This episode of The Chasers Channel tackles one of the most persistent myths in the Australian small business community: the idea that a company ute is automatically exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).The ATO is increasingly using AI, toll records, and data matching to catch business owners using "workhorses" as "family taxis".Learn why a dual-cab ute isn't inherently exempt and how the ATO’s mathematical formula determines if your vehicle is built for passengers or loads.The "Safe Harbour" Limits: Understand the strict rules under Practical Compliance Guideline 2018/3, including the 2 km detour limit and the 1,000 km annual cap on private travel.The Cost of Non-Compliance: Discover how failing the exemption tests can trigger the "Statutory Formula," costing you 20% of the car's base value in tax.Building a Paper Fortress: Actionable steps to protect your business, from implementing written company policies to tracking odometer readings every March 31st

In this episode of The Chasers Channel, host Chris Beks—dives into the complexities of navigating ATO rules for international business travel. Many entrepreneurs treat overseas trips as a "grey area," but this episode strips away the guesswork to show you how to turn a boarding pass into a legitimate business deduction.Understand why the ATO ignores your "vibes" and focuses strictly on the primary purpose of your trip—maintaining or expanding professional knowledge.The 100% Airfare Myth: Learn the specific conditions under which you can claim your entire flight cost versus when you must apportion expenses for private side-trips.The "Plus One" Reality Check: Discover the tax implications of bringing a partner or family member along and how to handle shared costs like hotel rooms.Building Watertight Evidence: Get the breakdown on mandatory documentation, including the "Travel Diary" requirement for trips lasting six nights or more.Avoiding the "Incidental Trap": Why a 60-minute meeting in London won't justify a three-week European holiday in the eyes of the taxman.

This episode of The Chasers Channel, hosted by financial advisor Chris Beks, explores the significant regulatory shift occurring in Australia on July 1, 2026. The podcast details how new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) rules will transform accountants, lawyers, and real estate agents into "gatekeepers" for AUSTRAC.The new rules apply to specific activities, including setting up companies or trusts, managing business cash/securities, real estate transactions, and managing SMSFs.Professional service providers face fines of up to $33 million for non-compliance, meaning clients will face "microscope-level" scrutiny rather than the traditional "red carpet" treatment.These measures aim to prevent $200 billion in "dirty money" from destabilising Australian markets and inflating property prices.Business owners must now provide verified IDs, document the commercial purpose of transactions, and prove the source of their "seed money".

In this episode of the Chasers Channel, host Chris Beks breaks down the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) and the critical upcoming changes for all small business owners. Learn what the SBSCH is, who is eligible to use this free service from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and why you need to start planning your transition to an alternative solution now.

The Australian Taxation Office is increasing its focus on trust structures, with data analysis revealing compliance risks across deductions, family trust elections, succession planning, Division 7A, and franking credits.In this episode of The Chasers Channel, we unpack what trustees and business owners need to know right now, including:ATO trust compliance risks and red flagsOverclaiming deductions and loss trafficking explainedFamily Trust Elections (FTEs) and Interposed Entity Elections (IEEs) pitfallsSuccession planning mistakes that trigger tax issuesDivision 7A risks for trusts and beneficiariesFranking credits, the 45-day holding rule, and trust eligibilityThe ATO trust checklist and governance essentialsIf you use trusts for asset protection, tax planning, or transferring wealth to the next generation, this episode will help you avoid costly errors and ensure your structure is working as intended.Practical insights. Real-world examples. Clear guidance for Australian business owners and trustees.

Planning for 2026 doesn’t require more hours in the day—it requires better decisions.In this episode of The Chasers Channel, we explore the timeless Rocks, Pebbles & Sand analogy and how it applies to life planning, business success, and personal fulfilment in 2026.Using the image of a jar to represent your limited time and energy, this episode helps business owners and entrepreneurs:Prioritise what truly mattersEliminate distractions that create busyness without progressDesign a life and business aligned with purpose, health, and financial freedomShift from reactive work to intentional planningWhether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the day-to-day, or ready to reset your priorities, this episode offers a simple yet powerful framework to help you plan for success—on purpose.🎙️ Listen now and start building a more meaningful and balanced 2026.

Most business owners chase growth, productivity, and performance — but ignore the one system that underpins them all: sleep.In this episode of The Chasers Channel, Chris Beks sits down with Dr Barton Jennings, lung and sleep physician, to unpack why poor sleep is silently sabotaging decision-making, energy, leadership, and long-term health for entrepreneurs.We challenge the badge-of-honour mentality around exhaustion and break down what good sleep actually looks like for busy business owners. From snoring and sleep apnoea, to waking at 3 am with a racing mind, to the truth about sleeping tablets — this is a practical, no-fluff conversation designed to help owners perform better without burning out.If you want clearer thinking, better focus, more resilience under pressure, and a business that supports your life (not consumes it), this episode will change how you view sleep forever.Listen now and discover why sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a business strategy.

Superannuation rules are changing again — and whether you’re building a modest nest egg or managing a substantial super balance, these changes are worth understanding.From 1 July 2026, the government is introducing new super tax measures designed to make the system fairer, support low-income earners, and ensure tax thresholds keep pace with inflation.In this episode of The Chasers Channel, we break down what’s changing, who it affects, and — most importantly — what you should be thinking about now.In this episode, we cover:* What the new super tax rules actually are (without the hype)* How higher tax rates will apply to very large super balances* Why the removal of a tax on unrealised gains is a big win* Increased government support for low-income earners* How indexation reduces the long-term impact of the changes* What this means for business owners, SMSF trustees and professionals* Practical planning steps to stay ahead of the changesDespite the headlines, only a very small percentage of Australians will be directly affected — but understanding the rules now gives you clarity, confidence, and control over your long-term strategy.Key dates to remember: • New rules commence 1 July 2026 • Based on your Total Super Balance at 30 June 2027If you’re unsure how these changes may affect your super or retirement plans, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.Need personalised advice? We’re here to help you understand how the changes apply to your situation and align your super strategy with the life you’re chasing.

The best time to plan for retirement was yesterday.The second-best time? Today!Around two-thirds of Australians retire earlier than expected — often due to redundancy, health issues, caring responsibilities, burnout, or a partner’s decision to stop working.In this episode of The Chasers Channel, Chris Beks unpacks practical, no-nonsense strategies to help you regain control if retirement arrives sooner than planned.You’ll learn how to:Take stock of your financial position without panicUse superannuation effectively, even if you’re starting lateReduce debt before retirement and avoid costly mistakesCreate a realistic retirement budget that lastsUnderstand government entitlements like the Age PensionBuild flexibility into your retirement planWhether you’re in your 50s or 60s — or simply want to be better prepared — this episode reframes retirement not as an ending, but as a new beginning.🎯 Perfect for business owners, professionals, and Australians aged 40+ who want clarity, confidence, and choice in the next chapter of life.

The Lease That Could Make or Break Your BusinessMost small business owners view their retail lease as a simple rental agreement, but they couldn't be more wrong. It's one of the most critical financial and legal assets you own—and the most misunderstood.In this episode of The Chasers Channel, host Chris Beks sits down with lease expert Phil Chapman, Founder & Director of Lease1.au, to expose the hidden clauses, common 'make good' traps, and missed cost-saving opportunities lurking in your commercial contract. Learn how to stop treating your lease as a liability and start using it as an asset to increase your business valuation, negotiate smarter, and secure a smooth exit. Don't sign—or re-sign—another lease until you hear this.