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03 July 2009
Balcatta (WA) ICB Regional Network Meeting - July 6, 2009
Balcatta Regional Network Meeting
Very Special July Meeting
Guest speaker
Come along to our
03 July 2009
2009 Tax time is here
The Tax Office is reminding employers to use new personal income tax threshold rates from 1 July 2009.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00199739.htm
Published: 30 Jun 2009
03 July 2009
Changes to super for individuals
Provides an overview of changes made to super co-contributions, concessional contributions caps and income tests as a result of the 2009 Federal Budget.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00200258.htm
Published: 02 Jul 2009
(An ATO Resource)
01 July 2009
Fair Work Act 2009
New workplace relations system in effect from July 1, 2009...http://business.gov.au/NR/exeres/24875A5A-A597-4EF0-BFF5-68F9A30B9612.htm
25 June 2009
Transitional Bill for new BAS Agent system hits parliament
The law to enable the transition of the new system has been tabled in parliament yesterday 24th June 2009.
17 Tax Agent Services (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
Dr Emerson (Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 and to deal with consequential and transitional matters arising from the enactment of that
25 June 2009
ATO Invitation to join the SME Online Forum
If you are a decision maker within a small to medium sized enterprise (SME), we would like to invite you to join and participate in our online forum, click on the following link for all the details
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00197658.htm
22 June 2009
June 2009 Newsletter
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Member Newsletter
19 June 2009
South of the River (WA) Bookkeeper Coffee Club
South OF River Bookkeepers’
COFFEE CLUB
__________________________________________________________________________________
Hello everyone,
We ask you to join us for our next gathering of the SORB Coffee Club.
Our July meeting will be held on :-
Wednesday 1st July at 5.30 PM at
‘ ITZ AMORE’ &nb
10 June 2009
End of Financial Year Checklist
This checklist is designed to help you in completing the year end procedures and in providing information to your accountant.
Click here to download your copy.
09 June 2009
The BAS Service Provider - Edition 26 - June 2009
The ATO has released the June 2009 BAS Service Provider Newsletter, you can view the newsletter here
28 May 2009
ICB - May 2009 Newsletter
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
May 2009 Newsletter
26 May 2009
ICB Australia
You should all feel very proud of what you are creating in Australia. The reputation of the ICB is obviously growing and this is all down to you and your team.
Australia now makes up a significant cornerstone of ICBGlobal. Our operations in India and the Philippines are also experiencing increased growth. We have now established the operation in Eastern Europe and have just signed an agreement to take the I
26 May 2009
Reforms to Income Tests
As you may be aware, from the first of July 2009 a number of income tests are being expanded to include additional items, such as net rental and net investment losses, reportable superannuation contributions and reportable fringe benefits.
These changes will affect a range of government support programs, certain tax offsets and the Medicare levy surcharge threshold calculation.
As part of our communication strategy we have targeted communica
26 May 2009
ICB Financial Statement 2008
The ICB's financial statements for the Financial Year 2008 have been audited and released.
You can download the full 2008 Financial Year final accounts here
25 May 2009
The BAS Service provider - Edition 25 - May 2009
Issued 5 May 2009.
This issue includes information about:
the SBR conferences,
Employer update seminars,
preventing identity crime,
temporary tax break for business
useful links
key dates for BAS service provider's and their clients.
Click here to read the full newsletter
15 May 2009
Melbourne ICB Workshop - Wednesday 3 June 2009
The 9.30am - 12.30pm session is fully bookked
................but you can express your interest for an evening session.
(The evening session is NOT definitely going ahead, but due to the morning session being filled so quickly, we are seeking this as an alternative)
Click here to register you interest
WHAT:
Melbourne ICB Bookkeeper Workshop
WHO:
For ICB Members, non-members, including MYOB Cer
08 May 2009
ATTENTION ALL QUEENSLAND MEMBERS
GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY FOR CERTIFICATE IV in FINANCIAL SERVICES (BOOKKEEPING) – RPL
Through our work with various state governments and training organisations we have become aware of this program being made directly available to you.
A FUNDING SUBSIDY OF $500.00 for contract bookkeepers (even self employed) who undertake the below Recognition of Prior Learning method of obtaining Certificate IV.
The note from the departme
06 May 2009
SBR Conference and workshop
Perth Workshop
SBR is conducting its first Western Australia workshop in Perth on May 14, 2009.
The agenda can be downloaded here and venue details will be provided with registration confirmation. The workshop will include an introduction to SBR for new workshop participants (Session 1), an end-to-end walk through of a scenario using SBR-enabled software so participants can gain a better understanding of how SBR will make repo
06 May 2009
Applications for Appointment to the New Tax Practitioners Board
The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today announced that the Government is seeking applications from suitable individuals for appointment to the new Tax Practitioners Board.
