The JobKeeper scheme has been extended from 28 September 2020 until 28 March 2021


The JobKeeper extension has passed — There will be important changes to the wage subsidies. Here’s what you need to know.

There are two separate extension periods. For each extension period, an additional actual decline in turnover test applies and the rate of the JobKeeper payment is different.

The extension periods are:


The rates of payment will change

The rate of the JobKeeper payment in each extension period will depend on the number of hours:

  • an eligible employee works, or
  • an eligible business participant is actively engaged in the business.

It will be split into two rates.


Employers and businesses will need to nominate the rate they are claiming for each eligible employee and/or eligible business participant.


JobKeeper extension 1

This extension period will run from 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021.

You will need to show that your actual GST turnover has declined by 30% or more in the September 2020 quarter relative to a comparable period (generally the corresponding quarter in 2019).

The rates of the JobKeeper payment in this extension period are:

  • Tier 1: $1,200 per fortnight (before tax)
  • Tier 2: $750 per fortnight (before tax).


JobKeeper extension 2

This extension period will run from 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021.

You will need to show that your actual GST turnover has declined by 30% or more in the December 2020 quarter relative to a comparable period.

You can be eligible for JobKeeper extension 2 even if you were not eligible for JobKeeper extension 1.

The rates of the JobKeeper payment in this extension period are:

  • Tier 1: $1,000 per fortnight (before tax)
  • Tier 2: $650 per fortnight (before tax).


What you need to do

From 28 September 2020, you must do all of the following:

  • work out if the tier 1 or tier 2 rate applies to each of your eligible employees and/or eligible business participants and/or eligible religious practitioners
  • notify us and your eligible employees and/or eligible business participants and/or eligible religious practitioners what payment rate applies to them
  • during JobKeeper extension 1 – ensure your eligible employees are paid at least
    • $1,200 per fortnight for tier 1 employees
    • $750 per fortnight for tier 2 employees
  • during JobKeeper extension 2 – ensure your eligible employees are paid at least
    • $1,000 per fortnight for tier 1 employees
    • $650 per fortnight for tier 2 employees.


What doesn’t change

To claim for fortnights in the JobKeeper extension 1 or 2:

  • You don’t need to re-enrol for the JobKeeper extension if you are already enrolled for JobKeeper for fortnights before 28 September.
  • You don’t need to reassess employee eligibility or ask employees to agree to be nominated by you as their eligible employer if you are already claiming for them before 28 September.
  • You don’t need to meet any further requirements if you are claiming for an eligible business participant, other than those that applied from the start of JobKeeper relating to
    • holding an ABN, and
    • declaring assessable income and supplies.


New JobKeeper participants

The JobKeeper scheme will remain open to new participants, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant period.

How to avoid delays when processing your Tax Return this year


Avoiding delays when lodging your tax return this year could be quite challenging because of the ongoing pandemic.

Moreover, you can still lodge your tax return electronically until 31 October 31 or 15 May 2021 if you are using the service of a specialist tax accountant.

Before you start lodging your tax return, make sure you have everything covered to avoid delays. You should also make sure that you are aware of all the COVID-related deductions that you can claim.

On the flip side, take note that the ATO can sometimes delay the processing of your tax return, especially if you have old overdue tax returns to lodge.

The normal processing will only continue once you get your tax affairs up to date. If you want to save time, hiring a tax accountant is recommended when taking care of outstanding tax returns.

Tax Office

With the lifting of the lockdown restrictions, accountants are permitted to open their offices to accommodate their clients. However, with stringent social distancing guidelines still in effect, professional service firms do not have access to their offices.

Online Tax Return Service

If you’re taking precautionary measures and don’t have a way to see a qualified accountant in person, utilising an online tax return service would be a perfect alternative.

With an online tax return service, you can claim everything you are eligible for. We at Glance Consultants offer this valuable service.

When lodging your tax return this year, make sure to have a checklist of the necessary things that you need to do to avoid delays.

If you need further assistance, you can seek assistance from Glance Consultants to help you lodge your tax returns successfully. Our firm can provide a comprehensive checklist to cover your requirements.

Contact us on 03 9885 9793 or fill out our contact form to get in touch.

How to establish a long-Term business strategy amid the COVID-19 Pandemic



Today, various businesses in Australia have begun developing long-term strategies to help minimise the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic within the industry. Moreover, identifying the most effective way to maximise your market value relies heavily on your innovative solutions, specifically when it comes to generating leads, boosting ROI, and raising conversion rates.

