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As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, many Australian business owners find themselves in one of two camps: calmly reviewing their financials—or frantically trying to piece everything together. With the right preparation and guidance, it can actually be a powerful opportunity to optimise your business finances and plan for a successful year ahead.
We’ve created an EOFY checklist to help you stay on track, avoid costly mistakes, and maximise your tax-time benefits.
Before anything else, make sure your bookkeeping is up to date. This includes:
• Bank and credit card reconciliations
• Receipts and invoices (preferably digitised)
• Accurate profit and loss statements
• Updated balance sheets
Having your records in order is the first step to making smart financial decisions—and it’s essential for a smooth experience with your accountant.
Now’s the time to review all possible deductions:
• Business-related expenses like utilities, rent, and vehicle use
• Prepaid expenses (like insurance or subscriptions)
• Superannuation contributions paid before June 30
• Depreciation on assets or equipment
Pro tip: Speak with your advisor about instant asset write-offs and small business concessions that could reduce your tax bill this year.
Make sure:
• Employee payroll is up to date
• Superannuation contributions are paid on time (before June 30 to claim a deduction)
• You’ve finalised Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting for the financial year
EOFY is a great time to review your payroll processes and ensure compliance with current ATO requirements.
If you have debts that are unlikely to be recovered or inventory that can’t be sold, writing them off before EOFY may allow you to claim them as deductions. Be sure to document your decisions clearly for tax records.
EOFY isn’t just about closing the books—it’s a chance to refresh your business strategy. Use this time to:
• Set goals for the new financial year
• Review your budget and cash flow forecasts
• Consider any structural changes or tax planning opportunities
A proactive conversation with your accountant now can unlock benefits that carry through all year.
At Attune Advisory, we help businesses across Australia navigate EOFY with confidence. Our team of experienced accountants and business advisors can help you:
• Understand your financial position
• Identify opportunities for savings
• Stay compliant and in control
Don’t wait until June 30 to start preparing. Let us help you tune into what matters most—your business growth.
Book your EOFY review via email or call the team on 1300 866 113 and let’s make sure you’re all set.
Between public holidays, shifting workloads and EOFY preparations, the April–June quarter can feel like a stop-start sprint. For many business owners, it's a time of disruption — a mix of long weekends and looming deadlines that can leave cash flow, operations and planning in a state of flux.
This seasonal unpredictability makes financial agility more important than ever. So how can you stay proactive, flexible, and in control when business momentum becomes inconsistent?
Here are some practical strategies to keep your business financially agile through a choppy quarter:
A clear, up-to-date view of your cash position is essential — especially when revenue may dip due to reduced trading days or delayed payments.
If you haven't reviewed your cash flow forecast recently, now's the time. Adjust for:
Mapping out your expected inflows and outflows for the next 90 days helps you avoid surprises and make more confident decisions.
Stop-start periods can skew your monthly budget. You might be overspending in one area (e.g., staffing) and underspending in another (e.g., marketing) without realising it.
Review your budget alongside actual performance to identify any discrepancies. Look at:
Regular check-ins — even mid-month — can help you course-correct early and avoid larger issues down the track.
Rather than fighting against the patchy nature of the quarter, try building your activity around it. Consider:
By anticipating disruptions and weaving them into your planning, you create breathing room — without losing momentum.
Lean into tools that help you stay across your numbers, even when you're not at your desk. Cloud accounting software, cash flow apps, and real-time dashboards can give you instant visibility over your finances.
This lets you:
Financial agility often comes down to having the right data at your fingertips — and acting on it. The Attune team can assist with putting some tech in place to help you with your automation and assessments, so reach out to the team if you’re considering upgrading how you manage your numbers.
The end of financial year creeps up quickly, especially when you’re juggling interruptions. Now is the time to:
A little preparation now can smooth the transition into the new financial year — and help you end this quarter on a strong note.
At Attune Advisory, we work with business owners year-round to build financial strategies that flex with the seasons. Whether you're looking to stabilise cash flow, refine your structure, or plan for EOFY, we’re here to help.
Let’s make this quarter count — even with a few stop signs along the way. Give the team a call on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you’ll be glad you did.
With the third quarter of our current financial year right behind us, and the end of the financial year now approaching fast, it's crucial for everyone to be aware of key tax lodgement deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
One significant date to adhere to is May 15, which serves as the lodgement due date for many taxpayers. It’s fast approaching and may take some time to prepare your lodgement, so to start with, let’s get familiar with the details (below). Then, as soon as you’re able, we suggest starting the preparation process in the lead up to May 15 – the Attune Advisory team are here to help …
The May 15 deadline applies to individuals and trusts that:
• Have no outstanding prior year tax returns as of June 30, 2024.
• Are not classified as large or medium trusts (those with annual total income exceeding $10 million).
• Do not have a tax liability of $20,000 or more based on their latest return.
• Are not new registrants.
For a comprehensive list of lodgement due dates based on specific circumstances, refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) guidelines.
You’ll find this page on the ATO website to be useful for more information: Individuals and trusts outline.
The ATO offers a concessional extension for tax returns due on May 15, allowing individuals, partnerships, and trusts to lodge by June 5, 2025, without incurring penalties, provided any payment due is also made by this date.
The payment due date for tax liabilities depends on when the return is lodged:
• Up to February 12, 2025: Payment is due by March 21, 2025.
• Between February 13 and March 12, 2025: Payment is due by April 21, 2025.
• From March 13, 2025, onwards: Payment is due by June 5, 2025.
These staggered payment arrangements ensure taxpayers have adequate time to meet their obligations.
Failing to lodge your tax return by the due date can result in penalties and interest charges. Moreover, timely lodgement ensures you remain compliant with tax laws and can assist in better financial planning for the upcoming year.
With the May 15 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to prepare all relevant documentation and engage Attune Advisory to begin the lodgement process. Let's get ahead of tax deadlines and make sure you remain compliant and in the best tax position possible for the next financial year. Give the team a call on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you’ll be glad you did.
The Australian Government has handed down the 2025-26 Federal Budget, packed with measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, stimulating business activity, and reinforcing tax compliance. While headline announcements like personal income tax cuts and energy bill relief make waves, there are also critical updates that could impact individuals, businesses, and investors.
With that in mind, we’ve broken it down to help you more quickly find what you need to know…
From 1 July 2026, all taxpayers will benefit from a two-stage tax cut, reducing the tax rate for income between $18,201 and $45,000 from:
• 16% to 15% (2026-27 financial year)
• 15% to 14% (from 2027-28 onwards)
For the average Australian, this translates to a tax saving of up to $268 in 2026-27, increasing to $536 from 2027-28 onwards.
While not as substantial as previous tax reform efforts, these adjustments provide modest relief—particularly for low and middle-income earners—in an economy where wages are expected to grow slowly.
From 1 July 2024, the Government is raising the Medicare levy low-income threshold, ensuring that those earning below the threshold are exempt from paying the levy.
This change is expected to cost $648 million over five years and will provide tax relief for Australians struggling with cost-of-living increases.
To combat rising utility costs, the Government has extended energy rebates for all households and small businesses:
• $150 will be credited to household energy bills in quarterly instalments from 1 July to 31 December 2025.
• Small businesses will also receive similar relief.
This initiative will cost $1.8 billion over two years and aims to cushion energy price volatility.
Two-Year Ban on Foreign Buyers of Established Homes
From 1 April 2025, foreign and temporary residents—as well as foreign-owned companies—will be banned from purchasing existing homes. This measure seeks to prevent "land banking" and free up housing stock for local buyers.
Help to Buy Scheme Expansion
The Government’s Help to Buy scheme allows eligible Australians to co-purchase a home with the Government, reducing the required deposit and mortgage burden.
Key changes:
However, the program is not yet open for applications, with details still pending. We’ll keep you updated as the scheme opens up.
From 2027, non-compete clauses will be banned for employees earning under the Fair Work Act’s high-income threshold (currently $175,000 per year).
Additionally, new laws will prohibit anti-competitive agreements between businesses that:
These changes reflect broader efforts to increase job mobility, boost wages, and promote fair competition.
Beer Excise Tax Frozen for Two Years
The excise tax on draught beer will be paused for two years from August 2025, keeping beer prices stable.
Higher Caps for Alcohol Producers
From 1 July 2026, the excise remission cap for breweries, distilleries, and winemakers will increase from $350,000 to $400,000 per year, providing tax relief to the alcohol industry.
Trade Tariffs on Russia & Belarus Extended
Australia will maintain an additional 35% tariff on Russian and Belarusian imports as a continued sanction measure.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has received $999 million in funding over four years to expand compliance programs, targeting:
These programs are expected to recover $3.2 billion in additional tax revenue, meaning increased scrutiny for businesses and high-income earners.
There’s never been a better time to have the Attune team on your side to ensure you remain compliant with all of your tax obligations – business and personal.
The Government is reducing reliance on external consultants, contractors, and labour hire, aiming to save $718 million by 2028-29.
While this aligns with broader efforts to streamline spending, it may have ripple effects on private sector firms that provide outsourced government services.
Slow Growth Ahead
The Australian economy is expected to grow by 2.25% in 2025-26, rising slightly to 2.5% in 2026-27.
Budget Deficit & Rising Debt
The underlying cash balance is forecast to be in deficit at -$42.1 billion for 2025-26, with national debt climbing to 21.5% of GDP by 2025-26, increasing to 23.1% by 2028-29.
Wages & Employment
• Wages are forecast to grow by 3% in 2025 and 3.25% in 2026.
• Unemployment is expected to peak at 4.25% in the coming years.
Inflation & Cost of Living
• Inflation is forecast to settle at 2.5% by mid-2025.
• Energy rebates and rent assistance have helped slow price growth.
Global Trade Risks
• Trade tensions between China, the U.S., and Australia remain a concern.
• New retaliatory tariffs could impact export sectors like agriculture & mining.
This Budget delivers a mix of cost-of-living relief, tax cuts, business reforms, and compliance crackdowns. While the measures offer some short-term financial relief, longer-term economic risks remain.
At Attune Advisory, we here to help you and your businesses navigate policy changes and optimise your financial strategies. Our approach is not only to help you remain compliant from a tax perspective, but plan for the future while assessing how other parts of the economy could affect you or your operations.
If you’d like to discuss how the Budget affects you specifically, get in touch with Attune Advisory today on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you’ll be glad you did.
Tax time can be stressful for business owners, and even a small mistake can lead to unnecessary expenses, penalties, or missed opportunities. Many business owners unknowingly make costly tax errors that impact their bottom line. The good news? With the right strategies, and a little help from the Attune team, these mistakes are entirely avoidable.
Below, we’ll break down the five mistakes worth avoiding to keep your business tax-efficient and compliant.
Accurate record-keeping is essential for maximising deductions and ensuring compliance. Yet, many business owners fail to track expenses properly, leading to lost deductions or even audits.
Avoid this mistake by:
• Using cloud-based accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks to track transactions.
• Keeping digital copies of receipts and invoices.
• Regularly reconciling bank statements and business expenses.
Choosing the wrong business structure—whether sole trader, partnership, company, or trust—can lead to excessive tax liabilities and legal complications.
Avoid this mistake by:
• Consulting the Attune team to ensure you’re set up with the right structure based on your revenue, risk level, and goals.
• Reviewing your business structure periodically as your company grows alongside your accountant.
• Understanding the tax implications of each entity type.
Many business owners leave money on the table by not claiming all the deductions they’re entitled to. Commonly missed deductions include home office expenses, depreciation, and work-related travel.
Avoid this mistake by:
• Keeping a detailed log of business expenses.
• Understanding industry-specific tax deductions.
• Consulting the Attune team regularly to ensure you claim everything you’re entitled to.
Unexpected tax bills can put a strain on cash flow, especially if you haven’t set aside enough funds throughout the year.
Avoid this mistake by:
• Setting up a separate tax savings account.
• Using a tax forecast to estimate quarterly obligations.
• Staying on top of BAS (Business Activity Statement) and PAYG instalments.
With the Attune team on your side, we can help guide you with forecasting and strategies that work for you and your business, so don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss putting the right plan in place for your tax-planning.
Failing to pay superannuation or payroll taxes correctly can lead to severe penalties from the ATO or worse. Late or incorrect super contributions also mean missed benefits for employees.
Avoid this mistake by:
• Ensuring super contributions are paid on time and in full.
• Using payroll software that automatically calculates tax and super obligations.
• Keeping up to date with legislative changes.
• Consider looking at a payroll audit to ensure you are setup correctly for compliance
With the recent addition of the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code, payroll should become an error-free zone for your business. To make sure you’re doing all the right things at all the right times, contact the Attune team on 1300 866 113 and let’s ensure you’re compliant across the board.
Tax mistakes can be costly, but with the right knowledge and systems in place, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and compliance risks. If you’re unsure whether your business is making these common errors, Attune Advisory is here to help.
Get in touch with Attune today on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you’ll be glad you did.
Investing in property is a proven way to build wealth, but the structure in which you purchase can have significant tax implications. Many savvy investors use trusts as a strategy to optimise tax benefits and protect their assets. But how does this structure work, and is it the right choice for you?
Below, we’ll break down the key advantages of buying property through a trust and what you need to consider before making the move.
A trust is a legal entity that holds assets on behalf of beneficiaries. It is managed by a trustee, who is responsible for making decisions in the best interest of those beneficiaries. Trusts are commonly used for estate planning, asset protection, and tax planning—making them an appealing option for property investors.
There are several types of trusts, but the most commonly used for property investment in Australia are:
• Discretionary (Family) Trusts – Popular among families for tax flexibility.
• Unit Trusts – Ideal when multiple investors are involved.
• Hybrid Trusts – A combination of discretionary and unit trusts, offering more control over income distribution.
1: Income Distribution Flexibility
One of the biggest tax advantages of a trust is the ability to distribute rental income and capital gains to beneficiaries in a way that minimises overall tax liability. If a trust has multiple beneficiaries, income can be allocated to those in lower tax brackets, reducing the total tax paid.
For example, if a property generates $50,000 in rental income, the trust can distribute it among family members who may be taxed at a lower rate than a single investor would be.
2: Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Concessions
When a trust holds property for over 12 months, it can benefit from a 50% CGT discount upon sale, similar to individual investors. This means that if the property increases in value and is sold for a profit, only half of the capital gain is taxable, significantly reducing the overall tax burden.
3: Asset Protection
Trusts offer an added layer of legal protection by keeping the property separate from personal assets. This can be crucial if the investor faces legal action or financial difficulties, as assets held in a trust are generally shielded from creditors.
4: Land Tax Benefits
Depending on the state, trusts can sometimes help reduce land tax liabilities. Certain types of trusts (such as fixed trusts) may qualify for tax thresholds that individual investors would not. However, it’s essential to check state-specific regulations, as some states impose higher land tax rates on trusts.
5: Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer
A trust allows for seamless succession planning, ensuring that property assets are transferred to the next generation without triggering costly stamp duty or capital gains tax events. This makes it an effective tool for long-term wealth building.
While the tax benefits are attractive, buying property through a trust isn’t suitable for everyone. Consider the following:
• Setup and Compliance Costs – Trusts require legal setup, ongoing administration, and tax compliance, which can be costly.
• Loss of Negative Gearing – Unlike individual investors, trusts generally cannot pass property losses onto beneficiaries’ personal tax returns.
• State-Specific Regulations – Land tax rules and trust structures vary across Australian states, requiring careful planning.
Consulting with the Attune team first is crucial before deciding if a trust is the best structure for your property investment strategy. We can help you build the right strategy and put the structure in place that works best for your goals and circumstances.
However you choose to proceed, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal circumstances – which is what we’re here to help with. So, if you’re looking to optimise your property investment strategy, book a consultation with the Attune Advisory team today here or give us a call on 1300 866 113 and let’s explore the best structure for your investments.
Running a small business comes with a unique set of financial challenges. Without a well-planned budget, business owners risk overspending, cash flow shortages, and financial instability. Effective budgeting is not just about cutting costs—it’s about making strategic decisions that support growth and long-term success.
With that in mind, we thought we’d share five smart budgeting hacks to help small business owners stay on track financially.
One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is mixing personal and business finances. This creates confusion, makes tax time a nightmare, and prevents a clear understanding of business profitability.
To stay organised, open a dedicated business bank account and use a separate credit card for business expenses. Accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB can help track expenses automatically, ensuring you always have a clear picture of where your money is going. Keeping personal and business finances separate simplifies bookkeeping and helps maintain financial clarity.
A well-structured budget should align with your business goals. Without clear objectives, spending can become reactive rather than strategic. Establish short-term and long-term financial goals to guide your budgeting decisions.
• Short-term goals might include reducing operating expenses or increasing monthly revenue.
• Long-term goals could focus on business expansion, hiring staff, or investing in new equipment.
By aligning your budget with growth strategies, you can allocate resources more effectively and ensure financial stability. Regularly review your financial goals to adjust for changes in the market or business conditions.
Regularly reviewing your expenses helps uncover unnecessary costs that could be eating into your profits. Many small businesses waste money on subscriptions, excessive marketing expenses, or inefficient processes without realising it.
• Conduct a monthly expense audit to identify areas where you can cut back.
• Renegotiate contracts with suppliers to secure better deals.
• Eliminate or downgrade unused software subscriptions.
• Consider outsourcing non-core activities instead of hiring full-time employees.
Trimming unnecessary expenses doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—it’s about spending smarter. Every dollar saved can be reinvested into growing your business.
A simple yet effective way to structure your business budget is using the 50/30/20 rule. This method helps ensure that funds are distributed efficiently to maintain financial health.
• 50% for essential expenses – Rent, salaries, utilities, and necessary supplies.
• 30% for growth investments – Marketing, training, and business expansion.
• 20% for savings and emergencies – A financial safety net for unexpected costs.
Following this framework prevents overspending in any one area and ensures your business remains financially balanced. If your current budget doesn’t align with this ratio, consider making adjustments to better distribute your funds.
Manually tracking expenses can be time-consuming and prone to errors. The right technology can streamline the budgeting process and provide real-time insights into your financial position.
Consider using:
• Budgeting and forecasting software like Futrli or Float to predict cash flow trends.
• Cloud-based accounting platforms like Xero or QuickBooks for automated financial tracking.
• Expense management apps like Expensify to track receipts and manage spending on the go.
Leveraging technology ensures accuracy, saves time, and allows for better financial decision-making based on real-time data.
Budgeting is not just about cutting costs—it’s about strategic financial planning. By separating business and personal finances, setting clear goals, eliminating unnecessary expenses, adopting the 50/30/20 rule, and using technology, small business owners can take control of their finances and pave the way for long-term success.
If you need expert guidance to streamline your budgeting process and improve financial efficiency, Attune Advisory is here to help. Book a consultation with the Attune Advisory team today here or give us a call on 1300 866 113 for tailored financial strategies that support your business growth.
Financial reporting is the backbone of informed business decision-making. Yet, many small business owners find financial reports overwhelming or don’t utilise them effectively.
Understanding key financial statements can provide valuable insights, helping businesses track performance, manage cash flow, and plan for the future.
With that in mind we thought we’d break down essential financial reports and explains their significance in driving business success.
The Profit and Loss Statement, or income statement, summarises a business’s revenue, costs, and expenses over a specific period. It provides a snapshot of profitability, helping business owners determine whether they are making or losing money.
Why It Matters:
How to Use It:
Regularly reviewing your P&L allows you to spot patterns in sales and expenses. For example, if revenue is rising but profits are stagnant, it may indicate rising costs that need attention.
The Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a given moment. It outlines assets (what the business owns), liabilities (what the business owes), and equity (the owner's investment).
Why It Matters:
How to Use It:
By analysing your balance sheet, you can assess liquidity (ability to cover short-term obligations) and solvency (long-term financial stability). If liabilities outweigh assets, it may indicate financial risk that needs addressing.
A Cash Flow Statement details the movement of cash in and out of the business through operating, investing, and financing activities.
Why It Matters:
How to Use It:
A positive cash flow indicates that a business is generating more money than it’s spending, while a negative cash flow might signal trouble. Identifying cash flow trends allows businesses to adjust spending and improve cash management strategies.
The Budget vs. Actual Report compares projected financial goals with actual performance. It helps businesses stay on track and adjust their strategies when needed.
Why It Matters:
How to Use It:
If actual expenses exceed budgeted amounts, business owners can investigate the cause and implement cost-saving measures. If revenue is below expectations, it may be time to revise marketing strategies.
Beyond standard reports, businesses can benefit from industry-specific financial reporting.
Examples:
Tailoring reports to your industry ensures you track the most relevant metrics and make well-informed decisions.
To summarise, regularly reviewing key reports—P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, Budget vs. Actual, and industry-specific reports—helps in identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and planning effectively.
If you’re not sure where to start or perhaps are keen to refine your reporting to suit your business model more appropriately, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with the Attune Advisory team today here or give us a call on 1300 866 113 and let us simplify and customise your financial reporting process to fit your business, so you can focus on growing it with confidence.
Failing to meet your super responsibilities can lead to penalties, cash flow issues, and unnecessary stress. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of your obligations and keep your business running smoothly.
Many small business owners focus on building their business but forget to plan for their own retirement. Unlike employees, self-employed individuals are not required by law to make super contributions—but doing so can provide long-term financial security and tax benefits.
Why Should You Contribute to Super?
✔️ Tax Benefits – Contributions to super may be tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income.
✔️ Long-Term Wealth Growth – Superannuation offers compounding returns to help grow your savings over time.
✔️ Government Co-Contributions – If you’re a low or middle-income earner, you may be eligible for government co-contributions when you contribute to your super.
💡 Tip: Consider setting up voluntary contributions or a self-managed super fund (SMSF) to take control of your retirement savings. The Attune Advisory team specialise in SMSF as well as helping you stay compliant with existing superannuation requirements, so if you’re looking for help, we’re just a phone call away.
