Blog

Latest articles

Why Keeping a Logbook for Your Car is a MUST…

What we have been noticing here at Freshwater are that lots of clients are tracking their car costs, BUT not necessarily keeping the appropriate records / receipts not a log-book. 

When it comes to claiming motor vehicle expenses, maintaining accurate records is KEY. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a logbook.

Read More >

Bookkeeper vs. Accountant: Why you need BOTH

When it comes to managing your business finances, you might think a bookkeeper and an accountant are interchangeable. However, each has a unique role in keeping your business on track – and, trust us, you need both!

While accountants often get the spotlight, it’s the bookkeepers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, providing the essential groundwork for your business’s financial success. In this blog post, we cover the difference between these two roles and why in our opinion, solid bookkeeping is the backbone of any successful small business.

Read More >

All 112 Articles

How Tracking Categories can Transform your Business

One of Xero’s many standout features is the ability to use tracking categories. Tracking categories can provide SIGNIFICANT benefits to your business, ultimately enhancing your financial management, decision-making processes and profitability.

Note: Tracking categories are not just unique to Xero, plenty of other online bookkeeping software have this capability including: MYOB, Quickbooks Online, Zoho Books, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, and Wave.

Read More >

What we do here at Freshwater

I’m Sarah Clayton, the director of Freshwater Tax, and I’m so excited to share a little bit about what we do here. Freshwater Tax is more than just an accounting firm—we’re a team that’s genuinely passionate about helping you feel confident and empowered in your financial journey, regardless of if you’re an individual, a business owner, or just starting out on your entrepreneurial adventure. Here’s a peek into the key services we offer and why we absolutely love doing what we do…

Read More >

Hot Desk Expenses: Are They Tax Deductible? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Hot desking is like the casual dating of office setups—you show up, use a desk when you need it, and leave without any long-term commitment. It’s flexible, cost-effective, and perfect for freelancers, remote workers, and anyone tired of the traditional office grind. But can you actually claim your hot desk expenses on your tax return? Let’s break it down…

Read More >

The Key Challenges Faced by Accountants Today

The accounting landscape in Australia is going through a major glow-up—whether we like it or not. From ever-changing client expectations (because, of course, everyone wants to maximise their refund!) to the constant technological upgrades that seem more like level-ups in a video game, us accountants are juggling more than just numbers these days. Add in the regulatory roller coaster and the struggle to find qualified staff: the struggle is real!

Read More >

PAYG Instalments: What on earth are they?

Imagine PAYG instalments as your trusty sidekick in the epic quest to conquer your tax obligations. PAYG stands for “Pay As You Go,” and basically, these are all about making regular prepayments towards the tax on your business and investment income. Think of it as paying off a lay-by purchase – by the time you pick up your item, most of the payments are already made, and you avoid a big lump sum payment at the end.

Read More >

Maximising your productivity by taking your free time FIRST!

If you’re anything like me, juggling school holidays, running a business, not to mention – managing the school term and balancing it all in general can feel like spinning plates while riding a unicycle. It’s a crazy balancing act, but somehow, we manage to keep everything from crashing to the ground (most of the time, anyway).

Read More >

The Hidden Dangers of Afterpay

As Accountants & Bookkeepers, we often see Afterpay expenses popping up in business books and personal finances alike. It’s clear that this buy-now-pay-later service has become a popular tool for many. While it can be convenient, we’ve noticed some common pitfalls that users may not be aware of which has prompted us to put together this blog post to help you understand the potential dangers of Afterpay and how to use it wisely. 

Read More >

Contact Us

Important Note: During our peak season from July to October, we prioritise maintaining our signature high-quality service. As a result, we may not always be able to take on new clients, however we’re happy to add you to our waitlist.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.