The Board will be the statutory body established under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 responsible for regulating the provision of tax agent services. It will replace the existing state‑based Tax Agents' Boards which are currently responsible for the registration of tax ag
01 May 2009
Year End Strategies
Special Edition News-update
Year End Strategies
THE 2008/2009 GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS
Click here for all the details
Contents:
Ø Surviving the Downturn
Ø Cauti
30 April 2009
ATO responds to BSP Portal losing clients
Members have been reporting to us the issue of clients being taken off the BAS Service Providers view of the portal.
The ATO have confirmed that this will continue to occur when the Tax Agent re-attaches “Activity Statement” access for that same client to their view of the Portal, as no client can be attached to two agents at the same time “Currently”.
The issue resides within the computer and system enhancement program of the ATO kno
30 April 2009
GST and indirect taxes: refunds and amendment time limits
On 29 April 2009, the Commissioner issued Miscellaneous Taxation Ruling MT 2009/1 entitled 'Miscellaneous taxes: notification requirements of an entity under section 105-55 of Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953'.
Miscellaneous Taxation Ruling MT 2009/1 was released to:
inform clients of the impacts that amendments to section 105-55 of Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (TAA) on 1 July 2008 will have on
28 April 2009
ICB again recognised as a leading industry representative and accreditation body
The work of the ICB and its members in raising the profile and professionalism of good bookkeepers has once again been recognised by other segments of the business and bookkeeping community.
MYOB the largest business accounting software company in Australia (with 70% of the Australian market share – based on retail sales statistics) has appointed ICB to work with the Professional Partner team of MYOB in providing the accreditation for its new progra
24 April 2009
ICB's April 2009 Newsletter
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Member Newsletter
April 2009
A PDF copy of this newsletter is available, click here
www.icb.org.au
This month:
ICB again recognised as a leading industry representative and accreditation bod
23 April 2009
ICB attend Standard Business Reporting Business Advisory forum
Matthew attended the SBR Advisory forum meeting in Sydney on 8th April.
The program remains real and likely to deliver simpler lodgement of government forms from July 2010.
The current first pilot program relates to the Employee TFN declaration and the pilot is progressing well with the underlying technology submitting the forms to the appropriate part of the ATO.
Full minutes available soon from sbr.gov.au.
15 April 2009
Reckon introduces QuickBooks 2009/10 QBi software
Reckon has just launched the new QuickBooks 2009/10 QBi series. The software includes numerous improvements and additions to previous editions all of which are designed to help bookkeepers, accountants and business owners.
Click here to download the Reckon media release
03 April 2009
ICB March 2009 Newsletter
ICB has (finally) released their March 2009 newsletter
Click here to download your copy
02 April 2009
Bookkeepers take note – the new Business tax incentive requires Bookkeeping
The governments intended tax change (not yet, as of 13th Feb. 9am passed as law) to provide business with a tax incentive requires bookkeepers to ensure suitable assets are classified correctly
Assets acquired between 13 December 2008 and 31 December 2009 or capital improvements to existing assets incurred during this period
Should be specifically tagged for the business income tax agent to obtain the added tax incentive.
Business wi
02 April 2009
Activity statement declaration
Tax Agents have identified a need for a downloadable declaration form that they can print off and send to their clients for signing or alternatively that they can email to their clients who may then return it via email with
an electronic signature.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00174388.htm
Published: 25 Mar 2009
02 April 2009
Tax Agent Service Act 2009 becomes law
Welcome to our Brave New World
The Senate passed the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 without amendment on 12 March 2009.
Royal assent was given on 26 March 2009.
The Tax Agent Services Act 2009 includes the definition of a business activity statement (BAS) service and specifies who must register as a BAS agent.
The remaining provisions, including the registration of BAS agents, will commence on a date
01 April 2009
Managing business through this economic crisis
Every business needs a business strategy in every economic situation!
Every business needs to review and change and manage that strategy as the economy changes!
Business (ourselves, our clients or our employers) need a thought process to manage what they do as this “economic downturn” may effect business.
Whether you feel the economy is where the politicians and commentators tell us it is or not; “crisis” is a very emotive te
23 March 2009
Latest taxation statistics released
The Tax Office has released the latest edition of Taxation statistics 2006-07, the Tax Office's most comprehensive statistical publication.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00185520.htm
Published: 19 Mar 2009
16 March 2009
SBR conference - Save the Date
2009 SBR conference - Save the Date - 26 - 27 May 2009 Sydney/ 29 May 2009 Melbourne
The SBR conference brings together national and international experts who will demonstrate what Australian business can expect from SBR, explore and discuss global financial reporting trends including open standards such as XBRL, what SBR means to business, accountants and software developers, and ultimately help you to discover what you need to do to
25 February 2009
Tax Agent Services Bill – only one step to go
The Tax Agent Services Bill 2008 as tabled in parliament has now been read and passed by the House of Reps, and also been read twice in the Senate.
This Bill is parts 1 & 2 of the 4 pieces of legal documentation around the new Tax Practitioner Regime that creates the BAS Agent. Part 3 is the transitional bill; the third draft of this bill is currently open for public submission, Part 4 is the regulations that will follow in due course
25 February 2009
A Day to Remember - Proudly Sponsored by......
