The 5 benefits of using a Mortgage Broker over the big four

If you want to break into the Geelong property market, you’ll likely find yourself in the market for a home loan. When searching for the ideal home loan for your needs, you have a few options available. You can do it yourself and visit the big four banks and various lenders in the hopes of discovering a deal that’s right for you. Or, you can engage the services of a local Geelong Mortgage Broker, who will do all of the groundwork for you.

To help you make a decision, we’ve created a list of 5 areas to compare the services of a Mortgage Broker against what you get from a bank.

 

1. Customer experience

When you visit a bank, you will only have their specific home loan options to choose from. They will explain their available products and recommend the one that most suits your needs. You will need to go through this process of talking through your options with multiple banks to make sure you are getting the best deal. If you decide on a home loan, the bank may put you in touch with a Lending Specialist to assist you with filling out your application.

When you choose to go through a Mortgage Broker, they will guide you through the entire process, start to finish. They can show you various options from lots of different banks and lenders, helping you compare rates, features and fees, all in one meeting. Your Mortgage Broker will ultimately connect you with a bank or non-bank mortgage lender and will be there to advise you through the application process.

 

2. Deal options

Banks can only offer you their own range of home loan products. The big four may have the largest range, with loans to suit most types of borrower, while smaller banks may have fewer options.

A Mortgage Broker has access to hundreds of loan products via their lending panel. This is a selection of 20-30 lenders, sometimes more, that the Mortgage Broker regularly does business with. They know all the ins and outs of each of these home loan products and can recommend the perfect one for you.

 

3. Advantages

Many banks, particularly the big four, have a large selection of home loan products. And they might employ Lending Specialists who can provide advice similar to a Mortgage Broker. But only for the range of home loans they offer. Banks can also offer you package deals on other financial products, like credit cards and savings accounts. But these bells & whistles may distract you from the prospect of a better deal out there for you.

With a Mortgage Broker, you receive knowledgeable advice and guidance from a professional who has tabs on a wide range of home loan offers. They can instantly compare rates from their full panel of lenders and assist you through the application process. They work for you and their service is usually free.

 

4. Disadvantages

Banks can only offer the limited home loan options they have available. They want you to sign up with them and understandably won’t tell you that there’s a similar or better product available somewhere else. They can’t offer independent advice and guidance.

With a Mortgage Broker, you will need to go through the application process twice; once with the Broker and once with the Lender, though they will guide you through both. And although their selection is much wider than a bank, a Mortgage Broker is limited to the lenders on their panel. It is also worth mentioning that while a Mortgage Broker works for you, their payment comes in the form of a commission from the lender you choose via their service.

 

5. Commissions and fees

Banks will typically charge an application or settlement fee, plus several other fees. Some banks charge more fees than others, and certain home loan products may have more fees than others available from the same bank.

Mortgage Brokers receive payment for their services through a commission from the lender you end up signing with. The majority don’t charge extra fees, there is no extra cost to you.

 

A Mortgage Broker can act as an intermediary between you and the bank. They research the hundreds of available home loans on the market so you don’t have to. They work directly with you to support you through the application and settlement process, helping you gain a full understanding of the paperwork and terms & conditions before signing on the dotted line.

If you’re in the market for a home loan, talk to our honest, knowledgeable Geelong Mortgage Brokers. The Hrkac Group Geelong Mortgage Brokers work with a large variety of lenders, both bank and non-bank, so we are able to ensure you are working with loan products that have all the features you need at a rate that works for you. We will work alongside you to guide you through your home loan application.

Make an appointment today via contact us, or phone 03 5224 2366.

If your work sees you involved in the world of high-stakes business or puts you at risk of bankruptcy, you may be concerned with how you can best protect your assets. Particularly an asset as important as the family home. One method of protecting assets is to make sure that they are not held in the name of the at-risk person, rather someone trusted, such as a spouse. But a recent judgment heard by the Full Court of the Federal Court will have a profound impact on the way accountants approach spousal assets.

The judgment held that a $4.5 million property acquired in the name of one spouse was in fact owned by both, equally. Below we discuss the ruling, its repercussions, and our advice on how you can best protect yourself and your family.

