22 April 2016

Saving time for small business owners

New user-friendly online tools have been released to help Australian small businesses taking on a new employee.

Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer, Kelly O'Dwyer, said a new online checklist is now available to guide small business owners through the federal and state laws that apply when taking on an employee.

"Previously, small business owners needed to search across several websites to find information about taking on an employee. Now they can find everything they need in one place," Minister O'Dwyer said.

"The simple online checklist also links to an online pay tool to help calculate pay and conditions on the Fair Work Ombudsman's website.

"The website also links to an improved 'decision tool' to help businesses work out if their new workers should be an employee or contractor, and what that means for both tax and super. This includes assistance to determine if tax and super need to be calculated on employee entitlements.

"The release of the online checklist and other products mean small businesses will spend less time working out how government regulations apply to them and more time running their businesses.

"The ATO has worked closely with small business owners and other state and federal government agencies to learn more about what would provide a better experience and to bring the products to life.

"I encourage all small businesses owners to check out the new products and trust they will enjoy the streamlined experience when they take on a new employee," Minister O'Dwyer said.

The products were developed based on recommendations from a joint agency fix-it squad looking to give small businesses more certainty about how to meet their obligations.

You can access the checklist through www.business.gov.au