Industry News

How temporary full expensing and loss carry back work together

When seeking finance to purchase assets such as motor vehicles, trucks, plant, machinery and equipment, business owners understandably focus on securing a solution to their prime concern – purchasing the needed assets with the cheapest finance. The attention is on a solution to a need. On purchasing equipment that will deliver a benefit to the business. To improve productivity and increase profitability. But beyond that primary priority, there are aspects of the actual finance product itself that can also deliver significant benefits to the business. Yes, sourcing the cheapest interest rate business loans will definitely support the business cash flow. But looking further than the basics can be worth the extra effort. One would assume that purchasing equipment for business purposes would be a tax-deductible expense. But not all tax deductions are treated or realised equally. Business finance products are all structured to include tax deductions for the business but the range of loans vary in how that benefit is... Read More Caret Right

Federal Budget: Small Business Perspective

Most small business owners could be understandably quite overwhelmed by the massive figures such as a deficit of $161 billion and net debt of $980 billion by 2024/25 included in the 2021/22 Federal Budget. Operating as a sole trader, freelancer or running an SME, business owners deal with much smaller numbers and need to put the big picture into the small business frame. SMEs will be looking for a much easier to digest and relatable version of the latest announcements from Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Identifying the significance of budget measures for your SME can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Our team at Business Finance is assisting by providing these highlights of the key budget measures that we see as relevant to small business owners and operators, sole traders and family enterprises and those looking to establish a new small enterprise. In addition, we’re providing information on the small business finance options we have available to enable SMEs to utilise... Read More Caret Right

Business Finance and the Federal Budget

Despite the significant coronavirus stimulus packages announced throughout 2020 and many of the measures delivered for business in the delayed 2020/21 October Budget still available, the 2021/22 Federal Budget still attracted much attention from the business community. Although a number of the measures in the Budget were pre-empted with the traditional pre-budget ‘leaks’ by the Treasurer, Prime Minister and other relevant Ministers, there was still plenty of ‘reveals’ in the official bringing down speech. To assist businesses grappling with the big numbers and to cut through to what your business may gain from the Federal Budget we have summarised the key points from our Business Finance perspective. General Overview The Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, clearly stated prior to his Budget speech on 11 May, that this would not be an austerity budget to address the debt accumulated as a result of the stimulus measures. He said it would be a budget to repair the economy with a continuation of spending but... Read More Caret Right

Countdown to the Federal Budget

We’re now in the countdown to 2021/22 Federal Budget to be delivered by the Treasurer on 11 May and business owners will be watching, waiting and wanting a good outcome. Facing a massive COVID-induced deficit, there was conjecture over whether the Morrison Government would hold fast to the traditional ‘no deficit’ approach or put that aside and continue to spend to support the economy. Prior to making his official pre-budget speech on 29 April, the Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, was quick to confirm that this would not be an austerity budget. The Government would take the approach that repairing the economy to repair the budget. More info. With the 2020/21 delayed budget effectively only 6 months into its duration, businesses are still taking advantage of many of the key measures introduced. From a lender’s point of interest, we single out the accelerated asset depreciation. The Instant Asset Write-off and temporary full expensing are available through 2021/22 for eligible businesses and offer... Read More Caret Right

Finance support for both sides of the balance sheet

When balancing the books on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis, many businesses focus primarily on sorting out issues from their side of the balance sheet, their perspective. Allocating the existing bank balance to cover individual outgoings due including bills, supplier invoices, rent and wages. Many seek loans and finance to cover short term shortfalls rather than taking a holistic approach and looking at both sides of the balance sheet. We’re talking about the difference between seeking a cure so to speak rather than simply treating the symptoms. Follow us on this one as Business Finance provides commercial loan solutions which address multiple requirements for all types of businesses. Business loan interest rates vary across different finance facilities and selecting the specific loan product for that specific purpose may deliver a better outcome. Especially when that interest rate is the cheapest available. This brings in the second point to this article –lender selection. Interest rates not only vary for... Read More Caret Right

RBA holds interest rates for now, but what of the future?

It's fairly common knowledge that interest rates are currently at historic low levels. Great for borrowers, not so great for those dependent on interest from savings and investment accounts. Interest rates across all areas of lending have been at low levels for some time, but the actual rates vary across different loan areas - homes, vehicles, equipment, personal loans v business finance and across the different types of commercial finance available to business. The low interest rate scenario has presented opportunities for businesses to invest in assets through securing extremely cost-effective finance deals. Business Finance secures commercial finance at fixed interest rates so our customers have the confidence and assurance that their repayments will remain constant for the full length of their finance term. View our business loan interest rates here. So what is happening now and possibly ahead for interest rates? In Australia, the RBA is responsible for setting the official cash rate which is essentially the rate at... Read More Caret Right

