ATO SMALL BUSINESS BENCHMARKS UPDATED

The ATO has released its latest small business benchmarks, providing over 100 different industries with average cost of sales and average total expenses. Businesses can see clearly what the relevant benchmarks are for their industry. The benchmark data is drawn from over 1.5 million small businesses around Australia.

Assistant Commissioner Peter Holt said that businesses should use the benchmarks to gauge the strength of their business and keep an eye on their competition.

“We want small businesses to stay afloat, so our benchmarks are a great way to ensure your business is viable, competitive and not at risk of venturing into rough water”, he said.

The benchmarks also help the ATO identify small businesses that may be doing the wrong thing and not properly reporting some or all of their income.

“Think of the benchmarks like the red and yellow flags on the beach. If you stay between the flags, you’ll be less likely to attract our attention”, Mr Holt said.

Using the business performance check tool in the ATO app is the quickest and easiest way to work out how a taxpayer compares to the small business benchmarks.

If you would like to know more please contact one of our accountants on 07 4639 1099 or come in and see us at 14 Russell Street Toowoomba.