2 million self-employed
Their interests are our interest
It's your contract: Take control of it!
We say you should control your contract. Here's how. Check for clauses that are:
Red for Stop
Amber for Caution
Green for Go
You can also make use of our Contract Template to design your contract.

Matrixes and template are available here (ICA members only). Not a member? Join here for as little as $55.
You and Your Contract
Charter of Contractual Fairness.

Debate: Suck it up?

Contract problems?
Fixing business disputes
There's lots happening for new dispute resolution services for small business people. The Small Business Commissioner (SBC) model is being rolled out across Australia. Explanation of developments.
Watching: Self-employed entrepreneurs
Our discussion on enabling innovation
Watching: The coordinated attack against self-employed in Australia
Do unions hate the self-employed?
Federal tax attack
Sham contracting small problem
Watching: New Technology
Opportunities and new threats for self-employed people
Charles Dickens on debt and misery
'Income 20 pounds; expenditure 21 pounds; result misery!'
Bureaucracy can be so confusing!
The perils of designing a traffic sign
Great truths ...
25 great quotations
Our Campaigning
We need unfair contract protections
Defend contractor tax laws
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Scary super stories

Abbott says ATO to administer Super

Super Review and Govt response.
Watching: Work Safety Laws
Harmonised laws have big problems.
Watching: Government Contracts
Military Aircraft (JSF)

National Broadband Network
Watching: Fair Work Act
We're watching

What the AIG wants
Handy ATO Links
Filing your tax return:
A member's problem
ATO advice

Handy ATO tax links:
ATO debt collection: overview
ATO debt collection: 'Products'
Guide to managing your debt
Not-for-profit tax guide
Lodge your BAS online
PAYG withholding tax tables
New tax form: Taxpayer Statement of Account
New tax form: Notice of Assessment
Mortgage scams
Small business support
Payment arrangement calculator
Want an ATO visit?
ATO Help for small business
ABN eligibility rules
Self managing your tax debt

Handy Super links:
ATO SMSF compliance
ATO free seminars.
SMSF Admin advice
New Super clearing house
Tax on SMSF loans
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Ken Phillips on the debt equation
Basic Tax Facts from the ATO


ICA has had a constructive working relationship with the Australian Taxation Office for many years. We have often been critical of the lack of clear, simple tax information available for independent contractors.

However, the ATO has developed an excellent section on its website which we recommend to all independent contractors/small business people---whether they are starting as a business or operating as an existing business. The information is simple, factual and without any marketing 'spin' which can sometimes colour the opinions given by tax planners and advisors. The ATO information is presented in a user-friendly 'layered' style where you can access key information and then cross-reference to more detail according to your requirements.

If you understand the basic facts, you are better armed to make decisions regarding your preferred business structure and the tax issues and obligations that flow from that. The information also provides links to registration information and processes you may require.

The website information covers such topics as:
  • Are you in a business?
  • What business structure might you choose?
  • Do you need a tax file number, Australian Business Number, GST registration?
  • Issues for running a business at home.
  • Contractor and consultant issues
  • Starting a business
  • Tax concessions for small business
  • GST information
  • What are Fuel Tax Credits?
  • Your record keeping
  • PAYG requirements if you have employees.
  • What if you use contractors?
  • Superannuation
  • Salary sacrificing
  • Fringe Benefits
  • Lodging Business Activity Statements
  • Income tax returns
  • Issues if selling your business
  • Helpful ATO contact details. (phone numbers etc)
Click here for this key ATO website link.

PSI Information
If you are confused about the Personal Services Income tax rules, ICA can assist. After extensive liaison with the ATO, ICA has developed a simple layperson's guide. It is available for ICA members (click here).