Print this page

InFocus September 2021 - Volume 30 Issue 7

Afg0001 Template Header Infocus Web Updated (2)

Financial reports due soon - lodge online now 

Financial reports are due soon, so now is the best time to get your documents ready.

Disclosing entities, registered schemes, 'large' proprietary companies, Australian Financial Services licensees, and some foreign companies all need to lodge financial reports with us.

Most public companies and some small proprietary companies must also lodge financial reports.

Financial reports must be lodged online.

We understand the disruption some entities may be facing due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Where possible, entities should continue to lodge within the normal statutory deadlines, having regard to the information needs of shareholders, creditors and other users of their financial reports, or to meet borrowing covenants or other obligations.

Find out more information about the effects of COVID-19 and financial reporting on our website.

Industry funding annual returns - due September 23

A reminder that many entities regulated by ASIC must submit their industry funding annual return online using the ASIC Regulatory Portal before Thursday 23 September 2021.

ASIC has sent correspondence to each impacted regulated entity with instructions on how to submit their industry funding annual return.

Regulated entities that have not created an ASIC regulatory portal account will receive correspondence to the registered office address, including a unique ‘security key’, which is needed to create an account. If you did not receive your correspondence during July, see our FAQ’s in the ASIC Regulatory Portal for other ways to register and log on.

For more information on industry funding, visit our website.

We're still here to help

As our Customer Contact Centre is located in regional Victoria, we are adhering to the recent COVID-19 restrictions. This is resulting in extended wait times for our phone enquiries. Customers are encouraged to contact us by asking a question online.

We appreciate your patience at this time and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

To find out more please visit our website.

Find the latest COVID-19 government financial assistance and support for business owners

COVID-19 has impacted Australian businesses in many ways and created new business challenges.

Business.gov.au’s newly developed Coronavirus information and support for business hub provides access to COVID-19 business resources, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) from business owners and three guides to make it easier to find federal, state and territory financial support available for business owners.

The three guides include:

It’s important to seek support during heightened COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the Coronavirus information and support for business hub to access the latest information, support and funding for Australian business owners.

A reminder for Registry Gatekeepers

Registry gatekeepers must be authorised by the person or entity engaging their services to act on their behalf.

A registry gatekeeper could be a:

  • Information broker,
  • Registered agent,
  • Digital Service Provider, or
  • Private service provider.

Once authorised, a gatekeeper may lodge, update, or retrieve information from our registers on behalf of customers only in line with customers consent.

Read more about our expectations of Registry Gatekeepers here.

No business is too small for a cyber security strategy

Company directors and business owners should take the time to understand cyber security risk and how best to protect their business. It's important to understand your duties around cyber risk and governance, including ensuring robust cyber security strategies are in place, as well as aiming for continuous improvement and remaining vigilant.

Find out more on the steps to take to protect your business and customers and where to report an incident here.

Our service availability page is here to help

Our Service availability web page will have the details of planned or unscheduled outages to our online services.

This page includes a ‘Service interruptions’ section, where you can find out if we are currently experiencing any unscheduled service interruptions or issues. This includes details on the affected systems and any other helpful information.

We often plan interruptions to our online services so we can perform routine maintenance and install system upgrades. Our calendar of Scheduled service interruptions can help you find out when our services will be unavailable and when they’re expected to be back online.

We aim to ensure that the calendar includes dates and details one month in advance and can help you plan ahead for any scheduled service interruptions.

Concessions at a glance

Do you know what concessions you may be eligible for this tax time? Small businesses have access to a range of concessions. This includes the increased small business income tax offset, small business restructure rollover and lower company tax rate. Find out more at ato.gov.au/concessionsataglance

Links we like

COVID-19 - Next steps for your business – learn how to navigate the next stage of the pandemic with insights and advice from a panel of Government regulators including

  • Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker
  • ATO Deputy Commissioner Small Business Deborah Jenkins
  • ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh
  • ASIC Commissioner Danielle Press, and
  • Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson

 

Last updated: 22/02/2024 12:56