Frequently asked questions

We handle the transition. We contact your current accountant to request a transfer of your records, review your existing file, bring any outstanding lodgements up to date, and take over ongoing work. Most transitions complete within two weeks with no disruption to your business.

While our office is in Melbourne CBD, we work with clients across Victoria and interstate. All our services can be delivered remotely via Xero, MYOB, and video meetings. In-person meetings are available for Melbourne-based clients who prefer them.

For an initial consultation, bring your most recent tax return, current financial statements or BAS, details of your business structure (ABN, company registration), and any specific questions or concerns. If you don't have these handy, we can work with what's available — the first meeting is about understanding your situation.

Initial consultations are typically scheduled within one week. Once you decide to proceed, onboarding — including software access, record transfer, and setup — takes one to two weeks. Urgent matters like overdue BAS or tax returns can be prioritised.

We quote a fixed annual or monthly fee based on the scope of work — not hours spent. You know exactly what you'll pay before we start, and the fee doesn't change if a task takes longer than expected. This eliminates bill shock and aligns our incentive with efficiency, not time spent.

Small business packages covering monthly bookkeeping, quarterly BAS, and annual tax returns typically range from $300 to $800 per month depending on transaction volume and complexity. We provide a specific quote after understanding your business during the initial consultation.

No. The first consultation is free and carries no obligation. We use this meeting to understand your business, identify what you need, and provide a clear fixed-fee proposal. You decide whether to proceed with no pressure.

The base rate for companies with aggregated turnover under $50 million is 25%. Companies above this threshold pay 30%. Personal income tax rates range from 0% (on the first $18,200) to 45% (on income above $190,000), plus the 2% Medicare levy.

Company, trust, and partnership tax returns are due by 28 February if lodging without an agent. Clients of a registered tax agent receive extended deadlines — typically to 15 May. Individual returns are due 31 October without an agent. We manage all deadlines for our clients.

The ATO imposes failure-to-lodge penalties of $330 per 28-day period per return, but they also offer voluntary disclosure arrangements that can reduce or waive penalties. We regularly help Melbourne businesses get back on track with overdue lodgements — the sooner you act, the lower the penalties.

Yes. We represent clients in ATO audits, reviews, and disputes. This includes responding to information requests, preparing position papers, negotiating payment arrangements, and lodging objections where we disagree with the ATO's assessment. As your tax agent, we handle all ATO correspondence on your behalf.

We are certified Xero and MYOB advisors and work with both platforms daily. We also support QuickBooks Online and can work with most cloud-based accounting systems. If you're on desktop software or spreadsheets, we can migrate you to a cloud platform as part of onboarding.

Weekly or fortnightly bookkeeping is recommended for most businesses. This keeps records current for decision-making and prevents the quarter-end scramble before BAS lodgement. Businesses with high transaction volumes (retail, hospitality) benefit from daily or weekly processing.

The ATO charges a failure-to-lodge penalty of $330 (one penalty unit) for each 28-day period a BAS is overdue, up to $1,650 (five penalty units) per statement. General interest charge also accrues on any unpaid tax from the original due date. Using a registered BAS agent provides extended lodgement deadlines.

ASIC and the ATO recommend approximately $250,000 as a minimum balance before establishing an SMSF. Annual running costs of $2,500 to $5,000 for accounting, audit, and administration represent a significant fee drag on smaller balances compared to retail or industry super funds.

Yes, through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). The property must be held in a separate bare trust, and the lender's recourse is limited to the property itself if the loan defaults. Strict rules apply to related-party transactions, and residential property purchased through an SMSF cannot be lived in by members or related parties.

Every SMSF must have an independent audit conducted annually by an approved SMSF auditor. The audit covers both financial statements and compliance with superannuation law (SIS Act). We prepare all audit-ready documentation and coordinate directly with the auditor on your behalf.

A non-complying SMSF is taxed at 45% on all fund income and on the market value of fund assets — compared to the standard 15% rate. The ATO can also issue administrative penalties, disqualify trustees, or refer serious breaches for prosecution. Annual compliance is essential.