What a Perth Tax Accountant Actually Does (Beyond the Return)
Great tax advice is proactive. The right accountant doesn’t just lodge returns—they help structure your business, plan cash flow, and legally minimise tax across the year. For Perth small businesses, that often includes:
Structuring & Asset Protection
- Choose the right structure (sole trader, company, trust, partnership).
- Split income legitimately and protect personal assets.
- Plan for future investment and succession.
Compliance & ATO Deadlines
- BAS, IAS, payroll tax, superannuation, STP, and annual returns.
- Audit readiness and ATO correspondence.
- Record‑keeping that satisfies substantiation rules.
Tax Planning & Cash Flow
- Forecast profit, manage PAYG instalments, and smooth cash cycles.
- Maximise deductions and small business concessions.
- Plan pre‑EOFY moves with clear “do now vs later” actions.
How to Choose a Small Business Tax Accountant in Perth
Use this quick checklist when comparing firms:
- Experience in your industry (tradies, hospitality, e‑commerce, professional services).
- Advisory first: Do they offer planning—not just compliance?
- Fixed fees or clear pricing for packages and projects.
- Cloud‑ready with Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and app stack knowledge.
- ATO representation and a track record resolving issues quickly.
- Responsiveness—fast answers, practical language, and a named point of contact.
Essential Deductions & Concessions to Discuss
Every business is different, but these areas commonly deliver value:
| Area | What to Ask |
|---|---|
| Instant Asset Write‑Off | Eligibility limits, timing of purchase, and financing impacts. |
| Home Office & Vehicle | Logbook and fixed‑rate methods; how to substantiate correctly. |
| Super & Payroll | Bringing forward contributions; SG rates and due dates. |
| R&D & Digital | Credits or offsets for genuine innovation and software subscriptions. |
| Bad Debts | When to write off, and GST/BAS flow‑on effects. |
| Trust Distributions | Minutes, streaming rules, and beneficiary tax positions. |
Tip: capture receipts as you go using your accounting app—ATO‑compliant records now save headaches (and tax) later.
A 30‑Minute EOFY Planning Framework
- Review year‑to‑date profit and expected June 30 position.
- Map tax moves: deferral vs. bring‑forward, super timing, asset purchases.
- Check dividend, wages, or drawings strategy aligns with your structure.
- Forecast cash after tax—adjust pricing or payment terms if needed.
- Book a pre‑EOFY session with your accountant and lock actions in writing.
DIY vs Professional: When to Call in the Experts
Use software for speed; use an accountant for judgement. When your decisions change tax outcomes, get advice.
As turnover and team size grow, so does your exposure to PAYG, GST, FBT, and employment law flow‑ons. An experienced Perth accountant prevents expensive errors and helps you make confident calls.
FAQs
- Do I need a small business tax accountant in Perth if I already use accounting software?
- Yes—software keeps the books tidy; an accountant interprets and plans, ensuring you claim correctly and stay compliant with the ATO.
- What’s the best time of year to meet a tax accountant?
- Quarterly, plus a pre‑EOFY session to fine‑tune deductions and cash flow before 30 June.
- How much do small business tax services cost?
- Firms may offer fixed‑fee packages for bookkeeping, BAS, and annual tax. Advisory and complex work are scoped separately.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re searching for tax accountants Perth or the right small business tax accountant Perth, we’d love to help. Get a tailored action plan in your first consult.