Officeworks survey reveals taxing time around WFH trend.

 

A significant number of ‘small business leaders’ (SBLs) have increased their spending on office supplies and furniture over the past financial year with the average operator planning to spend a further $17,000 before 30 June to utilise the depreciation concession.

 

Despite SBLs feeling relatively more confident about their business and increasing their spend on business equipment compared to the same time last year, new research* from Officeworks shows almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of SBLs still find the tax system confusing and nearly two in three (63 per cent) are concerned about the growth or stability of their business beyond the pandemic. 

 

Incentives and savings opportunities are available on technology and office supplies to support staff working remotely as well as in the office, and 74 per cent of SBLs responded that they will support remote work set-ups regardless of whether they expect staff to return to the office or not. 

 

Jim Berndelis, Officeworks general manager merchandise, said: “When Australians were required to work from home during the pandemic, many employees borrowed equipment from the office. As they have returned to their office in a flexible capacity, we have seen employers updating their office equipment such as ergonomic chairs, monitors and computer accessories.

 

“We’re also seeing products such as mobile phones, cables and charging devices continue to be popular to ensure staff can stay connected no matter where they are working,”  he said.

 

“As we approach 30 June, we recommend small business leaders consult their taxation professional to ensure they are making the most out of the incentives and capitalising on tax deductible upgrades.”

 

Other highlights from the research study include:

*The research was commissioned by Officeworks and conducted by Lonergan Research, which surveyed 1475 Australians aged 18+ including 500 small business owners.