"Ajen is an accountant who is down to earth and genuinely interested in their clients prospering."
"As a trusted advisor you guided our business back on course when the outlook was far from positive and we look forward to your continued assistance into the future"
"His attitude towards his work and my portfolio has been exemplary. He always finds time for me at short notice and is a benefit to all."
"Ajen always has a high standard of professional manner. He continued to give me good advice and is a reliable person, helpful in sorting out problems and finding solutions easily."
"Ajendra has made himself available sometimes even after normal business hours, to assist us with any questions we have, even when sometimes they may have seemed silly or simple, he has answered in full and easy to understand terminology, at no point has he ever made me feel silly for asking."
"He is always accessible to speak with and even calls me to ask if I need help with anything."
"Ajendra's willingness to dedicate "caring time" to his clients sets him apart from others."
"I am confident to refer friends and family to his team because I know they are in the most capable hands. Ajendra’s honest, caring and upbeat nature has been an absolute godsend and I am so thankful that our paths crossed"
"Ajendra’s speaks with you in a language that you can understand and comprehend easily which assists in equity and partnership with your tax agent."
"We find you have a personal approach to your accounting practice, which makes everyone feel like number 1. This is a rare and special trait, and leaves us knowing we are in good hands."
"He is very astute, and at the same time down to earth and really interested in his clients prospering. For people like us who are new to small business this is an absolute god sent."
"He shows a genuine interest and I never feel rushed. He has created a warm and friendly environement."

ATO tipped to pounce once JobKeeper ends

With JobKeeper ending in four weeks, small businesses have been urged to “act early” on exploring their insolvency options before the ATO moves on recouping debts.

   

“While the ATO has been very quiet for almost 12 months, that won’t last,” said Bradd Morelli, national managing partner at Jirsch Sutherland, a national insolvency firm. “And that’s when we expect to see the insolvency wave building.”

With the ATO’s debt book growing to $53 billion over the last year, Mr Morelli expects the Tax Office to start pursuing outstanding debts once businesses receive their last JobKeeper payments in April.

“It’s crucial for business owners and directors to be proactive and to act early if they’re in financial distress,” he said. “There’s a huge difference between early intervention, a controlled process, a reactive process, and a forced winding up.”

The federal government’s JobKeeper stimulus is set to expire on March 28, three days before the temporary restructuring relief — related to absolving eligible directors of personal liability for insolvent trading — ends on 31 March. 

Businesses should, Mr Morelli said, heed the opportunity to act early and be aware of their options, after doing a simple self-assessment and determining whether, once JobKeeper ends, they will have the ability to pay staff wages, tax, rent and super.

“Put simply, will your business be able to keep its head above water post-stimulus? If the answer is no,” Mr Morelli said, “then it’s crucial to speak to a trusted adviser like an accountant or business turnaround/insolvency specialist.

“JobKeeper has been a godsend for many businesses, and while many no longer need the support, there are still countless others that have been relying on it.

“Its conclusion may be a trigger for financial distress, as many businesses have exhausted their cash resources and won’t be able to stand on their own two feet and pay staff wages.”

As the economy bounces back, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Wednesday referred to the Treasury’s review of the scheme from last June, which found the subsidy would disincentivise work, keeping otherwise untenable businesses afloat. 

“While JobKeeper has been a remarkable program, it is no longer fit for purpose post-March,” Mr Frydenberg said.

The federal government is, however, considering options for further support for businesses and industries crippled by the pandemic.

If it were to materialise, it would be announced in the “coming weeks”, Mr Frydenberg said, and would need to be temporary, “accompanied by an exit strategy”.

 

 

John Buckley 
01 March 2021
accountantsdaily.com.au

 

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