Alright mate, let’s be real—tax and finance can feel like trying to understand a kangaroo with a thick accent. If you’ve ever found yourself deep in Google’s rabbit hole of finance questions, only to come out more confused than when you started, you’re not alone.

So, we’ve rounded up the most Googled questions and asked our in-house legends (including our BAS agent extraordinaire, Gim) to give you the straight-up, no-fluff answers Aussie style.

1. “Do I really need an accountant if I’ve got accounting software?”

Look, accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks is bloody brilliant—it’s like having a spreadsheet that does a bit of magic. But here’s the kicker: software won’t call you at 5pm to remind you about that tax deadline you forgot. Or explain why your tax bill looks like a stubby short on a hot arvo.

An accountant is like your financial mate who knows all the loopholes, shortcuts, and how to keep the taxman happy without losing sleep. So yeah, the software’s great, but the accountant? Even better.

2. “Can I claim my coffee as a tax deduction?”

Ah, the classic! We all want to claim that morning flat white, don’t we? But unless you’re buying it for a client meeting—or you’re running a coffee shop—sorry mate, the taxman won’t buy it.

But chin up, there’s plenty you can claim: business gear, your phone if you use it for work, petrol for business trips, and even part of your home office if you’ve set one up. So keep those receipts and maybe just limit your coffee claims to “fuel for the brain.”

3. “What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?”

Easy one! Think of your bookkeeper as the bloke who keeps the bills paid, the bank reconciled, and the paperwork sorted. They’re the ones making sure the money side of things is tidy day-to-day.

Your accountant, on the other hand, is the big-picture thinker. They’re the wise one who helps you plan ahead, keep on the right side of the ATO, and maybe save you a few bob along the way.

Together, they’re like Vegemite and toast—better together!

4. “When do I have to lodge my BAS?”

If you’re registered for GST, you’ll generally lodge your BAS every quarter—usually by the 28th day after the quarter ends. That’s your official reminder from the tax office to get your paperwork sorted and send it off.

Pro tip: if you use a registered BAS agent like our legend Gim, you can usually get some extra time to lodge and pay. It’s like getting an extension on your essay, but for grown-up tax stuff.

5. “How much should I put aside for tax?”

Rule of thumb: stash away about 25 to 30% of your income to cover tax and GST if you’re registered. Think of it like putting aside some of your sausage sizzle money for the tax BBQ.

But every business is different, so it’s worth having a yarn with an accountant to figure out what suits your setup. That way, you won’t get caught short when the tax bill lands like a cold one on a hot day.

6. “Can I claim working from home expenses?”

Since plenty of us have been working from the couch (or the kitchen bench), you might be able to claim some of those home office expenses. This could be part of your electricity bill, internet, phone, or even your office chair (the one you swear is comfier than the lounge).

There are a few ways to calculate it, and it’s best to chat with your accountant to work out the easiest and fairest method for you. Just keep your receipts, and don’t try to claim your pet’s food as “office supplies”—the taxman’s got eyes everywhere!

Final Word

Finance might not be as fun as a day at the beach, but it doesn’t have to be as painful as a mozzie bite either. Having a good accountant or BAS agent on your team means you can focus on what you love (running your business, enjoying a cold one) while they handle the tax stuff.

And if there’s a question Google can’t answer—or if you just want to have a chat without feeling like you need a degree in accounting—give us a shout. No jargon, no stress, and maybe a few laughs thrown in for good measure.

If you want to hear from us, just simply Google us.