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Misleading TikTok Tax Advice: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

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In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become go-to sources for quick advice, including tax tips. Unfortunately, not all of this advice is accurate, and some of it can be downright misleading. For Australian small business owners, this misinformation can lead to costly mistakes. In this article, we will explore the dangers of relying on social media for tax advice and provide practical, accurate guidance for your business.

Why Social Media is Not a Reliable Source for Tax Advice

Social media platforms prioritize engagement over accuracy. Content creators on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are incentivized to produce content that goes viral, often sacrificing factual accuracy for attention. As a result, well-meaning business owners may follow incorrect tax advice without realizing the consequences.

Common Misleading Tax Advice on TikTok

  • Claiming Personal Expenses as Business Deductions: Some creators suggest that any personal expense can be written off as a business expense.
  • Incorrect GST Reporting Tips: Misleading advice on how to report GST can lead to underpayment or overpayment.
  • Exaggerating Deductible Expenses: Overstating what can be deducted as a business expense, which can trigger an audit.

Real Consequences for Small Businesses

Following inaccurate tax advice can have serious repercussions, including:

  • Penalties and Fines: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can impose penalties for incorrect tax filings.
  • Audits: ATO audits can be stressful and time-consuming, especially for small businesses without dedicated accounting teams.
  • Reputational Damage: Your business could suffer if stakeholders discover you have engaged in misleading tax practices.

How Small Business Owners Can Avoid Tax Mistakes

1. Consult with Qualified Professionals

Always seek advice from registered accountants and tax advisors who understand the latest ATO regulations and can offer tailored advice for your business.

2. Verify Information

If you see a tax tip online, cross-check it with reliable sources like the ATO website or speak to a professional before taking action.

3. Educate Your Team

Make sure your team understands the basics of accurate tax reporting to prevent costly errors.

How Our Firm Can Help

At RA Business Advisors, we specialize in providing reliable, accurate, and compliant tax advice to small and medium businesses across Australia. Our team of experienced accountants stays up-to-date with the latest ATO guidelines and can help you navigate complex tax issues without falling for misleading online advice.

Book a Consultation

If you have any questions about your business’s tax obligations, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your business is on the right track.

Conclusion

Don’t let TikTok or other social media platforms become your primary source of tax advice. The cost of following misleading information can be high, but with the right professional guidance, you can ensure your business remains compliant and successful.

Ready to take control of your business’s tax compliance? Contact us today.

5 Powerful ways to improve your small business marketing

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As a small business, we understand how other small businesses struggle with managing a budget for marketing strategies. A small budget doesn’t mean that you can’t get creative and succeed with your marketing campaigns. Our blog is here to guide you through some powerful tactics to utilize your marketing game and not spending too much money.  

Small business marketing

1, Profile your target market based on certain characteristics  

Conducting research about your market is not enough, you need to identify your target audience and classify them into groups based on characteristics. Some common (and effective) ways to segment a market are:  

  • Demographics (Age, gender, income, education, social status, occupation,…)  
  • Geographics (City, country, living area,…)  
  • Psychographics (Lifestyle, personality, attitude, values,…)  
  • Behavioral (Benefits sought, purchase usage, intent, occasion,…) 

It is also important to keep in mind that your target market should have a need for your product/ service and be willing to pay for your offer.  

2, Create and share content that adds value  

By publishing content that brings value to your audience, your brand will attract people and gain more audience overtime. You don’t even need to attempt to sell your products, sharing knowledge and value-added content is enough to give people a reason to follow and listen to the brand. Consider sharing content that is relevant to your business and your followers as well.  

  Content creation

3, Level up your Google My Business profile game  

You see Google ratings and business profiles everywhere, but did you optimize this yet? Filling out your Google My Business profile now to take a big step in local marketing. Make sure to include important keywords to optimize your SEO. Additionally, putting up some nice photos would improve your credibility. 

4, Get listed in online directories  

Getting on directories will drive traffic to your site and increase awareness. Depending on your industry and product/service, you will find different online directories that are suitable for your company. Many of them are free or have paid options but the basic one is usually free.  

5, Leverage micro-influencer marketing 

Micro influencers (those with small reaches) are often cheaper than highly regarded celebrities. Research has shown that these influencers usually communicate and engage with their audience more. In other words, they are perceived as trustworthy and influential among their followers. Working with them can form a strong community around your brand and build better awareness. For instance, you can easily use tools like TRIBE or Scrunch to connect with micro-influencers based on your product and desired audience.  

influencer marketing

Why You NEED an Online Presence to Succeed

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Social Media

Prior to the technology boom, everyone found businesses in the yellow pages. Unfortunately, these days’ local listings, newspaper advertisements, and any other print medium just won’t cut it. No matter how amazing your business or product is if you aren’t online, you are invisible. Having an online presence can make or break a small business.

The Why

If people are able to find you through a quick google search, google maps or a social media campaign, then you are on the radar. Just being seen isn’t enough, just like the cliché ad you hear at Southbank Cineplex “don’t just be seen, be heard.” Having an up-to-date website is as important as having one in the first place. It’s not only beneficial for yourself (avoid negative reviews) but also your customers.

When I mention an up-to-date website I don’t mean a complete overhaul once a month to the excess of thousands of dollars but instead, I mean a little sprucing up. Content should always be updated, especially if you change address, prices, or even the business name. Time dedicated to creating an online presence is time well spent, especially for small business owners.

 

Online - Why?

Here are the top reasons to increase your online presence:
  1. Become More Accessible – enhance your online presence to stay ahead of the competition. You don’t want a potential customer to pick your competitor over you, so why make it easier for them too?
  2. Cast a Wider Net – these days there are hundreds of social media applications, groups, and even advertising platforms (all thanks to the internet), so why not use them to your advantage? Let the customer come to you, instead of going to them.
  3. Build Consumer Relationships and Trust – reviews will be your next best friend. You have the ability to reach out to unhappy customers and avoid your name being dragged through the mud. Positive reviews can enhance your business in the public eyes. If you can maintain at least 4 stars on Google, Facebook, or the like – you’ll maintain an online presence.
  4. Effortless Marketing – consumers can browse your products, hours of operation, and much more important information with the click of a mouse.
  5. Find What Works and What Doesn’t – easily see the effects of a marketing campaign, track website traffic, and social media statistics. Every inch of your online presence can be measured, thanks mostly to Google Analytics.

 

The How

  1. Create a visually appealing website – with up-to-date information and working links
  2. Create a Facebook and Twitter account – these will give you access to not only a new audience but also allow you to share any news, events, or discounts with the click of a button
  3. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) – focus on important keywords that relate to the information on the webpage (needs to be done for each webpage). This allows Google to pick up said keyword without the use of advertisements. Essentially allowing potential customers to find your site without relying solely on paid advertising
  4. Hire Someone – you don’t need to hire a university graduate, in fact, you’re better off hiring someone studying marketing or advertising to work either one or two full days a week. This will increase your marketing budget but will be better utilisation of your time. They can complete all your marketing tasks, keep your social media and website up to date, and work on both SEO and AdWords. This means you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars a month to multiple companies to stay relevant

Conclusion

Building an online presence doesn’t have to be rocket science, there is an entire wealth of technology just one search term away. Create blog posts, maintain your website, utilise social media, and your marketing will be far more effective.