No matter how big or small your business or individual brand is, if you don't have a trademark in place - or, more importantly, the right trademarks in place - you run the risk of either losing the ability to protect your brand and effectively market it (which can lead to significant loss of income), or - worse still - infringing on the legal rights of another business or individual (which can lead to even greater loss than just income!).

Louie chats with veteran trademark expert Binh Rey from Pointon Partners to highlight just how important and meaningful trademarks are, with real world examples to further point out what works and what can land you in hot water. Binh also provides her tips on how to make your trademarked brand memorable and stand out more to consumers, both current and potential.

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

While tax losses are never fun to incur, there is a bright side to them - they can be used to lower the tax payable on future profits. However, the ATO requires certain criteria to be met before a loss can be used.

In the case of companies, there are two tests they are subjected to in order to be able to offset prior year tax losses against future taxable income: the Continuity of Ownership Test, and the Similar Business Test.

Only one of the two tests needs to be passed, with the Similar Business Test only required if the company fails the Continuity of Ownership Test.

The Continuity of Ownership Test is pretty self-explanatory; however, the Similar Business Test is not so straightforward...

Louie is back in full voice and back with Senior Client Manager Nihit Mittal to help explain these two different tests, and what has to happen in order to pass each of them.

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

Fighting off the effects of mild laryngitis, Louie is back to help our legends of the land, our fantastic farmers, learn more about the Australian Government's financial support program known as the Farm Household Allowance.

This allowance provides support to primary producers in times of financial hardship, no matter the cause of the hardship. Income and Assets test assessment do apply; however, further support is available through a Services Australia Case Officer and/or a Rural Financial Counseller.

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

A company tax structure is a very popular one, and can be the most appropriate for your own circumstances. However, unlike an individual, partnership, or trust tax structure, withdrawing funds from a company for personal use is not as straight forward, as tax legislation requires such withdrawals to be paid back to the company (subject to few exceptions).

Louie returns from a COVID-19/flu-forced absence last fortnight to provide some further clarity and understanding around the Division 7A requirements for companies, shareholders and their associates, with the assistance of detailed explanations from Assistant Commissioner/Chief Tax Counsel of the ATO's Tax Counsel Network Fiona Dillion (as part of the ATO's Division 7A series co-ordinated by Shailla Van Raad).

Contact us:

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

Louie welcomes us into the new financial year by discussing the main changes taking effect from today:

• National Minimum Wage Increase

• Adult Minimum Award Wage Increase (for most Awards)

• Superannuation Guarantee Increase

• $450 monthly minimum ordinary earnings threshold removed for superannuation purposes

• Cessation of the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

• Low and Middle Income Tax Offset Increase

Happy New Financial Year!

Contact us:

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

After a short break, Louie returns to the studio by welcoming SCBA's Business Operations Consultant Adrian Mezzatesta to talk about all things Xero and how this "beautiful accounting software" can make a major difference to how clients manage their bookkeeping and accounting affairs.

Incorporating Xero into your business life is - as Adrian puts it - a "no-brainer".

Contact us:

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

The Victorian government, through Business Victoria and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, has opened up another round of the Small Business Digital Adaption Program. This program offers a rebate of up to $1,200 for eligible small businesses who take up a new subscription of an eligible product to assist with their transformation to a more digital operation.

Louie takes you through the main features of the program, which software providers have partnered with the Victorian government (including Xero), and also how to complete the application.

This round closes at 11:59pm on 18 July 2022 or until funds are exhausted (whichever happens first).

NOTE: Following this episode, the next episode of Shooting For The Stars will be released on Friday 10 June 2022 as opposed to Friday 27 May 2022.

Contact us:

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

Being involved in property investing is an exciting prospect, and one which can be extremely financially rewarding and life-changing. But it can also be a daunting prospect if you get into it without the right information, guidance and support.

Louie welcomes Clem De Rosa and Noel Costa back on the podcast to discuss the foundations of getting into the property game, and the importance of being "Investor Ready".

Be sure to get in touch with us about our SCBA Investor Ready Program - "Get yourself in financial shape in 90 days!"

Contact us:

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

We use advanced software every day, so why should safety and compliance be any different? Especially in the agricultural world?

SafeAg Systems keeps workplace health and safety top of mind for your whole company and brings safety management in line with your other software solutions.

Louie chats with SafeAg Systems' Business Development Manager Kirby Richmond-Davis to learn more about this ground-breaking and revolutionary software that has now expanded out of Australia to places such as New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada.

Contact us:

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.

On the heels of the Coalition Government's handing down of the 2022-23 Federal Budget, Louie takes you through the key announcements and measures that affect individuals and businesses from a tax and financial perspective.

Contact us:

E: [email protected]

P: (03) 5018 6444

Disclaimer: Shooting for the Stars Podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, or other professional advice. Listeners should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional.