Strong sales but not much left in the bank at the end of the month? You are not alone. Many Brisbane business owners feel busy all the time, yet profit is pa...
Make Your Move to Brisbane Tax Smart and Stress Free
Moving your business to Queensland opens up new opportunities, but it can also change how the tax rules apply to you. The move itself often happens fast, while the tax and payroll details quietly build up in the background.
With the new financial year already under way, ATO updates are bedding in, payroll and super changes are live and the first BAS deadlines are close. If you are relocating now, you need to hit the ground running to cover everything. That is where a specialist tax accountant in Brisbane can help you set things up right for the next 12 to 18 months, not just lodge what is due next week.
Today we will share a practical checklist for business owners shifting to Queensland, so you can choose the right adviser and avoid costly surprises around residency, payroll, GST and state-based rules.
Understanding Tax Residency When You Relocate
Tax residency is one of the first big questions when you move, as it shapes where your income is taxed and what rate you pay.
There are two main angles to think about: your personal tax residency and your company’s residency. You might be:
- Moving from another Australian state into Queensland
- Returning to Australia after working overseas
- Running a company set up in another state or country, but now making key decisions from Queensland
The ATO looks at several tests when working out residency, such as:
- The resides test, where you normally live and keep your home life
- The domicile test, where your permanent home is considered to be
- The 183-day rule, how long you are actually in Australia in a tax year
- Central management and control, where your company is actually managed and controlled
A tax accountant in Brisbane can help apply these tests to your real life, not just theory. High-risk areas often include things like dual residency, director fees and allowances, foreign income and how you pay yourself from your company. Getting this wrong can affect PAYG withholding, super obligations, Division 7A issues for private companies and fringe benefits tax.
Payroll, Super and Hiring in Queensland
Shifting your operations to Brisbane usually means changes to how you pay people. You might be hiring new local staff, keeping some people interstate or moving long-term employees with you.
You need to be clear on:
- PAYG withholding on wages and director payments
- Single Touch Payroll reporting for every pay event
- Super guarantee at the current rate for all eligible workers
- Keeping complete payroll records for Queensland-based and interstate staff
On top of federal rules, Queensland has its own payroll tax system. This matters, because moving your head office or growing your team can push you over state thresholds. Grouping rules can also link related companies, so you may trigger payroll tax sooner than expected. This can catch out owners who expand quickly around the start of a new financial year.
When choosing an accountant, look for payroll experience such as:
- Working with businesses that have staff in several states
- Understanding award conditions in partnership with your HR adviser
- Setting up cloud-based payroll systems that match your business structure
- Reviewing super, PAYG and payroll tax together, not in isolation
Done properly from day one, payroll becomes a steady routine instead of a recurring headache.
Getting GST and Cross-Border Transactions Right
Relocating your main place of business to Brisbane can shift your GST obligations. Your registration, reporting cycle and the way you complete your BAS may all need reviewing.
Key considerations include:
- Whether your GST registration details match your new business location
- Whether your current BAS lodgement cycle still makes sense for cash flow
- How you treat GST on stock or work in progress moved into Queensland
Things get more complex if you trade across borders. For example:
- Selling goods into other states from a new Brisbane warehouse
- Importing products through different ports after the move
- Supplying professional services to overseas clients
- Charging for digital products or mixed supplies that have both taxable and input taxed parts
Relocation pain points often include updating your ABN details, changing your address on the Australian Business Register, managing transitional stock between sites and checking that your GST apportionment method still gives the right result.
A tax accountant in Brisbane can review your GST position before and after the move, so you claim all legitimate credits while keeping your BASs consistent and defensible if the ATO asks questions later.
State-Based Rules and Local Compliance in Queensland
Once you cross the border, you need to take into account Queensland-specific regulations. These are separate from federal tax and can be easy to miss if you are used to another state.
Key areas to keep on top of include:
- Transfer duty on buying a business or property in Queensland
- Land tax on new commercial or investment properties
- Motor vehicle duties if you buy, sell or move vehicles into the state
Moving physical assets or buying or leasing premises in Brisbane can also raise questions about who owns what, and whether you should restructure entities when you relocate.
There is also a layer of non-tax compliance that often overlaps with your accountant’s work, such as:
- Updating ASIC company addresses and officeholder details
- Making sure business names show your correct principal place of business
- Registering for WorkCover Queensland for local employees
- Checking for necessary local council registrations, permits or licences
When you speak with a prospective adviser, it helps to ask:
- How familiar are you with Queensland state taxes and duties that affect my type of business?
- How do you work with local lawyers, finance brokers and other advisers when I need more than tax help?
- What process do you follow to review company, ABN and licensing details after a relocation?
This will give you insight into their level of local knowledge and whether they can support you beyond a narrow tax silo.
How to Choose the Right Tax Accountant in Brisbane
Not all accountants work the same way. When you are relocating, you want someone who understands both compliance and strategy.
Useful criteria to look for include:
- Registered tax agent status and recognised professional qualifications
- Experience with businesses that operate across states or countries
- A track record in residency, payroll, GST and state-based reviews
- Expertise in forward planning, not just filing
In your first meeting, consider asking:
- How would you assess my personal and company residency after the move?
