The R&D Tax Concession is designed to incentivise companies that are innovative and competitive in all Australian industries. The concession allows eligible companies to deduct up to 125% of eligible expenditure incurred on R&D activities. Find out if you are eligible as applications close on April 30!

We are currently awaiting the finalisation by the ATO of two draft rulings concerning superannuation:SMSFR 2011/D1 on limited recourse borrowing arrangements (due 16 May 2012) TR 2011/D3 on superannuation income streams (due 26 April 2012)

Income protection insurance is worth considering for all working people. It can pay a proportion of your salary if you are temporarily unable to work because of sickness or injury. We have collected some industry statistics that outline the importance of protecting you and your family.

Australia recently reached a much-ignored economic milestone. At the end of June, the economy marked two decades without a recession.

The Education Tax Refund (ETR) helps with the cost of educating primary and secondary school children. Eligible parents, carers, legal guardians and independent students are able to get money back on education expenses. These include items like computers, educational software, textbooks and stationery. You may get 50% of your money back.

Over two-thirds of Australians made New Years resolutions and more than half of these will focus on finances. With saving more topping the agenda we have some helpful ways to ensure you achieve your 2012 resolution.So how do you set financial goals and stick to them?

SMEs are constantly considering better ways to improve their businesses, to help keep banks on side and improve their chance of success in this tough market. With another economic crisis looming and financial institutions becoming cautious, many banks have been asking SMEs to produce: budgets, cash forecasts, regular financial accounts, key performance indicators and business plans to ensure business are financially secure.

Borrowing within your SMSF to purchase property is a strategy that has become a very popular way to boost your investment and achieve your retirement goal. With up to a third of SMSF strategies using gearing, the recent ATO draft rulings are set to make the strategy even more appealing.

The use of finance to leverage ones wealth is the oldest wealth secret of all. Emma Cunningham from Aventree Financial shares her top 10 secrets for Property Investors.

The concessional contribution cap is currently indexed each 1 July, in $5,000 increments. The Government has announced that they will pause this annual indexation until 1 July 2014. This means the standard cap for individuals under age 50 will remain at $25,000 for the 2013 and 2014 financial years, with a potential increase to $30,000 on 1 July 2014.