Advisory

Business Tips, Ideas & Support Articles

profitable but cash poor
Advisory

Profitable but Cash Poor: How It Happens and What to Do About It

Feeling profitable but cash poor is one of the most common (and stressful) financial challenges business owners face.Your numbers say the business is doing well but your bank account tells a different story. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many profitable businesses still struggle with cash flow, especially during periods of growth or transition. In this article, we’ll explain what profitable but cash poor really means, why it happens, and what you can do to fix it – without sacrificing momentum. What Does “Profitable but Cash Poor” Mean? Being profitable but cash poor means your business is generating income (on

Hidden cost of remote work
Accounting

What is Division 7A and How Does it Affect Your Tax?

If you’re a business owner operating through a company structure, understanding Division 7A of the Income Tax Assessment Act is critical. Why? Because using company funds for personal use (even accidentally) can trigger significant tax consequences and undermine your ability to scale. In this post, we’ll break down what Division 7A is, why it matters, and what you can do to stay compliant, avoid huge unexpected tax bills and protect your business’s future. What is Division 7A? Division 7A is a tax law designed to prevent private companies from making tax-free distributions of profits to shareholders (or their associates). If a

When business and family mix
Advisory

When Business and Family Mix: How to Protect Both

Family business protection is something many family-owned businesses overlook…until it’s too late. Running a family business doesn’t just affect your bottom line; it impacts your family’s future, too. Every decision you make ripples through both your business and your personal life. It’s not just your career on the line – it’s your family’s livelihood, security, and future tied up in every decision you make. The wins feel bigger. The risks feel heavier. And the line between “business” and “personal” often feels blurry (if not invisible). At Inline Partners, we’ve worked with hundreds of family-owned businesses over the years, and one thing’s

Trust Distribition Resolution Australia
Advisory

Trust Distribution Resolutions: Why They Matter (and What Happens If You Miss the 30 June Deadline)

As we approach the end of the financial year in Australia, one task stands out for anyone using a trust structure: signing your Trust Distribution Resolution. This document determines how income is allocated from the trust – and if it’s not signed by 30 June, the ATO can tax the entire profit at the top marginal rate (up to 47%).   That’s a steep penalty for missing paperwork. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and protect your tax position. What Is a Trust Distribution Resolution in Australia?   A trust distribution resolution is a legal document that outlines

Advisory

Why Every Business Needs a Forecast (Yes, Even Yours)

Running a business without a forecast is like driving with your eyes closed – you might stay on the road for a while, but it’s only a matter of time before you hit something. Most business owners don’t mean to fly blind. They’re just busy keeping things afloat. But a simple forecast can change everything—from your stress levels to your bottom line. Here’s why now is the perfect time to build one – and how to get started without overcomplicating it. What is a Forecast? A forecast is simply a financial prediction of what’s ahead – usually for the next 3,

Accountant help you plan for the future
Accounting

Why Your Business Structure Still Matters (Even if You Set It Up Years Ago)

When you first started your business, you probably picked a structure based on what was quickest, cheapest, or what your accountant suggested at the time. But here’s the thing…What made sense then might not be serving you now. As your business grows, your structure can either save you thousands or hold you back. And yet, many business owners never review it again – until there’s a problem. So, let’s break it down… What is a Business Structure (and Why Should You Care)? Your business structure is basically how your business is legally and financially set up. Common structures in Australia include:

Choosing a Bookkeeper
Advisory

Why Your Business Needs a Budget

Budgeting (or forecasting) is vital to the ongoing success of your business. It helps ensure that, no matter what the world throws at you or your business, you’ll be well placed to negotiate the challenges you are presented with. In addition, it will assist you in setting business goals and KPIs, evaluate performance, predicts cashflow, provide invaluable data when making important business decisions and make your business more nimble when opportunities arise. So why, according to this survey from the US, are only 55% of small businesses bothering to do it? I suspect it’s to do with finite time and resources.

Small business owners - time's running out for Director IDs
Advisory

Time’s Running Out on Director IDs

If you were a Director before 31 October 2021, you have until 30 November to apply for your Director ID. Time’s running out. And if you’re becoming a Director, you need an ID before you’re appointed.

Accounting

Three ways to help your small business become profitable

From tech unicorns to online retail stores that have gone global, we all hear about the businesses that have managed to make millions or even billions within a few short years of launching. Yet, for most of the 2.3 million small businesses in Australia, the reality is very different. In fact, for many businesses, it actually takes years before they turn a profit. Profitability According to IBISWorld the most profitable industries in Australia in 2022 are Superannuation Funds with $137.7 billion total profit and Iron Ore Mining with $56.1 billion total profit. Profitability is just one way to measure success. There

Accounting

Choosing the right accountant for you and your business

Choosing the right accountant is important for your business’s financial future and long-term success. Whether your business operates in e-commerce retail, property, health, hospitality or another industry, managing your firm’s finances and tax can be overwhelming. Yet, you might not be at the stage where hiring an in-house accountant or chief financial officer is justifiable. This is where an accountant outside of your business can help. The right accountant will save you time and money through strategic advice. They can assist in setting up systems for you and identifying growth opportunities for your business. So what should you look for when