The ICB's upcoming national information session, 'A Day to Remember' being held in capital city's through March is proudly sponsored by:
Participating sponsors:
09 February 2009
Senate Committee on BAS Agents – a report
Matthew Addison, Executive Director of ICB was invited to attend and be questioned by the Senate Economics Committee in relation to the upcoming Tax Agents Services Bill.
One other bookkeeper body had also been invited with their emphasis being on the requirement for extensive education and high standards.
The position put before the senators by ICB on behalf of bookkeepers was to emphasise that bookkeepers were NOT the problem of all
09 February 2009
ICB at the Standard Business Advisory Forum
On 2nd February Matthew Addison represented Bookkeepers at the Treasury Standard Business Reporting Business Advisory Forum. This forum acts as a key input and business sounding board for the development and progress of the Standard Business Reporting (SBR) program for the Australian Government.
SBR is about simplifying the lodgement of forms and information with government using electronic communication means.
The meeting dealt with it
06 February 2009
ICB to present to the Senate Committee on future BAS Agents law
On the upcoming Friday 6th February ICB has been asked to present and be questioned before the Senate Economics Committee concerning the upcoming BAS Agent legislation.
ICB members have overwhelmingly indicated their general support of the proposed regime, viewing the registration of contract bookkeepers who provide expertise on GST and BAS Preparation to clients, as a welcome recognition of the improvements in the professional bookkeeping industry.&n
05 February 2009
Training & Education bonus is NOT for most contract bookkeepers
A very disappointing aspect of the recent government announcements is that the Training & Education bonus; $950 to some eligible people; will NOT be available to most self-employed bookkeepers.
For full details of the governments program - http://www.treasurer.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2009/010.htm&pageID=003&min=wms&Year=&DocType=0
Despite the government considering the BAS Agent legislation requiring book
05 February 2009
Business tax incentive requires Bookkeeping
The governments intended tax change (not yet passed as law) to provide business with a tax incentive, requires bookkeepers to ensure suitable assets are classified correctly
Assets acquired between 13 December 2008 and 31 December 2009
Or capital improvements to existing assets incurred during this period
Should be specifically tagged for the business income tax agent to obtain the added tax incentive.
Business with turnover of less
03 February 2009
Getting the tax bonus to you
Getting the tax bonus to you
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00179313.htm
Published: 03 Feb 2009
26 January 2009
Lodgment and information systems comparison table for BAS service providers
This table compares the ways you can work with the ATO to lodge returns, view client information and communicate with the ATO.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00124103.htm
Published: 22 Jan 2009
23 January 2009
ATO Bookkeepers Group
ATO Bookkeepers Group
Minutes released by the ATO for Nov 08 meeting.
ICB is represented by Matthew Addison at this meeting http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00175621.htm
23 January 2009
Treasury Standard Business Reporting program
Workshops to provide an understanding
Register your interest today for 2009
SBR holds free monthly workshops for software developers, accountants, bookkeepers, tax professionals and other business intermediaries. These morning workshops: provide an overview of SBR progress to date; explore new and emerging SBR issues; and provide an opportunity to discuss issues of relevance to SBR implementation. Dependi
23 January 2009
ICB Submission to Senate Economics Committee
ICB provided a detailed submission to the Senate Economics Committee on behalf of its members and the wider bookkeeping community.
In short the submission stated that the development in the BAS Agent regime may be a good recognition of the improvements in the Bookkeeping and other intermediary industries, however unless brought in appropriately it will not achieve anything.
ICB made 25 direct recommendations concerning the Bill as drafted tog
14 January 2009
Essential references for bookkeepers
This document contains links and instructions to help you find information on topics you may need to know about as a bookkeeper. Updated January 2009.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/66099.htm
Published: 14 Jan 2009
09 January 2009
WARNING - More rubbish being spread about the new law
A recent enquiry with us went along the lines of
“I currently do not prepare BAS’s for the businesses I do bookkeeping for as I know you must do this as a registered BAS provider or under guidance of a registered tax practitioner but have also heard that from July 1st 2009 all bookkeepers must be formally qualified and registered with the ATO.”
It is very unfortunate that some parties out there are telling people absolutely incorrect in
09 January 2009
ATO is now recording all phone calls
Both inbound and outbound phone calls to the ATO are being recorded. All in all a good thing but, you may want to be that one step more careful
For the full details:
Call recording for outbound calls
The Tax Office is now recording both inbound and outbound calls.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00176505.htm
Published: 08 Jan 2009
06 January 2009
ATO issue Electronic Lodgement declaration for Activity Statements
For all members who are legally permitted under Sn 251L to lodge a clients BAS/IAS using either the BSP Portal or the ECI platform, the ATO have now released a document required to be signed by yourself and the client and retained for 5 years.
The form is a great idea and required for effective process. We don't particularly like parts of the way this has been designed but, for now, this is the version.
