2021 was full of ups and downs. And we couldn’t make it through the year without the people who support and believe in us.

To everyone, we thank you for becoming a part of our journey.

We hope that you get value from the articles we send you through our weekly newsletter.

Before we end this year, let’s look back at the articles that defined the year. These are the top topics that made a huge impact on businesses this 2021, including ABJ Solutions.

 

Pandemic Lifeline: Government Grants for SMEs

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the bottom line of SMEs. As cases increased and new variants appeared, the government had to enforce public health orders that spanned for months. Along with it came the restriction of public movement. 

People couldn’t go out. Businesses relying on in-person interactions had to temporarily close down. 

To help businesses survive during these dry months, both federal and state governments had introduced several payment support programs such as the JobSaver and the NSW business support package.

As of this writing, the NSW government still has ongoing grants and funding programs which you can access here.

 

Adaptiveness is Key to Business Success

Whether it’s about digital transformation or overhauling your work setup, the year 2021 has reiterated the importance of adapting to new business trends.

The world as we know it before the pandemic is not coming back, despite its return to normalcy. While some of the changes in consumer and employee behaviours are only temporary, most of their expectations have shifted for good.

To meet their demands, it’s critical to reassess where your business is today in terms of these changes. Change when you need to. Adapt when the world calls for it.

 

Super and STP Updates

Mid-2021, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) announced updates about the Superannuation Guarantee and Single Touch Payroll. 

  • Superannuation Guarantee 

The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) has increased from 9.5% to 10% on 1 July 2021. The rate will continue to increase annually by 0.5% until it reaches 12% on 1 July 2025.

  • Single Touch Payroll

Businesses that were previously allowed concessional reporting will need to report every payday using STP-enabled payroll or accounting software by 1 July 2021 to avoid incurring any unwanted penalties.

The STP Phase 2 which will require employers to report additional information through STP, will start on 1 January 2022.

 

New Partnership and New Office

Change is inevitable, even for us at ABJ Solutions. We are keen believers in planning and seizing the moment, and when the right opportunity comes along, we should embrace it.

This year is extra special for us. We’re grateful for the unceasing trust of our clients and the excellent performance of our staff. Our success is a team effort.

Last August, we announced our merger with CMP LWA, a reputable accounting firm from the Lower North Shore. Through this partnership, we have expanded our expertise in providing full-service accounting services to our clients.

To create stronger connections with our new partners, and to accommodate an expanding business, we also moved this November to a new office location. The new address of ABJ Solutions is at Level 1, 56 Clarence Street, Sydney.

 

On to the New Year

For the coming year, ABJ Solutions commits to providing you with more practical tips and business insights — from the latest government grants to how you can make your accounting tasks easier.

Again, we thank you for your continued support and trust. May you have a joyful and peaceful Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year!

Do you have any questions? Contact us here.

Please note that our office will be closed from Thursday, 23 December 2021 and we will be back on Monday, 10 January 2022.