How to Find the Right Accountant

Business owners are not the only ones who need accountants. And with the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, everyone who makes any income will be busy with their financial books.  It’s an annual activity and yet somehow it does not get any easier.  Changes in status (single to married) or Student to employed, from employed to non-employed, calamities, age, number of children, lottery winnings, commissions, inheritance etc. - these are changes in your life that also change your taxpayer status.

Tax computations are complex especially for those with children and if both parents are working. Family Tax benefits can get as complicated as a quantum physics equation – at least to the ordinary person.

If you are not into accounting yourself, it is better to seek the help of an accountant so you can manage your incomes and taxes better than doing it yourself in a roundabout way.  Yes there are ready information and guidelines.  The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is also very helpful but you may still end up wondering if you have done everything right.

Good accountants may be fully booked this close to the filing season. But don’t worry, there are a good number of them and you will be able to find the right one if you ask the right questions and through proper channels.  But before you go looking one, prepare yourself and your financial papers.  Consider the scope of the work you want done and decide on a budget. Here us a few tips on how to find and deal with prospective accountants.

·         Go to these websites to find certified practicing accountants. 

v  Certified Practicing Accountants Australia

v  Institute of Public Accountants

v  Institute of Chartered Accountants  - their database is more comprehensive as well as expertise and location specific which will save you time.

·         The websites will give you names, company names, contact numbers and the address of possible candidates.  What the list will not tell is if the accountant has an ABN number, Insurance or his or her Tax Agent Status.  To get this information go to the Business Checker and search for their names or company names.  Accountants who have an up-to date status are given a satisfactory of high satisfactory rate.  

·         You can also search the Business Checker data base because some of the previous sites have an option only database so not all accountants are listed there.

·         Create a shortlist of probable candidates and ask for an initial interview.

·         Be specific about rates and scope or work to be done.  You can even ask him first if the initial interview will cost you.

·         Your financial documents need to be handled carefully and thoroughly so expertise, truthfulness and dependability should be the top criteria in deciding which accountant you will hire.

There are other informational sites you can visit regarding Australian Taxation and Accounting issues.  Anyone who receives some kind of income has a responsibility to pay taxes to the State.  This is how the State is able to provide better services to its citizens. 

References and helpful links:

http://www.ato.gov.au

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_Australia

http://www.wealthtipsonline.com.au/pdfs/accountant.pdf

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/life-events-and-you/life-events/choosing-an-accountant

Furnishing Ideas for Small Spaces

 Hunting for an apartment is both exciting and grueling, and so is furnishing it, so brace yourself.  And the only thing that could even make this task more challenging is if you have limited space.  But do not fret, here are a few tips that help you meet the challenge and end up with the apartment of your dreams.

Minimize your load. 

If you happen to have belongings from your previous home, try holding a garage sale first.  The best rule here is if you have not used it for the last 6 months, chances are, you won’t ever use it again.  Try not to be too sentimental over the little things. Sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to let go.  Besides, you’ll need funds for your new furniture.

Maximize space and let things flow. 

Limitations bring the creative mind to work.  In small spaces, everything must have a functional purpose.  This also applies to walls (except bedroom and bathroom walls of course –unless you are daring enough that is, so if a wall does nothing else but hold pictures tear it down and you may replace it with an open backed bookshelf that doubles as a divider.    Keep this in mind also as you hunt for furniture.  Seek out sofa beds and custom furniture. 

Storage, storage, storage.

 Let’s face it, today’s world of consumerism, we are taught to acquire and acquire we do.  We all need space to keep every single thing we purchase on a daily basis. If you want to see the impact of proper storage, click here.  Yes, keeping your kitchen stored is possible too. Keeping things behind closed doors keep everything neat and in place.  Plus it forces you to clean up after yourself and put away everything you have used.  

Clean Lines, Light Colors and Mirrors.

These three things make the space bigger than it is and less cluttered than it is.  Bear in mind that light colors make small spaces look roomier.  Play with fabric texture rather than patterns.  And forgo sofas with arm chairs if you can (unless that arm hair serves as a shelf or a side table).

Accessorize with one two or three.

Do not go beyond three accessories within a space.  Accessories help personalize your space so choose well.  It can be a set of photos on the wall or a stack of books on the table or a mere basket of fruits will do. 

Lighting and Windows

Plan out your lighting fixtures and don’t forget to let it natural light.  Architects would tell you that lighting plays a very important role in their work whether it’s natural or man-made.  Make use of natural light rather than cover it.  Move a chair around to get a better idea on how furniture placements make use of the natural light. Nighttime lighting should glow and not glare. 

The Sydney Wildlife – Possums

The Awesome Possum

The Sydney Wildlife – Possums

The Australian wildlife is as diverse as its people and is an intrinsic part of its natural landscape.  In the past few decades, the land has changed drastically to include structures that symbolize human advancement.  It is change that has forced some of Australia’s wildlife to adapt itself to the urban jungle – in close proximity to humans.  Sydneysiders have learned that some of its resident possums, seen usually in parks have grown quite fond of their roofs.  And in addition, they have also learned to adjust to a diet that includes human food along with the usually leaves, berries and nuts.

In the past few years, Sydney residents have encountered possums more and more frequently.  There are those who welcome them and those that are not too happy to have them at home.  This is understandable as possums are nocturnal animals that mark their territory with their scent from bodily fluids – the kind of scent that make your neighbor wonder if you clean your toilets at all.  It fends off possum territorial competition along with your visitors.

Despite the obvious disruption and annoyance possums may cause – which includes damage to your yard and trash bins – these little creatures have as much right to have a home as we do.  So, what exactly should a Sydney resident do with a possum that seem to have claimed ownership of his or her roof?  According to WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education, Inc.) the best thing to do is to call licensed removal experts if you know their number or call WIRES so they can recommend one. Read this WIRES article to know more about handling possums in your roof.  The non-profit organization also warns against feeding or handling the possums.  No matter how much you want to help, you may do more harm than good. 

References:

http://www.wiresnr.org/Emergencyinformation.html#possums

http://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/sydneys-mammals

http://www.wires.org.au/