I have had a few businesses ask me whether the Federal Budget contained any changes in regard to super that they should be aware of. 

While there were a number of announcements affecting super there were only two things that employers need to note.

 At this time of the year I get lots of enquiries from employers about superannuation contributions.

Of course the most prevalent question relates to when contributions have to be made in order to claim a tax deduction.

Do you sometimes find yourself feeling as if you are working longer than ever on paperwork in your business? 

The feeling is quite justified when you consider the results of a study by Professor Chris Evans, of the University of New South Wales, and Dr Philip Lignier, of the University of Tasmania.

Their work has revealed that businesses are now spending 493 hours a year on compliance with Government red tape. 

The results of the survey that was part of my recent item regarding the increase in the Superannuation Guarantee rate are probably not totally surprising but are interesting.

73% of businesses that responded did not support any increase in the SG rate while a further 9% supported an increase but not at this time.

The change in the weather and the increase in the number of people off work with “the sniffles” show that the cold and flu season is looming. 

In Australia each year, on average,

Following the passage of the mining tax package through both Houses of Parliament the compulsory employer superannuation rate will rise from 9 per cent to 12 per cent.

The increase to 12 per cent will be phased in between 2013 and 2019 with the first rise being in July 2013 when the levy rises to 9.25%.

One of the things that came out of the feedback from my recent webinar was that a lot of employers are not aware of what the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements are when super is paid late, is not paid on time or is underpaid.

Tasplan is always keen to help employers with information that could enable them to grow their business.

Therefore we are pleased to be partnering with Business East Inc. who, in conjunction with the Clarence City Council, is hosting a free Business Forum “Opportunities For Business Growth in 2012 and Beyond”.

The team at Leishman Associates is no stranger to winning awards for their work and their success continued when they were announced as winner of the Tasmanian Award for Best Association or Government Meeting of the Year at the 2011 Meeting and Events Industry Awards.

Employers that participate in Tasplan often show up as winners of awards or are recognised for their achievements and the breadth of the awards and honours range across the spectrum.

But one recent award shows just how versatile some business owners are.

Anja Boot runs the very successful BaristaSista mobile espresso business that I see at lots of events; such as The Taste of The Huon, Relay For Life, Jazzfest and Falls to name a few.