 

The ruling.

Mr. and Ms. Bosanac purchased a home in Dalkeith, Australia in 2006. They paid a $250,000 deposit with funds from a joint loan account in both their names and borrowed the remainder. Although both contributed to the purchase price equally, the property was transferred to Ms. Bosanac as the sole registered proprietor. Both Mr. Bosanac and Ms. Bosanac lived in the property up until they separated in 2015, after which Ms. Bosanac inhabited the property alone.

The property was used as collateral to acquire other investment assets. Pertinently, Mr. Bosanac used borrowed money secured by the mortgage to conduct share trading.

As a means to recover an outstanding debt owed by Mr. Bosanac to the Australian Taxation Office, The Commissioner of Taxation sought a declaration from the court that Ms. Bosanac, as the sole registered proprietor of the family home, held 50% of the beneficial interest on trust for her husband. The matter primarily centered around the question of whether Mr. Bosanac had an equitable interest in the residential property for $4.5million which had been registered solely in the name of Ms. Bosanac.

Ultimately, the Federal Court judgement held that the property was jointly owned, enabling the Commissioner of Taxation to make a claim on the family home for Mr. Bosanac’s unpaid taxes.

 

Repercussions.

With the Commissioner of Taxation being successful in the second-highest court in Australia, this decision has significant repercussions in accounting. It overturns current asset protection methods used by accountants where an asset is held in a spouse’s name to protect against litigation and other claims against the at-risk spouse.

The case sets a new precedent for such matters. Based on the ruling, effectively this is the new law and the Commissioner of Taxation can be expected to enforce it in future cases. Clients in a similar position should immediately seek advice from their accountant on changes required to be made to their asset protection structures.

 

How you can protect your most important assets.

As accountants, we cannot give asset protection advice. Our expert legal team is on hand to help you ensure your assets are protected. But there are a few takeaways from this new Federal Court judgement for accounting. If your line of work puts your assets, including your family’s home, at risk, here are some things you may like to take into consideration.

  1. The property title should be solely in the name of the not-at-risk person.
  2. The bank account that loan repayments are taken from should also be solely in the name of the not-at-risk person.
  3. The at-risk person should not contribute directly to the loan.

Every situation is different, and there is no one size fits all approach to taxation planning and asset protection. Talk to our professional, approachable, and proactive Geelong Accountants to make sure you are best positioned to make the most out of taxation legislation, including investment-based tax-minimisation measures. If you want extra protection for your assets, seek advice from Hrkac Group Legal Services in Geelong, we have the experience to help you resolve any problems quickly, inexpensively, and with minimal stress.

Make an appointment today via contact us, or phone 03 5224 2366.

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You may be thinking of retirement or wanting to start setting some long-term financial goals. Maybe you’ve come into a sudden windfall of cash and you’re wondering what to do with. Planning for your financial future is one of the most significant things you can do for yourself, and your loved ones. Financial Planners are experts in helping people manage their money and in monitoring and reaching their financial goals. They can provide a range of Financial Planning services, from wealth creation & management, superannuation, wealth protection & insurance, to retirement planning.

A Financial Planner will focus on your financial situation, needs and goals. A professional, qualified and experienced Financial Planner will be able to help you implement the most appropriate strategy to achieve your desired outcomes. They will advise you of the benefits, alternatives, costs, and risks associated with your available options, and help you choose the one that is right for you.

We recommend following the guide below to help you choose a Financial Planner that is suitable for you.

 

1. Consider what you need from a Financial Planner.

What type of guidance are you looking for exactly? Before seeking financial advice it’s wise to make sure you have a fairly good idea of what you’re hoping to get out of it. This depends on your stage of life, how much money you have, and what you’re trying to achieve.

If you’re just trying to save money, figure out how much to contribute to your super or what to do with an inheritance, your enquiry may be resolved by one-off advice. This could include recommendations about budgeting, superannuation consolidation or insurance.

If you’ve reached a point in your life where you want to start being strategic about your financial future, you may be needing help developing a holistic financial plan. This may comprise advice on topics such as investment portfolios, tax planning, life insurance and in-depth retirement planning. The outcome is a comprehensive plan that will help you secure your finances well into the future.

As an individual’s circumstances and situation can change over time, Financial Planners will generally offer Ongoing Advice & Review Services.  These services will include regular reviews and monitoring of the recommendations, which helps ensure that they remain appropriate, and continue to meet a person’s ongoing needs.

 

2. Research Financial Planners & ask questions.

Before you commit to a Financial Planner, you want to ensure you’re engaging the best person for you and your circumstances. The best way to see what a Financial Planner offers is to read their Financial Services Guide (FSG). This provides an overview of their qualifications, the services they offer, how they charge and their Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence details. Anyone who gives personal financial advice must be authorised through an AFS licensee.

It’s always a good idea to have a list of questions for your Financial Planner handy to help you make your decision. Here’s a short list to help you get started:

  • What are your qualifications?
  • What are your fees?
  • Do you receive any commissions or incentives from the financial products you recommend?

There’s no one-size-fits-all in Financial Planning, so ensure you do your homework to find the right one.

3. Choose your services.

What specific Financial Planning services do you want to learn more about or put into action? To help you decide, here’s a brief overview of some of the services Financial Planners can offer.

  • Superannuation: A Financial Planner can assist you in choosing a super fund, advise you on how much you should be contributing to your fund, or help you with investing your super. They can also help you organise insurance through your super.
  • Insurance: This could include guidance on life insurance, total and permanent disability insurance, or income protection insurance
  • Personal investments: There are many personal investment options available, and each serves a different purpose. Whether it’s property, shares or ETF’s, managed funds or bonds, a Financial Planner will have the knowledge to recommend an investment strategy to achieve your goals.
  • Retirement Planning: A Financial Planner can support you to determine your retirement income needs, maximise you super contributions, ensure you’re invested appropriately, or even transition into retirement early.

Doing your homework on the services you’re interested in will set you up for success in your first session. It’ll also help you get the most out of your initial meeting.

 

Planning for your financial future is all about making your money work for you by choosing the right financial strategies. Financial Planners have the knowledge and experience you need to help you take control of your financial future.

Here at the Hrkac Group, we are a team of experienced, capable and respected Financial Planners who are passionate about educating you on the strategies and options available to get the best possible outcome for you.

Take control of your future today by meeting with the Geelong-based Financial Planning team at The Hrkac Group. Call us today on 03 5221 2355.

 

This information has been provided as general advice. We have not considered your personal or financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.

When selecting a mortgage broker for your home loan, it’s critical to protect your interests by choosing the right one for your needs. If this is your first home purchase, this may be foreign territory. A mortgage broker should be able to guide you through the process, help you choose the right loan to finance your home, and facilitate the whole process. However, it’s essential you do your due diligence before choosing a mortgage broker.

Below we outline five key things you should take into consideration.

  

1. What are your available options?

Taking out a home loan is a big commitment, no question. You aren’t just going to go with the first result on a google search. Taking into account your financial situation, you need to carefully consider your available options to determine the type of loan you will need.

  • How big is your deposit? The size of your initial deposit determines the type of home loan and interest rates you can qualify for. If your deposit is less than 20% of the purchase price of your prospective home, you will also have to pay Lender’s Mortgage Insurance.
  • What loan features do you need? Do you require an offset account, extra repayments, or a redraw facility? Features such as these may save you money and provide flexibility.
  • Fixed or variable interest rate? A fixed-rate home loan means your repayments will be the same for a set period; usually up to 5 years. This may help you with budgeting or save you from potential interest rises. Alternatively, a variable rate home loan is subject to the current interest rates in the market.
  • Can you afford the monthly repayments? Take stock of your monthly finances. Go over all of your incomings and outgoings and be realistic about what you can afford.

 

2. Have you researched your broker?

Ask your mortgage broker about their qualifications and experience. Ideally, they will have many years of experience and a portfolio of satisfied customers. Make sure they are licensed to provide you with a loan. They should have their own Australian Credit Licence or be qualified to act as an authorised Credit Representative, as required by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Some other accreditations to look out for include:

  • Have a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking
  • Accredited under the National Consumer Protection Act
  • A member of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and/or the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA)

If any of your family or friends have recently gone through this process with a broker, you should ask them about their experience. Were they happy with their broker? What they would do differently next time? What are some things they would look for in their next broker?

 

3. Who is on your broker’s lending panel? 

Brokers are restricted by a list of banks they can access loans from, this is known as their “lender panel”. A good broker will have a range of lenders on their panel and regularly engage the services of the full range, depending on the borrower’s circumstances.

Check if the broker has a range of reputable institutions. If not, you may miss out on better deals. Make sure your broker can explain how many lenders they have on their panel, how many they use, and why.

 

4. What are the fees, charges & commissions?

A broker is required by law to clearly explain and demonstrate how they are remunerated. Most brokers receive a percentage-based commission for their work, paid by the bank that is providing the loan. There is no cost to you.

 

5. Do you have a list of questions ready to go?

It’s always a good idea to have a list of questions for your broker handy to help you make your decision. Here’s a list to help you get started:

  • What is your ownership structure? Ask your broker who owns them. Some are owned or part-owned by banks. Research shows that broker companies owned by big banks send more loans back to their parent company. A good broker won’t be influenced by their ownership structure and will recommend a wide range of loans from across the market.
  • Can you provide a credit assessment? A broker is legally obliged to follow responsible lending laws and should never sell you an inappropriate loan. They must assess your income and expenses along with your financial objectives and expectations. This is all contained in a document called a credit assessment.
  • Can you supply me with a credit guide? A broker is legally required to provide you with a credit guide. It encompasses the broker’s contact details and a record of the commission the broker will receive if you go ahead with the loan.
  • How many lenders are on your panel? This will let you know how many loans a broker can look at for you – some have lots of options but others offer a surprisingly limited selection.

If a broker can’t answer basic questions about charges, commissions, and ownership structures, this could be a warning sign. A good broker should always be transparent about their business and services.

 

When it comes to obtaining a home loan the Geelong-based brokerage team at the Hrkac Group is there to help you with practical, effective financial advice.

We will help you find the best home loan solution for your particular needs. Our honest, knowledgeable mortgage brokers will give you the confidence to negotiate for your future so together, we can develop and maintain your wealth.

Make an appointment today via contact us, or phone 03 5224 2366.

Business is running smoothly, and you and your business partner have an amazing working relationship. You’re dealing with day-to-day tasks, forecasting results, and anticipating challenges to your business. It is probably the last thing on your mind to plan for what you would do if something were to suddenly happen to your business partner.

If you don’t have legal documentation in place to determine what would happen in the tragic event that your business partner was to die or become permanently incapacitated, there could be significant negative impacts to your business and to your personal relationship with your business partner and/or their family.

With enough foresight and the necessary legal agreements in place, some anguish and disruptions to your business can be circumvented.

 

What are the possible damaging outcomes for my business?

Unfortunately, without legally documented agreements in place, the death or incapacitation of a business partner can have disastrous consequences for your business.

  • You may not have insurance in place and be unable to pay their share of the business to their estate.
  • You may be unable to find a replacement for their role and responsibilities, resulting in the closure of your business.
  • Insurance may not be adequate to cover your partner’s share of the value of the business, their share of any debt that the business is carrying, capital gains tax, GST as well as many other unforeseen costs.
  • Life insurance that you intended to use to pay for their share of the business, may instead be paid to other beneficiaries.
  • Their family members may have different expectations to you about their ongoing role in the business.

 

How can I protect my business and all parties involved?

In the unimaginable circumstance that your business partner dies or is permanently incapacitated, best practice is to have in place legal partnership agreements and formal succession planning drawn up by a legal professional.

You should address the following throughout the process:

  • Have a legal partnership agreement drawn up which formalises the rights and obligations of two or more people who are going into business together as partners.
  • Methodical succession planning and clear processes to follow are well-documented and drawn up by a legal professional.
  • All parties involved will require an up-to-date Will and estate plan that outlines plans for their business interests.
  • Ensure sufficient insurance is taken out and legal documentation is drawn up outlining how that insurance is to be managed.
  • Arrangements are made to pay out an estate or family members expediently.
  • The process for valuing the business is clearly outlined and documented.
  • Taxation, such as capital gains tax & GST is taken into consideration.

 

How we can help.

It is important to have a legal professional draw up these items for you:

  • A legal business partnership agreement
  • A formal succession plan for your business
  • A legal Will or estate plan

Our legal professionals can help you draw up a business partnership agreement to ensure that each partner knows their rights and responsibilities. It will also define policies for what should happen in this worst-case scenario.

Our succession planning experts can help you ensure that you retain financial security and minimise tax liabilities during the transfer of ownership or management.

We can guide you through the Will & estate planning process, answering any questions you may have along the way, giving you the confidence that you will be leaving your business and family secure.

We have vast experience in business valuations that take into consideration all aspects of your operations.

If something has already happened to your business partner without legal agreements in place, we can also offer legal advice.

With some forward planning and formal legal agreements in place, some distress and interruptions to your business can be avoided in the heart-breaking event that something were to happen to your business partner.

Take control of your future today by meeting with the Geelong-based Legal team at The Hrkac Group. Call us today on 03 5224 2366.

A couple of new funding initiatives for Victorian businesses have been announced by the Victorian government recently.

There have also been updates to Workcover’s COVID-19 reporting regulations.

Here’s a brief outline of each of these updates:

 

Small Business COVID-19 Hardship Fund

The Victorian Government’s Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will assist eligible small and medium businesses with a grant of $10,000. This includes employing and non-employing businesses.

To be eligible, your operations must have been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place since 27 May 2021; you must have experienced at least a 70% reduction in turnover because of the COVID-19 restrictions; you must have been ineligible for other key COVID-19 Victorian Government business grant programs that have been announced since 27 May 2021.

To learn more, see this link.

 

Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three 12 August 2021 Top-Up

The Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three 12 August 2021 Top-Up from the Victorian government offers further support to eligible small to medium businesses in sectors affected by metropolitan Melbourne’s current restrictions.

An automatic payment of $2,800 will be made to successful recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension that operate a business in metropolitan Melbourne.

This payment will be processed and paid automatically.

To learn more, see this link.

 

Mandatory COVD-19 reporting under WorkSafe Regulations

Under extended WorkSafe regulations, businesses are required to report a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 within the workplace, and if that person has attended the workplace within the relevant infectious period

A failure to notify WorkSafe can lead to heavy fines.

To learn more about your obligations to report confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 relating to your employees and contractors, see this link.

New support programs targeting small and medium businesses have been announced in a joint venture between the Commonwealth and State governments. These include:

 

Business Continuity Fund

Businesses impacted by capacity limits will receive a $5,000 grant, thanks to the $156 million Business Continuity Fund. 24 sectors are covered by the fund, including gyms, cafes, restaurants, event businesses, catering services, and hairdressers.

 

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 Boost

Licensed venues will receive grants of up to $20,000, owing to a $70 million boost to The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund. These grants acknowledge that larger venues have higher operating costs, so need more support than smaller operations.

 

Small Business COVID Hardship Fund

Small businesses with a payroll of up to $10 million who have experienced a 70 percent or greater reduction in revenue will be eligible for grants of up to $5,000. This new $85 million fund will be established to support small businesses that have not been eligible under existing business support funds.

 

Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme

The reinstated Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme will provide rent relief for eligible tenants, while separate support will be provided to landlords. Landlords will be required to afford rent relief proportional to a business’s reduction in turnover. A mediation service for tenants and landlords will provide additional support.

 

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

Most microbusinesses or sole traders not registered for the GST are eligible for relief payments through the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

 

 

Business Victoria is setting up a dedicated concierge service to help these businesses access support. You can call this service to discuss what support is available for your business. Call 13 22 15 and select the Concierge Service option.

 

See here for further information.

The Australian government has recently announced some significant changes to superannuation contributions affecting Australians saving for their retirement.

 

Concessional (pre-tax) Contributions Cap Increase

From July 1, 2021, the concessional contributions cap increased from the current limit of $25,000 per annum to $27,500 per annum.

This cap includes your employer’s compulsory Superannuation Guarantee Contributions, and voluntary contributions, including salary sacrifice and personal contributions for which you claim a deduction.

Those that take advantage of the increase in concessional contribution limits may benefit from a larger tax-deduction and therefore additional tax savings.

 

Carry-Forward Unused Concessional Contributions

Where your total superannuation balance is less than $500,000 as of 30th of June, and you are eligible to make superannuation contributions within the following financial year, you can utilise carry-forward unused concessional contributions.

Carry-forward concessional contribution rules allow you to access unused concessional contribution cap amounts from the 2018-2019 financial year onwards to make extra concessional contributions. Unused concessional contributions can be carried forward for 5 years.

An unused cap amount occurs when the concessional contributions you made in a financial year were less than your general concessional contributions cap. This means you can make concessional contributions above the general concessional contributions cap for the year.

 

Non-Concessional (after-tax) Contributions Cap Increase & Transfer Balance Cap Increase

From July 1, 2021, the non-concessional contributions cap increased from $100,000 per annum to $110,000 per annum.

The transfer balance cap also increased from $1.6 to $1.7 million. This is the limit on the amount you can transfer into the tax-free retirement phase within superannuation.

Your total superannuation balance determines your eligibility to make non-concessional contributions.

This means that if your total superannuation balance at the end of the 2020-21 financial year was less than $1.7 million, you may be able to make non-concessional contributions of at least $110,000 in the 2021-22 financial year.

 

Increase to the Cut-Off Age for Accessing the Bring-Forward Arrangement

In certain circumstances, you may be eligible to make non-concessional contributions in excess of your annual cap. This is known as the bring-forward arrangement, which allows you to utilise the current and some or all of the subsequent two financial years’ non-concessional contribution limits.

Under the revised rules, those aged 66 and under as of the 1st of July of the financial year, can access the bring-forward rule, provided the contribution is made prior to their 67th birthday.

This means individuals aged 65 and 66 who were not previously able to access the bring forward non-concessional contributions cap may now do so.

If you’re interested in discussing how these changes may benefit you, please contact the financial planning experts at HG Financial Services. Make an appointment today to see a superannuation advisor via Contact Us, or phone 03 5221 2355.

 
This information has been provided as general advice. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.
Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws at the publication date. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-to-date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

Last week the Victorian Government announced new cash grants for businesses affected by the latest lockdown, to support a stronger recovery on the other side of the public health restrictions.

 

Businesses that applied for the latest Business Costs Assistance Program and Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund should have received an automatic support payment of $2,000 & $3,000 respectively in the last few days.

 

The total funding behind these initial grants is $201.8 million. Eligible businesses include restaurants, cafes bars, event suppliers, tourism and accommodation providers, and non-essential retailers.

 

The Victorian Government also reached an agreement with the Commonwealth Government to fund income support payments for employees who have lost hours due to the July 2021 lockdown.

 

Workers affected by the public health restrictions are now eligible for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

 

You’ll get the following amount for relevant periods starting from:

  • 15 July 2021 for people in parts of Sydney
  • 18 July 2021 for people in Greater Sydney
  • 18 July 2021 for people in all other areas in NSW
  • 23 July 2021 for people in Victoria.

 

If you’re eligible, you’ll get $600 for each relevant period if you lost:

  • 20 hours or more of work per week

 

If you’re eligible, you’ll get $375 for each relevant period if you lost either:

  • between 8 and less than 20 hours of work per week
  • a full day of your usual work hours per week.

 

You can make a claim from 23 July to 12 August 2021, for the period 16 to 22 July 2021.

You can make a claim from 25 July to 19 August 2021, for the period 23 to 27 July 2021.

You are not able to claim prior to these dates.

See here for more information on these initial support payments.

See here for more information on the covid 19 disaster payment.

 

Yesterday further support payments were announced; businesses who received these recent support payments will now receive another automatic payment.

 

Eligible Business Costs Assistance Program recipients will receive a further $2,800, increasing the total grant to $4,800 while Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund recipients will receive a further $4,200, taking the total payment to $7,200. There is no need to reapply for these programs. These payments should arrive in bank accounts in the next week or so.

 

For businesses that are registered for GST and meet the eligibility criteria but did not apply for the above support payments, an application will be made available for all July payments – $4,800 for Business Costs Assistance Program and $7,200 for Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund. Applications for the Business Costs Assistance Program Round 2 will be opening by the end of July.

