For companies, trusts & partnerships
Company and trust tax done properly — not by someone who mostly does individuals.
Once you're operating through a company, trust, or partnership, your tax work isn't "a return" — it's a coordinated set of returns across entities, with distribution minutes, franking accounts, Division 7A, and a hundred other moving parts. We match you with a Townsville accountant who does this every day.
What's included
All the entity types covered.
Company tax returns
Pty Ltd companies, including small business CGT concessions, franking credits, R&D incentives where applicable.
Family & discretionary trusts
Trust returns, distribution minutes, beneficiary statements, family trust elections, and trust loss management.
Unit trusts
Fixed-entitlement unit trusts often used for investment vehicles. Different distribution and tax mechanics than discretionary trusts.
Partnership returns
General partnerships, limited partnerships, and the partners' individual returns coordinated correctly.
Multi-entity coordination
When you have a company owning a trust owning property — all returns prepared in concert, no contradictions.
ASIC compliance
Annual ASIC reviews, director and shareholder changes, company secretarial work, and registered office services.
Where it goes wrong
Five things generalists get wrong with entities.
Division 7A loans
Taking money out of your company as a loan instead of wages or dividends triggers Division 7A — and if it isn't documented and repaid on the right schedule, the ATO treats it as a deemed dividend. Plenty of small business owners learn this the hard way.
Trust distribution minutes
Every trust must have minutes signed before 30 June each year specifying how income is distributed. Miss it or sign it late and the income is taxed at the top marginal rate as "unallocated income".
Franking credits squandered
A company that earns profit, pays tax, then pays a dividend out without franking it correctly leaves franking credits stranded. Often happens when an accountant doesn't track the franking account properly.
Trust losses trapped
A trust loss cannot generally be distributed to beneficiaries. Without an accountant managing the trust loss provisions and family trust election, losses can be lost permanently.
Wrong structure for the situation
A company is great until you want CGT discount on a property sale (companies don't get the 50% discount). A trust is great until you have non-resident beneficiaries. Structure should match goal — most don't.
Setting up?
Sole trader → company → trust: when each makes sense.
Quick non-advice guide to common Townsville structures. Your matched accountant will give you specific advice for your situation.
Sole trader
Cheapest to set up and run. Income taxed in your name. No asset protection. Best for low-risk service work under ~$80k profit.
Pty Ltd company
Flat 25–30% company tax rate. Limited liability. ASIC fees ~$300/yr. Makes sense when you start to retain profit or want asset protection.
Trust
Flexible income distribution. CGT 50% discount on sale. Common for family businesses and property holding. More compliance and trickier rules.
Restructuring is a major decision with tax consequences (often CGT events on transfer). It's worth talking through with a Townsville accountant who knows what works for your industry, your income level, and your goals.
Your structure deserves someone who knows what they're doing.
Take the 90-second quiz. We'll connect you with a Townsville accountant who handles companies, trusts, and partnerships every day.