It has been released as an “rtf
30 November 2008
Inquiry into the Tax Agent Services Bill 2008
Senate Enquiry - submissions must be in by 12 January.
The website - http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/economics_ctte/tax_agents_09/info.htm
has detailed the process for submissions to the Senate Economic Committee looking at the implementation of the new Tax Agent Services / BAS Agents law
Inquiry into the Tax Agent Services Bill 2008
Information about the Inquiry
On 26 November 2008, the Senate referred the provis
30 November 2008
Tax Agent Services Bill 2008
The Tax Agent Services Bill 2008 is designed to give effect to reforms to the registration and regulation of tax practitioners, including bookkeepers who provide a business activity statement (BAS) service for a fee.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00144430.htm
Published: 28 Nov 2008
27 November 2008
TAX AGENT SERVICES BILL sent to Senate Committee
On Wednesday 26 November, the Tax Agent Services Bill was sent to the Senate Economics Committee who have been scheduled to report back by 12 February 2009. The terms of reference to the committee is only to ensure that all stakeholders effected by the bill have been heard. This means that this committee will conduct some further form of public access for input and report back to the Parliamentary process in February 2009.
As details of th
26 November 2008
Treasurer calls for input in the 2009-2010 budget
Treasurer calls for input in the 2009-2010 budget The link below provides information and contact points for submissions to treasury in relation to next years budget.
http://www.treasurer.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2008/131.htm&pageID=003&min=wms&Year=&DocType=
Please forward any ideas that may be worthy of ICB putting together and providing a submission to government. Nothing prevents you providing your own submission
19 November 2008
BAS Agent Information Sessions
BAS Agent Information Sessions for BookkeepersThe Institute of Certified Bookkeepers will be holding information sessions in all the major cities - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth - for bookkeepers during March 2009.
These sessions will try and explain the BAS Agent legislation, it's benefits and how it will impact upon you, the bookkeeper who provides the BAS preparati
19 November 2008
LAW for BAS AGENTS to go to Ministers
The proposed law creating the registered BAS Agent has progressed and is progressing further.
Last Thursday 13th November 2 out of the 4 important documents were tabled in the House of Reps: the Tax Agent Services Bill 2008 & the Explanatory Memorandum. The Transitional Bill & the regulations were not tabled and are not public in a final form.
The http://pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/reps/html/reps.html website lists the
18 November 2008
TAX AGENT SERVICES 2008 BILL – rushed into parliament for debate next Wednesday 26th
This bill was first tabled in parliament last week, allowing the public release of the Tax Agent Services 2008 Bill itself and the Explanatory Memorandum. However missing from the documents tabled were the other papers with significant immediate impact being the associated Regulations and the Transitional Bill.
The prime ministers website @ http://pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/reps/html/reps.html, has listed the 2nd reading and debate of the recently
17 November 2008
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – ATO shuts down all computers
The Tax Office will conduct essential maintenance over the Christmas-New Year period that will require all computer systems and applications to be shut down.
This means all our systems and services including the Portal, electronic lodgement service, telephone services and the Tax Office website will be unavailable from 4pm EDST on Wednesday 24 December 2008 until 9am EDST on Monday 5 January 2009. In addition, there may also be some disruption to serv
12 November 2008
Tax Agent Services Bill 2008 - URGENT UPDATE
Mr Bowen (Assistant Treasurer), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish the Tax Practitioners Board and to provide for the registration of tax agents and BAS agents, and for related purposes, 9:11:43 AM.
Document
Mr Bowen presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill, 9:11:46 AM.
Bill read a first time, 9:11:50 AM.
Mr Bowen moved—That the bill be now read a second time, 9:12:01 AM.
Debate adjourned (Mr Lindsay, 9:1
10 November 2008
Time limit for claiming refunds
(From BAS Service Provider Newsletter Edition 20)
From 1 July 2008 onwards, claims for all refunds must be made within four years of the end of the tax period they relate to for:
goods and services tax (GST)
wine equalisation tax (WET)
luxury car tax (LCT), and
fuel tax credits
The four year time limit also applies to the revision of activity statements.
For more information, refer to:
GST and indirect taxes: r
10 November 2008
Update from Quality Training Solutions
on the Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) and the ICB Practical Bookkeeping Assessments
Quality Training Solutions have completed the mapping of the ICB Practical Bookkeeping assessments to the units of competency in the Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping). The following is what they would ask for from students wanting to do the Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) after completing the Level I, II and
07 November 2008
Online Learning for Small Business
Are you looking to improve your small business or develop your financial management skills?
The SMExcellence website is a free online learning resource which provides short courses on business topics covering a range of industries.
Through SMExcellence, you can develop your business knowledge on issues such as:
starting a business
registration and compliance
sales and marketing
taxation and financial management.
For further in
28 October 2008
• ICB Financial Accounts year ending December 31, 2007
ICB is proud to release the 2007 Annual Report for the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
Download the full financial report here.
