The tax system can be difficult to navigate for small business owners. It is important to understand which taxes apply to your business and what assistance you can receive.

Navigating the tax system

If your business is struggling with debt, there is help available to manage your situation.

What to do when you're in debt

There are also practical steps you can take to ease the stress of being in debt and get back on track financially.

Getting back on track after debt

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) helps small businesses to reach agreements with financial service providers about how to resolve their complaints. AFCA can deal with financial difficulty relating to a range of credit products and services.

Support with financial difficulty

If you need help with your financial issues, the National Debt Helpline can direct you to a financial counsellor who can provide you with personalised financial advice.

Find a financial counsellor

Getting finance for your business is not a simple process. It is important to understand the different options available to your business.

Managing your business finances

This is a six-step financial advice toolkit that can help you get the most out of a meeting with an advisor.

Build your financial advice toolkit here

Your business may be eligible for government assistance. This tool helps you search for grants and support programs.

Search for grants and support programs here

Being in business debt can be a daunting experience, but there are positive steps you can take to get your finances back on track.

What to do when you're in debt

Warning signs your business might be in trouble

Take control of your finances, by using these resources to analyse your finances and compare your business to others in your industry.

Learn how to use financial ratios and calculations to help analyse your finances

See how your business is performing against others in the industry

There are resources available to help you manage the stress of dealing with finances.

Tips for dealing with financial stress

Get tips on cash flow and working with the ATO from small business owner Dez Robertson and Deborah Jenkins, Deputy Commissioner of Small Business at the ATO.

Listen to Dez and Deborah here

Brought to you by Everymind and available on Soundcloud.

Having a good accounting system in place can help you organise and keep track of your business activities. Use these tips to learn more about accounting and what you need to consider when setting up systems for your business.

Get advice about setting up and maintaining good accounting systems

Working with a business adviser can help solve business problems and connect you to funding.

Search for a business adviser in your area

Planning ahead is a great way to minimise stress and avoid problems down the track.

Creating a budget for your business can help you to plan where you need to direct your money and where it’s needed most.

Follow these tips to create a business budget

As a small business owner, managing your cash flow is vital. A cash flow statement can help you understand where your money is coming from and where it is going.

Find tips and a template for developing a cash flow statement

If your business is growing, you may need to hire more staff.

Tips on how to navigate the recruitment process

Hiring your first employee is a huge step for any business owner, and can be a confusing process. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides resources and support for dealing with the employment process at all stages.

How the Fair Work Ombudsman can help 

Ensuring that you understand the legal requirements as an employer before hiring a new employee is key to a successful working relationship.

Understanding your obligations as an employer

If you find yourself in a dispute with the ATO, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) can help.

ASBFEO provides a concierge service for businesses that have received a negative decision from the ATO. ASBFEO case managers help small businesses decide if an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of an ATO decision is an appropriate pathway to resolution.

Access ASBFEO's concierge service here

Before you deal with another business, make sure they are legitimate by asking questions to verify information about their company.

How to start doing business with other businesses

If you are having trouble getting paid for work you have done, sometimes a polite and professional conversation is all that’s required to clear up a misunderstanding. If this doesn’t work, there are other steps you can take to recover money owed to you.

What to do when you haven't been paid

Small businesses may run into problems with their suppliers, which can sometimes turn into a dispute. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has an online Dispute Support referral tool that makes it easy to find the most appropriate low cost service to resolve your business dispute. Small businesses can also contact the ASBFEO Assistance Team on 1300 650 460 for help with a dispute.

Get assistance with resolving a dispute

Superannuation can be a confusing topic for even the most financially literate. If your business employs people, learn about your superannuation obligations and get tips on how to pay super to yourself.

What you need to do when it comes to superannuation

The ATO also provides information about your superannuation obligations, including a video to help you check you are paying for the right people.

Understanding your superannuation obligations