Action Required: Pre-EOFY Business Acquisitions

It's great to receive advisement from an organisation which clearly states 'no action is required on your part', in regard to some type of business activity. Phew, nothing for me to spend my time with that one, great! But in this blog, we are strongly suggesting that action is required on your part to address the issues we’re covering here. Action that yes will take up some of your time but with potential benefits which could be significant, substantial, and sustainable over a long time period for your business. Specifically, we’re talking EOFY - end of the financial year, tax time, 30 June. We’re now into the final quarter of the current financial year and a time when business owners suddenly realise that they only have a relatively short time to enact strategies, acquire assets and put measures in place to be eligible for certain tax benefits. All that at a time which can be quite busy in some sectors.... Read More Caret Right

Small Business: Feb Finance Update

February in 2021 is a very different start to the business year for many as it signals a return not only to work post-holidays but a return to the workplace post-COVID-19. Many small businesses in CBD locations will no doubt be extremely relieved as high density office locations have suffered significantly over the past 12 months with many workers ordered to work from home. On reflection, 2020 may have been a year of polar opposites in the small business sector. Many simply could not survive the economic impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers and statistics and had to close permanently. Others thrived or at least survived, primarily as a direct result of receiving government support on a number of fronts. Some were fortunate to be presented with opportunities to implement their own innovations and pivot into the delivery of new services. But as 2021 rolls on and much of the COVID-19 support is rolled back, small business operators will want,... Read More Caret Right

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Our Lenders

Trusted by 60+ lenders Australia-wide

Westpac
Liberty
Automotive Financial Services
Macquarie
Finance One
Commonwealth Bank
Pepper Money
Morris
National Australia Bank
RACV
Get Capital
Prospa
Grow
Selfco Leasing
Scottish Pacific

FAQs
Business Finance FAQs

Yes, subject to the specific guidelines of individual brokers. Many brokers will offer services to all types and sizes of commercial set-ups while some may specialise in working for only some types of operations. Some brokers may also specialise in certain industry sectors or with specific financial products.

Commercial loans all offer tax deductible elements. These vary with the different products including Chattel Mortgage, Leasing, Rent to Own and Commercial Hire Purchase. Interest payments are all tax deductible. With Leasing and Rent to Own the repayments are tax deductible. With Chattel Mortgage a tax benefit is realised through depreciation.

The interest rates vary with the different funding products. Rates will change across the market with changes in the cash rate by the Reserve Bank. Rates will differ depending on the individual application and credit rating. Rates can vary for equipment in different industries. Credit providers will advertise their best rate for good credit rating applicants.

Yes. Having a current ABN is an essential requirement to be eligible for commercial funding products. Additional documentation on the financials of the operation and other details will be requested as part of the application process. If not all documents are available, ABN holders may seek No Doc or Low Doc options.

The same products apply across all industries and types of operations. But the funding offers can vary across different industry sectors for some credit products. This may occur with equipment and machinery in particular. Interest rates on equipment funding may be different from one industry to another. This may be due to risk assessment of the sector or the individual guidelines of a particular lender. Vehicle funding interest rates would be less subject to industry variations.

The type of credit product best suited to a commercial enterprise will depend on:- accounting method used; balance sheet approach; approach to tax; and financial objectives. The most popular options are Vehicle Leasing and Chattel Mortgage. Operators are advised to discuss choice of product for suitability with their accountant.

Cash flow support may be sought through an Overdraft Facility or a Secured or Unsecured Funding Option. All may be sought to support an operation with ongoing expenses to support cash flow.

New start-ups with an ABN are eligible to apply for all types of commercial loans. As most will not have all the documents for the application, they may seek No Doc and Low Doc options through specialist providers and brokers. Funding can be sought for vehicles, trucks, equipment and other purposes.

To be eligible for commercial loan, applicants must hold an ABN and identification are essential requirements. GST registration is not essential. A selection of documentation, docs, is requested. This may include tax returns, BAS returns, trading figures, bank statements, balance sheets and annual accounts.

Refinancing may be considered for many types of commercial funding arrangements. These may include asset acquisition funding, overdrafts as well as general secured and unsecured arrangements. Refinancing may be sought for a range of purposes including to achieve a lower interest rate, restructure repayment schedule or as part of a business-wide review of financials.

In general terms, any equipment which is for use in a commercial operation may be eligible for commercial funding. The ATO sets out eligibility for tax deductible asset acquisitions. The type of equipment will vary depending on the industry. It can include heavy machinery and equipment right through to general equipment such as computers, IT and photocopiers. Lenders may have their own guidelines as to what equipment they will fund.

Commercial financing is available through major and second tier banks and a wide range of non-bank lenders. Brokers offer services to assist operators to source funding to suit their requirements.

Rates are offered following an assessment of the application. The rate will be based on the credit rating of the applicant, the amount being applied for, aspects of the goods or purpose of the funding and other aspects. Rates offered vary across the lending market and are subject to the individual guidelines of the credit provider. Changes to monetary policy by the Reserve Bank can impact the interest rates market.

Features and structure of commercial loans should be assessed in relation to the accounting methods and objectives of the company. Consulting with an accountant can assist with this process. The best option is the one that suits the individual objectives and goals.

No. ABN holders and sole traders that are not incorporated are still eligible for commercial loans. Some lenders will have guidelines around application approvals. Small enterprises may seek a credit provider that accepts applications from their type of operation or seek assistance from a broker.