Garnet Business Services

📣 Final days to join me, Nadine for Numbers & Nibbles this May with Secret Women's Collab

Registrations close this Friday, and honestly… if you’ve been thinking about coming, this is probably your sign to stop overthinking it and just book the ticket.

Because this session isn’t about becoming “better at spreadsheets.”

It’s about finally understanding your business finances in a way that actually feels practical, manageable, and supportive of the life you’re trying to build.

We’ll be having honest conversations around:
✨ pricing confidently
✨ paying yourself properly
✨ understanding your cash flow
✨ planning for tax and super without panic
✨ knowing which numbers actually matter in your business

And we’ll be doing it in a room full of women in business who are all figuring things out as they go too.

No intimidating finance jargon.
No pressure.
No awkward networking.

Just practical learning, genuine connection, good food, and the kind of conversations that leave you feeling clearer and more in control afterwards.

📅 Friday, 29 May 2026
🕘 11:15am – 2:00pm
📍 The Wellard, Wellard

Registrations close this Friday, and spots are limited.

I’ve also got a special $20 discount available for my community.

Tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/lunch-and-learn-numbers-and-nibbles

Lest we forget.
Today we stand with our community in remembrance of the service and sacrifice that has shaped our country.

After more than 20 years of dedicated leadership, Nadine has made the decision to step back from some of the operational side of the business to focus on client work.

As part of this transition, we’re pleased to introduce Shailesh Patel as Director, who will oversee the day-to-day operations and support the continued growth of the firm.

It’s a positive step forward, with the same team and commitment to looking after our clients. Nadine remains very much part of the firm, and you’ll continue to see her in appointments and around the office.

Behind the scenes, our team will continue to support the day-to-day operations to ensure everything runs smoothly and consistently for you.

We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to continuing to work with you.

That’s a wrap for 2025!
We’re taking a short break to reset before the new year begins.

📅 Closed from Friday, 19th December 2025
📅 Back on Monday, 12th January 2026

Thank you for being here this year — whether you were knee-deep in spreadsheets with us, mapping out your next move, or just quietly getting things done in the background.

It’s a privilege to support the people behind the numbers. We’ll be back in January, ready to help you hit the ground running for 2026.

Wishing you a safe, restful Christmas and New Year 🎄🎁 🎉

— Nadine & Team Garnet

As year end nears, plan your pay cycles around public holidays and tell staff about any changed pay runs.

Keep PAYG and BAS deadlines in mind: December monthly PAYG is generally due 21 January, and October to December BAS for small reporters is generally due 28 February. Process STP pay runs early as needed, and ensure employees’ super reaches funds by 28 January.

Take care when applying rules and pay rates for public holidays and leave entitlements. Your tax adviser, the ATO and Fair Work can support you in understanding and meeting your obligations.

Read the full article on our blog:
https://www.garnetaccounting.com.au/start-your-year-end-payroll-tax-and-employee-leave-planning-now-for-peace-of-mind/

Planning some overseas travel? If you receive Centrelink, your payment's "portability" rules apply. Short trips are usually fine, but longer absences can reduce, pause or stop certain payments. Always tell Services Australia your dates, destination and travel reasons so you don’t face penalties or need to pay back overpayments on your return.

Short holidays will rarely affect tax residency or how your payments are taxed, but for long absences or a move overseas, you’ll need to check ATO residency rules and your obligations for arrangements like HELP/HECS.

Read the full article here:
https://www.garnetaccounting.com.au/heading-overseas-centrelink-and-the-ato-might-need-to-know/

Wondering about Medicare amounts on your latest tax return?

The Medicare levy is a 2% compulsory charge to help fund the public healthcare system, and it's usually taken from your pay, so you mightn’t notice it until tax time. Having private health insurance won’t get you out of paying it.

The Medicare levy surcharge (MLS) is a different, extra charge for higher-income earners without private health insurance, designed to nudge them towards private cover to ease the public system load. If your income’s over certain amounts and you're not covered, you pay the MLS.

Let’s look at why they apply, and how to manage your private health insurance effectively.

Full details in the full article here:
https://www.garnetaccounting.com.au/whats-the-difference-between-the-medicare-levy-and-the-medicare-levy-surcharge/

If you're unsure about your personal or business situation and would like some support and guidance, please reach out.
Email [email protected] or click through to book an appointment below. https://garnetbusinessservices.setmore.com/

📚 Got a HECS or study loan? You might be getting a refund! 💸
The ATO has announced a 20% reduction to most study and training loans, and it’s great news if you’ve been making repayments.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ The reduction will be applied automatically to your loan balance as it stood on 1 June 2025 — you don’t need to do anything to get it.

💰 If the reduction puts your loan account into credit, you might get a refund.

This could happen if:

- You’ve paid off your loan or are close to it.

- You’ve made a repayment since 1 June 2025.

- You have a small remaining balance.

🏦 Where will the refund go?

It’ll be paid into the bank account listed with the ATO for your income tax. If your details are out of date, now’s a great time to check and update them to avoid delays.

📅 Most refunds will be processed by the end of December 2025, but some may take longer.

👉 You won’t get a notification ahead of time; refunds will happen after the reduction is applied. If you’re eligible, you’ll either see the money land in your bank account or get a revised tax notice first.

📬 Not sure what your loan balance is or if your account is up to date? We’re here to help guide you through it.

Please let us know if you’d like assistance checking your details or understanding how this might affect you.