28 October 2008
TREASURY CONFIRMS CERTIFICATE IV in FINANCIAL SERVICES (Bookkeeping) IS VALID
Despite information being provided by other organisations we are able to confirm that Treasury states:
“As you are aware, the qualifications requirements are contained in the exposure draft Tax Agent Services Regulations 2008. Although the Regulations have not yet been finalised, we do not see any reason why the Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) would not be retained in the final draft.”
Business Tax Division
Rev
21 October 2008
Top Questions to ask your Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) provider (RTO)
When you are evaluating which Certificate IV provider to use you should ask the following questions
1. Given my experience and qualifications, how would I now best approach obtaining my Cert IV with you?
2. What is that approach – Assessment? RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)?
20 October 2008
Top questions to ask about potential professional indemnity insurance policies
These questions are aimed to provide you with the information to know the answers and be comfortable with what you are getting!
1. Does the policy cover every aspect of your bookkeeping/consulting business?
It needs to include that you provide all aspects of bookkeeping work from set up and install of accounting software and systems, both manual and computerised.&nbs
14 October 2008
Fuel tax credits and GST instalments
This fact sheet provides information on how to claim your fuel tax creidts if you pay GST by instalments.
(An ATO resourse)
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00167093.htm
Published: 14 Oct 2008
07 October 2008
Fuel Tax Credits - How to complete your business activity statement
This guide will help you complete the fuel tax credit labels on your business activity statement. It also provides information about making mistakes or adjustments, lodging and paying, and a checklist. NAT 15531
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/77182.htm
29 September 2008
Online learning for small business
Online learning for small businesses...
Are you a small business or thinking of starting up? The Queensland Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry has a range of online information and short courses to help you develop your knowledge and manage your business better. Smart Skills is an online learning site covering a range of business topics including:
getting ready for business
business planning
marketing and promotio
16 September 2008
ATO announces new timetable for implementing change to their systems
In February we (ATO) advised we were going forward with the deployment of fringe benefits tax (FBT) onto our new integrated core processing (ICP) platform in March 2008, and that we would continue testing income tax until we were satisfied it was ready, in order to minimise any adverse impacts on staff, taxpayers and their agents.
Read more.......
10 September 2008
Congratulations Kerry and Matthew Addison on the birth of your daughter
ICB would like to congratulate Kerry and Matthew Addison (ICB Executive Director) on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby daughter, Lily Jayde Addison at 7pm on Wednesday September 10, 2008
Lily weighs 2.71kg (5.97lb) and is 47cm (18.5 inches) long.
Mum and daughter are very well and, quote from the very proud dad “very cute”.
10 September 2008
GST tips for non-profit organisations
Sep 2008. The Tax Office has released a new guide to provide non-profit organisations, charities and gift-deductible entities with information to help them meet their GST obligations.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00161696.htm
Published: 09 Sep 2008
08 September 2008
MYOB Hands-on Workshop (Perth and Adelaide only)
FOUR DYNAMIC DAYS of Hands-on, Jam-packed full of practical and exciting and wondrous workshop sessions.
Bookkeeper Information Session
These sessions will deal with items such as:
1. Detailed information and interpretation on the proposed new law
2. Practical efficient solutions to the new law
3. How to obtain Financial Services Certif
20 August 2008
Business Victoria - Find an Advisor offer for ICB's Victorian members
Promote your business on the Victorian Government’s ‘Find an Adviser’ database
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) invites you to be part of a project in partnership with Small Business Victoria. ‘Find an Adviser’ is a searchable database of accountants, lawyers and business advisers, and we would like to offer all Victorian-based ICB members, who hold a current Practising Certificate and also hold current Professional Indemnity Ins
30 July 2008
Bookkeeper Information Session
Bookkeeper Information Session
These sessions will deal with items such as:
16 May 2007
Understand the New BSP Legislation here
We have prepared our first explanation of what the new draft system is supposed to be from the bookkeepers perspective.
To download the document, please click here.
15 May 2007
BAS Service Provider Information and Commentary Session
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
brings to you
An information and Commentary Session
on the
09 May 2007
Ground Breaking Accreditation in the Phillipines
The Institutes man in Manilla has done it again.
Our intrepid chief executive of the South East Asia Region, Henry Ong, has just informed us that the Institutes qualifications have been awarded official recognition by the Philippines government. This means that the Institute is now the only accredited provider of bookkeeping qualifications in the country.
Henry is pictur
08 May 2007
Minimum 2 years before anything needs to change
BAS Service Providers: The transition provisions of the draft new law allows a 2 year period before the existing law stops.
More details to follow but in the mean time dont panic. Why?
1) The new law allows you to comply with the current Sn 251L for the next 2 years, without changing anything.
2) Experience will count in complying
08 May 2007
ICB Newsletter May 2007
MAY 2007 MEMBERS NEWS & UPDATE
Content:
Member Survey Results
- Launch of Website Bookkeeper Search as a direct result
- Occupational Health and Safety Resources for Bookkeep
08 May 2007
GOVERNMENT NEW LEGISLATION DRAFT RELEASED TODAY
GOVERNMENT NEW LEGISLATION DRAFT RELEASED TODAY
The draft new legislation that includes the sections around the BAS Service Provider has been released today.
