Essential resources for every new business owner (and what to watch out for)

When you're starting a business, it’s not always obvious which websites and services are legitimate and which ones just look that way. I’ve seen plenty of people fall into traps: paying for things they didn’t need, missing key obligations, or trusting advice that wasn’t quite right.

This post outlines the official tools and websites I recommend every small business owner become familiar with and highlights a few common traps to steer clear of along the way, from fake support services to overpriced business renewals.

Must-Know Official Resources

1. Fair Work Ombudsman

Website: www.fairwork.gov.au
Understand your legal obligations as an employer. Even if you use a bookkeeper to do your payroll, it’s vital the business owner understands the applicable awards themselves.

• Use the Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) to check minimum pay rates, penalties, and entitlements.

• Read up on the 10 National Employment Standards (NES) and the requirement to provide the Fair Work Information Sheet to all employees.

• Access award summaries and templates to help with onboarding.

2. ATO Online Services for Business

Access: https://onlineservices.ato.gov.au/business Requires Australian Government Digital ID (formerly MyID, myGovID).

This is your official portal for managing business tax obligations:

• Lodge and review BAS statements

• View your Income Tax and BAS account balances

• Set up and manage PAYG instalments

• Invite your registered BAS or Tax Agent to act on your behalf

3. ATO Website

Website: www.ato.gov.au
Comprehensive information for small business, including:

• GST and ABN registration

• Cash vs accrual method explanations

• PAYG withholding and superannuation obligations

• Employee versus contractor decision making tool

• Tools like the Tax Withheld Calculator, and more

4. Business.gov.au

Website: www.business.gov.au
Run by the Australian Government, this site includes:

• Startup checklists

• Grants and support programs

• Guides on employer responsibilities

• Industry-specific compliance tips

5. ASIC Connect

Website: http://www.asic.gov.au
If you're operating a company or registered business name:

• Review and pay your Annual Review

• Update company addresses, directors, and share structures

• Renew business names

• Check the registration status of any business name

6. Xero Central (Official Support Site)

Website: https://central.xero.com/s/
Xero does not offer phone support. Xero Central is a searchable help centre with guides, videos, and step-by-step tutorials for every Xero feature. To get official support, log in to Xero, click the “?” icon, and select “Go to Xero Central.”
There will be a blue Contact Xero Support at the top right of the Xero Central page. You will be encouraged to search in the support articles for a solution before you proceed.

Warning: Some third-party support services appear in Google searches and charge for phone assistance. These are not affiliated with Xero.

7. Xero Advisor Directory

Website: https://www.xero.com/au/advisors/
Find verified Xero-certified bookkeepers and BAS agents. You can search by location, industry, or service type and confirm that your advisor is Xero-certified and up to date.

What to Watch Out For

HR & Employment Advisory Traps

Be cautious when searching for pay rates or HR advice online, some employment relations consultancies advertise aggressively and may try to lock you into expensive long-term contracts for basic award or HR advice. Always start with the official government Fair Work website.

Xero Phone Support Providers

Xero has no phone support. Third-party support services often advertise “Xero phone help” and charge a fee. These are not affiliated with Xero. This is fine but it’s important to be aware you’re not dealing with Xero if you’re contacting them. For Xero Support, go through the official help centre inside your Xero file:

Log in → Click “?” (Help) → Select “Contact Xero Support” to raise a case.

Business Name Renewal Scams

If your business name is registered with ASIC, you’ll receive official renewal notices, but unsolicited emails or letters may also arrive, pretending to be official and charging inflated fees to “renew” on your behalf.

These third-party services often look official but are unnecessary and overpriced. ASIC does not send renewal notices by SMS or require payment through third-party portals.

Always renew directly via ASIC Connect, and watch out for letters that look urgent but aren’t from ASIC.