 

Smaller businesses not registered for GST are expected to be eligible to apply for the Covid-19 Disaster Payment via their MyGov ID account.

 

There is also an extension of the Impacted Public Events Support Program along with a new round of both the Live Performance Support Program and the Sporting Clubs Grants Program.

 

Eligible public events and public events suppliers affected by the lockdown will receive support of up to $25,000 and $10,000 respectively through the extension of the Impacted Public Events Support Program.

 

The new round of the Live Performance Support Program, provides additional funding of up to $7,000 for presenters and up to $2,000 for suppliers.

 

For events that have been unable to proceed or will have to be cancelled or postponed, the new round of the Sporting Clubs Grants Program will provide $2,000 grants for community sport and active recreation organisations.

See here for more information on these top-up support payments.

 

Workplaces that have been required to undergo a deep clean may be eligible for an 80% rebate to help with this cost.

 

The COVIDSafe Deep Cleaning Rebate is available for small and medium-sized businesses, where anyone suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus (COVID-19) has been on the premises or worksite when they may have been infectious.

 

The rebate will cover up to 80 percent of the cleaning costs at each worksite, capped at a grant of $10,000 (for a total cleaning cost of $12,500).

See here for more information on the deep cleaning rebate.

The Victoria Events Industry has certainly been among the most negatively impacted by the state’s COVID-19 restrictions. The $20 million dedicated Victorian Events Support Package will support event organisers, hosts and suppliers as they manage the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package provided by the Victorian State Government is now available and delivers five streams of support:

  • The Sustainable Event Business Program will provide up to $250,000 to major event organisers, hosts and suppliers who have suffered a loss as a result of the recent restrictions that began in late May, and the ongoing viability of their event or business has been significantly affected by the pandemic.
  • The Impacted Public Events Support Program will deliver up to $25,000 to eligible event organisers and up to $10,000 to eligible suppliers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 public events under the Public Events Framework that were approved to take place between 11.59pm on 27 May 2021 and 11.59pm on 24 June 2021.
  • Independent Cinema Support Program will deliver up to $12,000 to independent cinema operators unable to operate due to the COVID-19 restrictions that commenced at 11.59pm on 27 May 2021.
  • Live Performance Support Program (Presenters) will provide up to $7000 to presenters of live performance events that have cancelled events between 11.59pm on 27 May 2021 and 11.59pm on 24 June 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Live Performance Support Program (Suppliers) will provide a $500 grant per event for up to four different events for suppliers of goods and services to live performance events, including musicians and performers.

The eligibility criteria and guidelines are available here.

Please note applications close at 11.59 pm on Friday 16th July, 2021.

CIRCUIT BREAKER BUSINESS SUPPORT PACKAGE updated Monday June 7th

 

In response to Victoria’s latest 7-day stage 4 lockdown, the State Government has announced three grants to assist businesses feeling the impact.

These grants include:

  • Business Costs Assistance Program
  • Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
  • Temporary Covid Disaster Payment
  • Victorian Events Support Package

 

Keep reading for more information on each grant:

BUSINESS COSTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ROUND TWO

Applications for the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two are now open and remain open until 11.59pm Thursday 24th June, 2021.

Please see the links below for the guidelines and eligibility criteria along with the ANZSIC industry code listing for businesses deemed eligible to apply for this grant.

Program Overview

Eligible ANZSIC classes

**Please note that we are able to complete grant applications on your behalf – fee applicable.

LICENSED HOSPITALITY VENUE FUND 2021

Applications for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 are now open and remain open until 11.59pm Thursday 24th June, 2021.

**Please note that applications for this grant will be sent via email from Business Victoria to those businesses with an eLicence email address.

If you do not currently have an eLicence email address you will need to set one up by 20th June, 2021 in order to receive a grant application.

Please see link below for the guidelines and eligibility criteria.

Program Overview

**Please note that we are able to complete grant applications on your behalf – fee applicable.

TEMPORARY COVID DISASTER PAYMENT

A Temporary COVID Disaster Payment has been announced by the Federal Government  to help those unable to earn an income during the lockdown restrictions. This payment will be available as of Tuesday 8th June, 2021 through Services Australia and you can apply online through your MyGov account. There will also be a hotline number announced for those who do not have access to online services.