A few FACTS
1) It is draft legislation not law
2) BAS Service Provider status IS NOT REQUIRED for everyone
3) We will provide you with a practical information pack in the next days
4) ICB will be providing an access to all components requir
04 May 2007
Occupational Health and Safety
Now you can comply to legislation, in an easy to use program that not only has all the necessary forms but also teaches you what to do, when to do it and how to do it.
Online OH&S is your step by step occupational health and safety management system software, designed to assist small to medium businesses with compliance to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.
The Online OH&S software will describe and guide your through
29 April 2007
ICB Annual report for 2006
Executive Director, Matthew Addison, proudly releases the 2006 Annual Report for The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers in Australia, announcing an extremely successful inaugural year. Given the little recognised bookkeeper industry, for ICB to have achieved so much in its first year is extremely encouraging.
Download the full financial report.
02 April 2007
Do professionals have an ethical compass and does it matter?
We find this recent speech by the Commissioner for Taxation to be of interest as they further recognise the profession of bookkeeping.
Do professionals have an ethical compass and does it matter?
Speech by Commissioner to Victorian Tax Bar Association.
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/content/00096342.htm
Published: 30 Mar 2007
02 April 2007
Fringe Benefits Tax
FRINGE BENEFITS TAX
FBT returns are due for lodgement shortly!
As companies begin to collate their records and prepare their FBT returns, many may assess the benefit of providing fringe benefits to employees, given the level of compliance and amount of FBT which needs to be paid to the ATO each year. Thankfully, there are a number of positive outcomes which stem from the provision of fringe benefits. Some of these, such as red
29 March 2007
Special News Update - ATO provides newsletter called "The BAS Service Provider"
ATO provides newsletter called "The BAS Service Provider"
http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/content/00095917.htm
This link takes you to the ATO website and specifically to their new (released today) information newsletter for, I quote "a bookkeeper in the business of providing Business Activity Statement (BAS) Services." End quote.
PLEASE DO NOT THINK that just because you get this newsletter you are legally
23 March 2007
ATO Deputy Commissioner Outlines ATO Working With the Tax Profession
Understanding Tax Practitioners - Research with Bookkeepers 2006-07
Research is underway to help us gain a clear understanding of the world of bookkeepers.
Research into the role that bookkeepers perform in the operation of the tax system first commenced in 2004. Since that time the Tax Office has continued to explore and gain an understanding of this role including the needs and concerns of the people performing bookkeeping services
23 March 2007
Is Your Business Prepared for a Crisis?
A Government Business Planning Workshop
The Australian Government is conducting free business continuity planning workshops across Australia to help small businesses plan for an influenza pandemic or other national emergency.The workshops are being held from 26 March to 14 May 2007.
While the workshops will focus on pandemics, they offer valuable lessons that businesses can apply throughout the business cycle.Limited places are still available for t
23 March 2007
An ATO Update on Changes to Legislation
Update on legislation from the ATO Commissioner
Extracted from a speech where full content can be read at http://ato.gov.au/corporate/content.asp?doc=/content/00095120.htm
Tax Practitioner Legislative Framework
Last year, the Assistant Treasurer Peter Dutton announced that the Government would provide funding of $57.5 million over four years for the implementation of a new legislative framework for tax practitioners.
&nbs
23 March 2007
ATO Research with Bookkeepers 2006-07
Understanding Tax Practitioners - Research with Bookkeepers 2006-07
Research is underway to help us gain a clear understanding of the world of bookkeepers.
Research into the role that bookkeepers perform in the operation of the tax system first commenced in 2004. Since that time the Tax Office has continued to explore and gain an understanding of this role including the needs and concerns of the people performing bookkeeping
14 February 2007
February 2007 News and Update
FEBRUARY 2007 MEMBERS NEWS & UPDATE &
30 January 2007
If I am a member of the ICB, can I lodge BAS's?
ICB is currently working with the ATO & government to ensure that bookkeepers can keep doing bookkeeping work. The law requires only members of the accounting associations and those guided by tax agents be permitted to prepare BAS for their clients. Law currently allows you to use software to produce a BAS like form.
There is NO other exemption at this time.
25 January 2007
ATO penalises unregistered tax agent
Prosecution and fines for an unregistered tax preparer
An unregistered tax preparer was convicted and fined a total of $9,300 plus $125.40 in costs for 17 charges of preparing tax returns for a fee, relating to section 251L(1)(a) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. The matter was heard in the Brisbane Magistrates Court in December 2006 and as the defendant did not appear, the case proceeded in his absence.
