5 money problems small businesses face, and how to fix them
Late-paying customers, tax bills, rising costs, messy books and ATO debt: practical fixes for the most common small business money problems.
Running a small business in 2026 is hard work. Costs have risen, many customers pay late, and tax and super rules keep changing. These are the problems we see most often, and what we do about them.
1. Customers paying late
Late payments are one of the biggest pressures on small business cash flow.
- Invoice the same day you finish the job, with clear payment terms (for example 7 or 14 days).
- Offer easy payment options: bank transfer details and a card payment link on every invoice.
- Send automatic reminders from Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks.
- Take deposits or progress payments on bigger jobs.
2. Tax, GST and super bills that catch you out
GST you collect and tax withheld from wages aren't your money. Move them into a separate "tax account" each week, and it won't hurt when your BAS is due. From 1 July 2026, super must be paid with every pay run (see Payday Super), so plan for that too.
3. Books that are months behind
If your books are behind, you can't see whether you're making money, and your BAS is a stressful rush. Set a weekly 30-minute bookkeeping habit, connect your bank feed, and snap receipts as you go. Or hand it to us. See record keeping for small business.
4. Prices that haven't kept up with costs
Many small businesses haven't raised prices while wages, rent, insurance and materials have gone up. Know your gross margin on each product or job, and review your prices at least once a year.
5. ATO debt that keeps growing
Unpaid tax attracts interest charges, and overdue lodgements attract penalties. Don't ignore the letters. Lodge what's outstanding, then talk to the ATO about a payment plan. We can do both for you. See how to catch up.
How we help
- BAS and IAS prepared and lodged on time, with extra time through our agent lodgement program
- Bookkeeping and payroll, including Payday Super
- ATO payment plans, penalty remission requests and audit responses
- Choosing the right business structure as you grow
Book a meeting and we'll look at where your cash is going and what to fix first.
This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. It is not financial or tax advice. Tax rules change, so please contact us before acting on it. Information current as at the date above.