The eligibility criteria includes:

  • Aged 17+
  • Have less than $10,000 in liquid assets
  • Australian resident or permitted to work in Australia
  • Work or live in government determined hotspot
  • Unable to attend work or earn an income because of restrictions
  • You are not receiving income support or other pandemic payment

There are two levels of weekly payments available as follows:

Work more than 20 hours per week – $500 per week Work less than 20 hours per week   – $325 per week

A person must also declare that they would have worked during the week(s) if there was no lockdown conditions and will lose income because of it. They must also declare that they do not have any access to special pandemic or sick leave , or if they do that they have used it all.

Please see the link below for more information:

Payment overview

We will update this post when further information is available.

For more information click on the link below:

More information.

Please contact our office for further support in relation to any queries you may have regarding these grants.

Buying a house is such an exciting time, that sometimes the most important pieces get glossed over, only to come crashing down later on in the purchasing process – with little you can do about them then.

We want the process of purchasing a house to be an exciting and happy one, so here are the top 5 questions you should be asking about the property you’ve got your eye on, to make sure it’s a good decision for your heart as well as your wallet.

 

Questions to ask before buying a house:

Do I need a building inspection done on the house I want to buy?

YES!

A lot of people sign contracts ‘subject to a building inspection’ which is a great way to safe guard yourself against uncovering major structural defects not visible from the outside. Although a contract signed with this condition will allow you to withdraw from purchasing the property if any major issues are found, it doesn’t safeguard you against any minor defects found.

Even though the word minor sounds ok, it could still mean you’re out of pocket thousands of dollars to fix so, we recommend getting a building inspection completed BEFORE you put in an offer. This way, you can adjust your offer according to what’s found, or you can walk away will your deposit still in your account.

 

What do I need to know if the previous owners have renovated the house themselves?

With a plethora of home renovation shows on the box these days, it appears every second person thinks they’re a bona fide tradie. If there has been work done to a property by the owner in the six years and six months pre-contract, they automatically become an owner-builder and must, by law, include a Defects Report in the Section 32 for the property. Even if they didn’t need a Building Permit to complete the works – it doesn’t mean they can sell the house carefree.

If there is no Defects Report in the Section 32, you will almost certainly be able to withdraw from the contract at any time prior to settlement.

 

Can I sign the contract without engaging a conveyancer?

Although it may seem obvious, so many people sign contracts without getting legal advice first. You wouldn’t buy a second-hand car without getting it looked over by a mechanic, so why buy a house without having the contract looked over first? Conveyancers know what they’re looking for in property contracts and can identify hidden details before you sign your hard-earned money away.

Here at the Hrkac Group, we look over your contracts for free – so it’s really a no-brainer.

 

Where should I buy an investment property?

So you’ve worked hard and saved some money and you’re looking to invest in property. Great, but looking for an investment property and looking for a house to live in yourself are completely different.

Remember, if you’re looking for an investment property, you’re not planning to live in it yourself so you can expand your horizons. Look outside the suburbs you want to live in, you don’t even have to like it – that doesn’t mean it’s a bad investment.

You’ll need to decide what sort of investment property you’re after though – do you want high rental income, or capital growth promise? Looking for a low maintenance place, or are you capable of being the on-call handyman?

 

Should I put my name on the contract?

If you own a business, it could be a smart move to leave your name off the house contract. To protect your assets, so that if you get sued at work, putting your partner’s name on the contract will remove that asset from the proceedings, keeping it protected against being taken in the legal settlement.

Although this sounds simple enough, there are always other factors to consider – like the effects this will have on your, and your partner’s tax return. Here at the Hrkac Group though, we are a full-service firm so we have an accounting team, a legal team and a mortgage broking team to cover the entire process in house.

 

 So, if you’re thinking about buying a new property and looking for Geelong conveyancing, look no further. You should start by calling the Hrkac Group and talk to our Legal Services team, and we can take care of things from there. Call us on 03 5224 2366 or contact us here.