The defendant, a registe
18 January 2007
ICB appoints experienced bookkeeper and educator to Board of Directors
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers in Australia is very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr John Birse to the board of Directors of ICB. Mr Birse has extensive experience and involvement in the bookkeeper industry as Chairman of the Franchise Bookkeeper Association of Australia and Divisional Franchisor for Jims Bookkeeping. These involvements together with Johns background as an accounting teacher in Secondary Schools, Project M
18 January 2007
MAJOR STEP FORWARD in networking & resourcing bookkeepers
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Rick Freitag as Director of Resources & Networking. Rick has extensive experience and knowledge in running usergroups, network meetings, providing resources into the bookkeeper community. Rick now takes on this role to assist members of ICB to know about all the tips and tricks of being the best in bookkeeping as well as facilitating the ICBs current
14 January 2007
Update - BAS Service Provider - New Legislation
Government continues to understand our world!
The ICB, together with other segments of the bookkeeper community, continue to be in discussion with government (ATO & Treasury & others) in connection with the impact and reality of the proposed new legislation. The ICB continues to represent you in ATO forums, wider bookkeeper industry groups and discussions, Treasury p
02 January 2007
Quicken's new QuickBooks for Bookkeepers Training Course
Quickens long awaited QuickBooks for Bookkeepers course commences in 2007
Please let your members / franchisees / friends know that they are able to book now for 2007 dates by going to https://bookings.quicken.com.au/
The following dates are available now and more will be added in the next two weeks in Adelaide and Wollongong
MELBOURNE
06 December 2006
December 2006 News and Update
DECEMBER MEMBERS NEWS & UPDATE
06 December 2006
December 2006 Quarterly Business Update
Contents
How to cut your Business fuel costs - the fuel tax credit
23 November 2006
Bookkeeper Advisory Group Overview
What is the Bookkeeper Advisory Group (BAG) and what is it's purpose? If you have ever asked yourself this question, this article will provide the answer.
History
The Bookkeeper Advisory Group was formerly known as the Bookkeeper Industry Advisory Group. Following the Bookkeeper Symposium in November 2003, the Bookkeeper Industry Advisory Group was formed in May 2004 to allow consultation between the Tax Office and a repr
13 October 2006
**Special News** - Introducing the ICB Bookkeepers Survival Kit
Announcing the release of the web based ICB Bookkeepers Survival Kit.
Based on very successful versions of the Survival CD, Rick Frietag of IOCA has helped ICB create the ICB Bookkeepers Survival Resources for bookkeepers.
A Members Only section of the website dedicated to providing day to day tools and resources helping ICB bookkeepers. You can now access these resources from any computer as long as you login using
05 September 2006
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Ltd - Who Are We?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is about bookkeepers helping bookkeepers.
We are an increasing association of Australian Bookkeepers, assisted by the established ICB UK association of 55,000 full members, looking to assi
31 August 2006
August 2006 News & Update
Content:
Editorial
Top 10 help for Bookkeepers
Resource ICB helping you
Bookkeeping Hot Spots
Updates on Insurance
Updates on Law BAS Service Provider
Updates on Education
Greetings
From what I hear, from what I have seen and from what I have felt; the June quarter was not an easy one for bookkeepers. A combination of Sup
30 August 2006
The 10 most helpful /useful / best things to help bookkeepers in doing their work!
((Tools, guides, information, that either exist or you would like))
Checklists
Payroll guides (Software specific with mention of the MYOB Payroll Guides)
ATO Website
Accountants knowledge & contactable accountants
ICB Website (and no this wasn't a planted answer)
Advanced Bookkeeper knowledge and assistance, advanced software knowledge
Bookkeeper Resource Kit (provided from a source now made available to I
29 August 2006
End of Period Errors from June 2006
ICB members provide a list of issues identified and requiring review while preparing the June 2006 end of quarter accounts for business.
This list has been compiled to identify common BAS preparation related issues. To view and print the full list, please click here.
11 August 2006
Bookkeepers Survey
At the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, we are interested in your views and thoughts. We have put together a survey and we would welcome you all to take the time to complete the survey and return it to us. Your response will asssit us in our submissions and our represenations to various governing bodies. Please click here to download a copy of the survey.
You can forward the completed form to us:
By ma
10 August 2006
Monthly BAS Deadline Submission - A Letter to the ATO
The following is a letter to Mr Murray Crowe, Assistant Commissioner of the ATO in regards to end of financial year BAS deadlines from Mr Matthew Addison, Executive Director of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
To print a copy of this letter, please click here
04 August 2006
Workload Submission - A Letter to the ATO
The following is a letter to Mr Murray Crowe, Assistant Commissioner of the ATO in regards to a bookkeepers workload from Mr Matthew Addison, Executive Director of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
To print a copy of this letter, please click here
3 August 2006
The information below is written in response to the comments made in the article referred to above
18 July 2006
Bookkeeper Advisory Group Meeting Summary
Latest ATO Bookkeeper Meeting notes.
The following are the notes from the ATO Bookkeeper Industry Advisory Group (BIAG) now to be reconstituted as the Bookkeeper Advisory Group (BAG). The ICB continues to represent the views of Bookkeepers to the ATO at this forum.