While establishing a long-term strategy may sound like an easy thing to do, finding the best one that fits perfectly with your business needs is not that simple. So to help you develop a strategy that can support your business in these trying times, here are several points to consider:

Be Customer-Focused

Avoid focusing too much on numerical information — you need to understand the specific challenges that your consumers might be facing. For example, some of your consumers may be more price-conscious than usual due to a recent job loss or financial strain.

Stay Relevant

To get ahead of the curve against your competitors, you need to be able to answer and solve the problems that your consumers face amidst the ongoing crisis. However, take note that the issues you are attempting to address and solve could change – especially during a pandemic. That is why it is vital to be attuned to the current disposition of the business climate. By understanding the current state of the industry and staying up-to-date with the latest news, you should be able to arm yourself with the correct strategy while addressing the key issues that may affect your business.

Keep Your Message Clear

Due to the pandemic, many businesses continue to change the way they distribute products or services to their customers. Whether you are releasing a new product, offering innovative delivery options, or changing your time or availability, always make sure to keep your messaging clear in every digital marketing channel you utilise.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still on (at least until a vaccine is developed) and coming up with a long-term strategy is necessary for business survival. If you’re currently struggling with your finances, Glance Consultants will be able to extend help by providing you with expert advice and more.

Contact us 03 9885 9793 at or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us today.

The new Director Identification Regime



Background

The Director Identification Number (DIN) regime is coming.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Registries Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2019 (Cth) (the Bill) was passed on 12 June 2020 and subsequently received Royal Assent on 22 June 2020.

The Bill, together with other legislative changes, is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Modernising Business Registers Program’ that is aimed at unifying the Australian Business Register and more than 30 other business registers that are administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

The introduction of the DIN regime is a central component of the Bill’s objective and is given effect through amending the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth).

What to remember

  • Directors will be required to have their identity verified and have a unique and permanent identifier issued to them.
  • Companies will need to put processes in place to ensure that all existing directors apply for a DIN within the prescribed timeframe once the DIN regime is implemented.
  • Once the DIN regime is implemented, companies will also need to ensure that director appointment processes include the necessary steps for new directors to apply for a DIN. Once the transitional period ends, this process will need to be undertaken prior to a director appointment.

The DIN regime

The DIN regime is part of the Federal Government’s wider objective of:

  • tackling illegal phoenix activity;
  • making company directors more traceable and accountable;
  • streamlining business registers by providing a single-point of contact; and
  • furthering the Government’s ‘Deregulation Agenda’ by creating an electronic system than is readily accessible to everyone.

The DIN regime will involve a one-time application that requires directors of private and public companies (including foreign-born or foreign domiciled directors) and alternate directors to have their identity verified and then be allocated a DIN as a unique and permanent identifier. A DIN will continue to apply to the director even if he or she leaves their position.

DINs will be recorded in a new database that will be administered and operated by a registrar from an existing Commonwealth body. The identity of that Commonwealth body is yet to be announced.

The regime will make it easier for the registrar to verify director identities and refuse/cancel a DIN where an individual’s identity is in question. The requirements for identity verification remain to be confirmed, but will be contained in data standards made be the relevant registrar.

Additionally, the regime will also aid regulators and external administrators by establishing a transparent system that will in turn create a more timely and cost-effective process when investigating and commencing proceedings against directors.

When does a DIN need to be obtained?

The implementation date for the DIN regime has yet to be officially announced, with implementation to occur 2 years after the Bill received Royal Assent unless an earlier date is set. It is anticipated that the roll out will occur in the first half of 2021. However, commencement may well be later given the impacts of COVID-19.

Within the first 12 months following implementation, new directors will have 28 days after appointment as a director to apply for a DIN. Following this period, individuals must apply for a DIN before becoming a director. For existing directors, transitional provisions will provide a period during which they will need to obtain a DIN.

Whilst directors will be required to have a DIN, the obligation is to have applied for, rather than obtained, a DIN prior to appointment as a director.

This is to provide flexibility, and a defence, for circumstances where a DIN has not been issued for reasons outside the control of the relevant person (e.g. processing delays).

Consequences for non-compliance

Under the proposed regime, there will be civil and criminal penalties for:

  • failing to apply for a DIN within the prescribed timeframes;
  • failing to apply for a DIN if directed by the registrar;
  • intentionally applying for more than one DIN
  • intentionally providing a false DIN to a government body or relevant body corporate; and
  • being actively involved in the contravention of any the above offences.

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