All Episodes

July 22, 2024 21 mins
From entertainment expenses to bookkeeping shortcuts, we're exposing the truth behind five business tax myths you can't afford to ignore.

In this episode, Sally demystifies the confusing world of business taxes by debunking five widespread myths. Drawing on legal cases and tax law, Sally provides practical insights to help business owners avoid costly mistakes and optimise their tax strategies. Get ready to smarten up about what really counts as income, deductions, and legitimate business expenses. 

In this episode of the Smarten Up! The Tax and Business Podcast, you'll learn:

  • The broad definition of income in tax law and why it's often misunderstood (00:42) 
  • Explanation of assessable income and the impact of statutory provisions on income definitions (01:37)
  • Clarification on reporting worldwide income for Australian tax residents and non-residents (02:04)
  • Understanding deductible expenses and the two-part test for what constitutes a deduction (02:30)
  • Myth #1: Debunking the myth that all client entertainment expenses are deductible and what actually qualifies (05:06)
  • Myth #2: Addressing the misconception about employing family members to reduce taxes and the importance of paying commercial rates (08:45)
  • Myth #3: The pitfalls of running a business using only Excel and bank accounts, and the benefits of formal accounting systems (12:11)
  • Myth #4: Explaining why buying a car in the business or adding advertising doesn't necessarily make it deductible (13:47)
  • Myth #5: Discussing the risks of setting up simple business structures with the intention to restructure later (16:21)


Understanding these tax myths can save your business time, money, and headaches down the line. Make sure you’re not falling into these common traps by staying informed and seeking professional advice tailored to your specific situation.  

CONNECT WITH SALLY PRESTON

Website: http://www.smartsolutionstax.com.au/

Smarten Up - The Tax and Business Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555018481517

Smarten Up - The Tax and Business Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarten_up_podcast/

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.