Bookkeeper Advisory Group Meeting Summary
27 Jun
18 July 2006
Extension to PAYG Summary deadline..for some
ICB provides this information to you from the tax office as being relevant to the day to day work of bookkeepers.
SUMMARY:
The obligation to prepare and lodge the PAYG Summary by 14th August has been extended for some businesses.
TALK TO YOUR CLIENTS TAX AGENT to be sure it applies.
If the business ONLY employs family (see definition below) then the PAYG end of year work can be perf
14 July 2006
Newsletter and Update July 2006
Greetings to all
Well it has been a tremendous ride so far in the 4 months life of the ICB in Australia. Since launching on 1st March 2006, embarking on 2 trips around all states in Australia launching and then presenting State of the bookkeeping industry and the concepts of ICB to over 3000 people, we have been just a little busy. Content of presentation available at http://www.icb.org.au/members_area/latest_news/story70.
04 July 2006
Lodgement dates 2006-07
The Lodgment program 2006-07 is extensive and includes details of most of your lodgment requirements including:
income tax returns
monthly and quarterly activity statements
fringe benefits tax (FBT) returns and pay as you go (PAYG) withholding annual reports
annual goods and services tax (GST) returns and information reports
annual and quarterly instalment notices
a range of superannuation statements, and
a number of smaller lodgment req
30 June 2006
Professional Indemnity Insurance
INSURANCE PROGRAM
ICB is proud to announce the appointment of Willis Insurance Australia as broker of choice in preparation of the ICB Professional Indemnity Insurance program. The Insurance being provided by Dexta Corporation.
ICB & Willis have worked together to create a policy relevant and costed to all bookkeepers, from those in sole practice just fo
30 June 2006
BAS Service Provider
ICB awaits the release of information from treasury in relation to the proposed requirements for the BAS Service Provider. The requirements ARE NOT KNOWN and HAVE NOT been released for consideration by any part of industry.
Please note there is NO legislative definition of a BAS Service at this time. Neither is there any guidance on what a BAS Service Provider is nor wha
30 June 2006
The new Cert IV - The fact from IBSA as of 27 June 2006
Facts from IBSA the body responsible for development of the new certificate:
A Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) has been completed and will be submitted to DEST for evaluation prior to forwarding to the NQC for endorsement. Strong industry support for the introduction of this qualification suggests that it will have good take-up and could help ease the pressure on accountants. For further infor
06 June 2006
Certificate IV Financial Services (Bookkeeping)
In December 2005, Industry & Business Skills Australia (IBSA) allocated funds to progress the research and development of some unit(s) and some qualification(s) content as a means of introducing bookkeeper-specific content into FNS04 (Financial Services Training Package). Some Industry players including bookkeepers, associations, businesses & support groups were consulted in regard to content resulting in a draft course being created. T
01 June 2006
Bookkeeping in Australia - An information and introduction session
Based on content presented to audiences of conferences during May 2006
Introduction
The bookkeeping industry in Australia is developing.The implementation of GST in 1999/2000 and the development of the Business Activity Statement since then has resulted in concerns by government, accountants, bookkeepers and businesses with the completion of the
31 May 2006
New Tax Practitioners Regime
Introductions
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, 140000 UK members, has recently been established in Australia specifically to fill a gap in providing a credible professional association and representative body for all bookkeepers in Australia.
The implementation of GST in 2000 brought the role of bookkeepers into the spotlight as a result of
13 April 2006
Quarterly Business Update
Autumn 2006
Contents
04 April 2006
New Workchoice law briefing
29 March 2006
Benefits Update
Further benefits of joining the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
ICB has already managed to negotiate the following benefits of being a member:
15% discount to MYOB Australia provided classroom based training courses.
MYOB supporting Ce
23 March 2006
GST for BAS Preparation accreditation
Guided by tax agent
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers aims to establish structure and certainty to the bookkeeper industry, bringing recognition to bookkeepers for the work they do and how well they do it.
01 March 2006
New Appointment
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is delighted to announce the launch of its organisation in Australia as part of the ICB Global network. The Institute was founded in the UK and today promotes professional bookkeeping across the world through the establishment of a series of qualifications that lead to professional membership. It is the world's largest independent b
08 December 2005
The Institute moves into Taiwan
The Institute has appointed Kenneth Chionh (aka Chiang Tzai-shan) as its representative in Taiwan. Kenneths office is in Taichung City.
He brings many years educational experience to this new role and will promote the Institutes syllabus and membership to colleges, training providers and established bookkeepers in this very important country within the region.Commenting on the appointment, Henry Ong, the Institutes Head of Development in the Asia
16 November 2005
Members Benefits section now live!
The Institute has now organised a list of 3rd party benefits specially for our members and students. Benefits include Discounted software from MYOB, Discounted International Car Hire, Special Christmas offers from Thistle Hotels in London and more.....
As well as the range of benefits members and students receive from the Institute, we have teamed up with a number of 3rd party companies to offer discounts on their products.Some o
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