ATO launches free online learning support for SMEs

The ATO has launched a new online learning platform offering free courses to help small business owners master their tax and super obligations.

The ‘Essentials to strengthen your small businessExternal Link’ website includes more than 20 short courses and a calendar of key lodgment due dates to support small businesses.

Deputy Commissioner Will Day said the new platform is designed for small business owners who want to enhance their knowledge of tax and super.

‘Small business owners can now access short, free and flexible online courses to sharpen their knowledge of tax, super and the core aspects of effective small business management.’

‘The new platform supports a variety of learning styles with videos, case studies, audio content and written information, as well as the option to test your knowledge with quick quizzes – making it easier for all small businesses to learn about important components of running a business.’

‘It also includes tips on areas where we see small business owners make mistakes, like goods and services tax (GST) and business deductions.’

‘We know that a lot of small businesses don’t have time to attend courses during business hours while they are busy running their business – so the beauty of our new platform is that you can do it at a time that suits you, save your progress, and then pick it up again later,’ said Mr Day.

The new platform is also a useful resource for tax practitioners, especially for those that are small businesses themselves, to share and use with their staff and clients.

The website was co-created with small businesses and educational experts to deliver learning pathways that can be customised, depending on each stage of a business’s life cycle, structure and industry.

Minister for Small Business Julie Collins said the Albanese Government is committed to reducing the time small businesses spend doing taxes and resources like this provide valuable practical assistance.

‘I encourage small businesses to take up this great opportunity from the Australian Taxation Office with free courses specifically designed for the needs of small business,’ Minister Collins said.

‘Our latest Budget included new measures to help small business with taxes including longer timeframes to amend tax returns and expanding access to advice through the tax clinic program.’

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson said this resource will be helpful to small businesses.

‘Business know-how and being able to benefit from the wisdom of others can be key to successfully turning an idea into an enterprise,’ Mr Billson said.

‘But the spark that inspires an entrepreneurial person into creating and growing a business is rarely the behind-the-scenes business of running the business. Yet this is where success and better decision-making can be formed.’

‘That’s why these resources are so important and helpful, and I commend them to you.’

The new ‘Essentials to strengthen your small businessExternal Link’ learning platform is now live.

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