reserve Bank of Australia's first interest rate cut in February.
| Over the past year, the accounting profession has been going through some significant changes, and many small business owners are only just starting to feel the impact. Updates to the Tax Agent Services Act (TASA) have lifted the standard around how tax and accounting services are delivered, with a stronger focus on transparency, professionalism, and client protection. |
SMART Business Solutions has been named winner of the Innovator of the Year at the Australian Accounting Awards 2025. Recognised for our forward-thinking approach, we continue to lead the way in combining AI-driven efficiencies with a human-centered client experience - empowering our team to do meaningful work that drives real impact.
A personal loan can help improve your credit score if managed properly. Regular, on-time repayments show lenders you can handle debt responsibly.
Investors now represent a substantial portion of new lending, approaching record highs in some smaller states and reaching levels nationally
Familiarise yourself with auction rules and terminology. Understand how vendor bids work, and clarify all sale terms before auction day.
The end of the financial year (EOFY) is often one of the best times to snap up a bargain in the automotive market.
The Australian office market is showing encouraging signs of recovery in 2025.
A cash flow forecast for the year ahead will help you anticipate slow periods, identify upcoming expenses, and plan for investment opportunities.
While the month began with constructive discussions and agreements between the US and some of its trading partners, uncertainty returned to the market after President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Europe and multiple large corporates such as Apple, Samsung and Mattel, and again near month-end as the Court of International Trade deemed the global tariffs to be “contrary to law.”
Planning ahead can prevent surprise tax bills and smooth out your cash flow.
Australia has established itself as the world's second most attractive data centre investment market, with only the United States receiving more capital inflow in this rapidly expanding sector.
The Northern Territory's commercial property market is experiencing significant growth, with Darwin emerging as a new hub for investors across multiple sectors.
The surge in confidence comes amid February's interest rate cut and expectations of further reductions throughout 2025, creating a more optimistic outlook across most sectors and states.
It’s a powerful question, and one we help clients explore every day. it’s about understanding your whole financial picture and the lifestyle you want to create.
Making strategic investments in new assets before EOFY can position your business for growth in the year ahead.
The investment market volatility that kicked off in March 2025 has felt like a punch, particularly for those in or nearing retirement.
Global markets whipsawed following the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements on April 2, and subsequent developments throughout the month. Volatility was rife and trading volumes were robust.
To be eligible to make a downsizer contribution to your super, you must be aged 55 or older and have owned your home for at least 10 years prior to the sale.
The investment market volatility that kicked off in March 2025 has felt like a punch, particularly for those in or nearing retirement.
Struggling with loan repayments? Discover the truth about financial hardship arrangements, how they impact your credit, and the proactive steps you can take to regain control.
Start the new financial year with confidence. Discover practical strategies to refocus your goals, improve cashflow, strengthen client relationships, and build a smarter, more resilient business.
Avoid common EOFY mistakes with our expert guide for small business owners. Discover proactive strategies to boost financial health and plan confidently for the year ahead.
Passing on wealth is about more than writing a will—it’s about creating clarity, avoiding conflict, and empowering the next generation. With Australia’s largest intergenerational wealth transfer already underway, it’s never been more important to approach succession with care, strategy, and forward thinking.
When someone passes away with superannuation savings, the taxable component of their balance can trigger a 17% tax hit if left to a non-dependant. It’s a heavy financial burden, particularly for adult children. But recent private binding rulings from the Commissioner of Taxation offer a smarter way forward.
A business line of credit can help cover operational expenses like wages, rent, and stock.
A business loan can provide the working capital needed to cover short-term expenses like wages, rent, supplier invoices, or utility bills, without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Large format retail (LFR) continues to stand out as an investment class across Australia's commercial market, with strong yields compared to other assets
Businesses across Australia are shifting from rapid warehouse expansion to strategic consolidation as they face rising real estate costs and normalising e-commerce demand in 2025.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind that their hard-earned assets will be passed on the way they intend. Yet, it remains one of the most overlooked areas of financial management.
The commercial property market is showing signs of recovery after a challenging two-and-a-half-year period of declining valuations.
ALL DAY CONFERENCE @ Mornington Racecourse
6 May 2025 - 8:30am - 5:30pm
In today’s fast-changing world, staying competitive means embracing new trends and technologies. At B.I.T.E.
Conference 2025, you'll discover groundbreaking strategies and tools—like A.I. and robotic process automation—designed to
help you navigate and succeed in the evolving business landscape.
WEBINAR // 28 May, 2026 - 12:30 - 1:15pm
From 1 July 2026, Australian employers must pay super on payday - not quarterly. Join us on Wednesday 28 May for a practical 45-minute briefing on what Payday Super actually requires, where the risks are for small businesses, and the steps you can take right now.
Can’t make it live? Register anyway - all registrations will receive access to the recording to your inbox.
ONLINE WEBINAR
23 February 2023 // 12:30pm
In our upcoming webinar we'll be diving into some common exit
strategies for successful succession planning, the pros and cons, and what you need to consider before making a decision.
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