If you have employees, you are legally required to contribute to their superannuation under the Superannuation Guarantee (SG).
Key Employer Obligations:
• Superannuation Rate: As of 1 July 2024, the Superannuation Guarantee rate is 11.5% of an employee’s ordinary earnings.
• Who is Eligible? Almost all employees are entitled to super, including casual workers, part-time employees, and contractors who are paid primarily for their labour.
• Payment Deadlines: Super contributions must be paid at least quarterly by the following due dates:
💡 Tip: Using the Australian Government’s SuperStream system helps ensure contributions are made efficiently and correctly – again the Attune team can assist with setup if you require it.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) closely monitors super compliance. Failing to meet your super obligations can lead to penalties, interest charges, and even legal action.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Missing Payment Deadlines – Late payments may attract the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), which includes interest and admin fees.
❌ Incorrect Employee Classification – Ensure contractors are classified correctly, as some may still be entitled to super.
❌ Failing to Provide Super Choice – Employees have the right to choose their preferred super fund.
💡 Tip: Set up automated payments through payroll software to ensure timely and accurate contributions. You may also benefit from looking at payroll compliance software to assist with employee classification and ensuring your payroll – including super – remains accurate and complies with legislation. The Attune team have experience across the board with compliance, so we can assist with your structure if you require it.
Super isn’t just an obligation—it’s also an opportunity. Here are some strategies to optimise your super contributions:
Salary Sacrificing
Electing to sacrifice part of your salary into super reduces taxable income while boosting your retirement savings.
Government Incentives
Take advantage of government co-contributions and low-income super tax offsets (LISTO) if you qualify.
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF)
For business owners wanting greater control over their investments, an SMSF can be a powerful tool. However, it requires careful management and compliance with ATO regulations. If you’re considering a SMSF or have one set up and would like some guidance on your structure, the Attune team specialise in Self-Managed Super Fund setup and administration.
As you’re no doubt aware, superannuation is a vital part of running a successful business, both for your employees and yourself. Staying compliant with super obligations protects your business from penalties while ensuring the future financial security of everyone involved.
If you would like tailored, expert guidance for your business or personal superannuation structure, Attune Advisory can help. Call the team on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to book a consultation today!
Your business structure impacts everything—from taxation to liability and future growth. Choosing the right setup can improve tax efficiency, protect your assets, and streamline operations. But as your business evolves, restructuring may become necessary.
And although the Attune team is here to assist with your business structure, we thought it prudent to give you an overview of what you need to know to begin with making the right decisions.
Each business structure has its own benefits and challenges:
Sole Trader
✔️ Simple setup, full control, minimal compliance.
❌ Unlimited personal liability—your assets could be at risk.
Best for: Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Partnership
✔️ Shared responsibility, more resources.
❌ Joint liability—partners are responsible for each other’s debts.
Best for: Small businesses with multiple owners.
Company (Pty Ltd)
✔️ Separate legal entity, limited liability, tax efficiency.
❌ Higher compliance and setup costs.
Best for: Businesses looking to scale and protect personal assets.
Trust
✔️ Asset protection, tax-effective income distribution.
❌ Complex setup and ongoing management.
Best for: Family businesses, investors, or structured income distribution.
Each structure is taxed differently:
• Sole Traders & Partnerships: Income is taxed at individual rates.
• Companies: Pay a flat corporate tax rate (currently 25% for small businesses).
• Trusts: Distribute income to beneficiaries, who are taxed individually.
💡 Example: Restructuring from sole trader to a company can reduce tax liability by leveraging lower corporate tax rates.
• Sole traders and partnerships bear full personal liability for business debts.
• Companies and trusts offer limited liability, protecting personal assets.
If your business is growing, taking on contracts, or employing staff, restructuring may provide better protection and safeguard the future of both your personal and business situation.
Before you decide to change structure, speak with the Attune Advisory team so we can help ensure your restructure fits your goals and unique circumstances.
Your structure should match your business ambitions:
• Scaling up? A company allows for investment and growth.
• Family business? A trust can assist with income distribution.
• Keeping it simple? A sole trader setup has low overheads.
Case Study: Sarah ran a digital marketing business as a sole trader. As her revenue grew, she faced higher tax rates and legal risks. With Attune Advisory’s help, she transitioned to a company structure, reducing her tax burden and securing her assets—allowing for confident growth.
As you can see, choosing the right business structure isn’t just about tax—it’s about protecting your future. Whether you’re starting out or thinking about restructuring, expert advice can save you time, money, and stress, so call the Attune team on on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to book a consultation today!