- What steps would you take to review my payroll tax and super position in Queensland?
- How do you approach a full GST health check when a business relocates?
- Which cloud accounting and payroll systems do you work with most?
- How do you structure your fees and how often will you contact me without me chasing you?
Most of all, think about fit. Does the accountant explain things in plain language? Are they responsive around busy times like BAS and payroll cut-offs? Are they open to working with your existing HR, legal and finance advisers so everyone is rowing in the same direction?
HW One is based in Brisbane and focused on accounting, tax and strategic business advice. Our aim is to help clients turn raw numbers into clear plans for growth, especially during big changes like a relocation. With the right partner, the move to Queensland can feel less like a risk and more like a structured step toward long-term success.
Take Control of Your Tax Strategy With Local Experts
If you are ready to get on top of your tax, the team at HW One is here to help you simplify the numbers and make confident decisions. Work with an experienced tax accountant in Brisbane who understands local rules, your industry and your goals. Reach out to us today and we can map out a clear, practical plan for your business or personal tax needs.
Build a 12-Month Money System For Your Trade Business
Running a trade business in Brisbane means juggling jobs, staff, suppliers, QBCC rules, BAS, and cash flow, often all in the same day. When work ramps up before summer storms or the pre-Christmas rush, things can get messy fast if the money side is not under control.
If you are still running everything out of a glovebox full of receipts and a basic Xero file that is never quite up to date, you are carrying more risk than you need to. QBCC checks, rising costs and closer ATO attention on tradies mean guesswork is not your friend. What you need is a simple, repeatable 12‑month finance system that runs in the background while you get on with the tools.
At HW One, based in Brisbane and working with SMEs, professional services firms and not‑for‑profits since 1986, we help clients build those systems. For trade businesses, that means real job costing, a no‑surprises BAS rhythm, QBCC‑ready reporting and a cash flow cycle you can actually stick to. We combine compliance support like BAS, QBCC and Audit Shield with Virtual CFO-style advice, so you have both protection and clear direction. The same framework scales for professional services and not‑for‑profit organisations, with different drivers but the same focus on cash flow, compliance and long‑term value.
Know Your Numbers With Job Costing That Actually Works
Loose quoting and vague job margins do more damage than many tradies realise. If you are under‑quoting labour or missing small materials and variations, you are not just losing profit, you are:
- Squeezing cash flow when suppliers want payment before clients pay you
- Making it harder to plan for tax and BAS because profit jumps around
- Risking QBCC ratios if your numbers are late or wrong
A simple job costing setup does not need to be complex. It just needs to be consistent. At a minimum, every job should track:
- Labour hours by person or crew, including travel and site time
- Materials and supplier invoices linked to the specific job
- Subcontractor costs and when they fall due
- Approved variations so they do not get forgotten
- A fair share of overheads like vehicles, admin and insurance
Your accounting software can hold all of this, but it must be set up the right way. Jobs, tracking categories and invoice templates should all link, so when a job closes you can see quoted versus actual, and true margin.
From there, a simple KPI dashboard for a trade business might include:
- Margin per job and per crew
- Average invoice lag from job complete to invoice sent
- Utilisation of crew hours, billable versus non‑billable
- Call‑back rate, which quietly eats time and profit
For professional services and not‑for‑profits, the same dashboard idea applies, with different KPIs (for example, recoverable hours, funding utilisation or program costs).
We treat this as Virtual CFO data. Instead of random numbers, it becomes a clear guide for pricing, crew or team scheduling and which type of work you should chase more of.
BAS, ATO And Audit Risk With A No‑Surprises Plan
For Brisbane tradies, BAS is not just a form that appears four times a year. It sits right in the middle of your cash cycle. Between GST on materials, progress claims and PAYG for staff, a bad quarter can create a nasty shock.
Across 12 months, your BAS and tax calendar should include:
- Weekly: enter bills, match bank feeds, file receipts
- Monthly: reconcile bank accounts, review ATO integrated account, chase overdue debtors
- Quarterly: prepare BAS, check PAYG, confirm GST on progress claims versus receipts
- Year‑end: tax planning before 30 June, so you set cash aside instead of scrambling later
This timing applies whether you run a trade business, a professional practice or a not‑for‑profit. The details differ, but the need for a clear routine is the same.
Tradies often sit on the ATO radar for things like cash jobs, vehicle claims, tools and subcontractor payments. Professional firms and not‑for‑profits attract different types of reviews. In every case, a review or audit can chew up time if your records are patchy.
That is where strong systems and tools like Audit Shield matter. By following QBCC and ATO record‑keeping checklists and using audit cover, if the ATO knocks on the door, the process is less stressful and the professional fees are more controlled.
The aim is simple: no surprises. You should always have a clear view of what is likely to be owed over the next few quarters so you can plan, not panic.
QBCC‑Ready Reporting Without The Headache
QBCC financial requirements can feel like another language. In plain terms, they want to see that your business is strong enough to stand behind the work you take on. That usually means:
- Meeting Minimum Financial Requirements for your licence category
- Keeping enough Net Tangible Assets in the business
- Holding a safe current ratio so short‑term debts can be paid
Poor records or slow reporting can threaten your licence right when your pipeline is full of good work. To avoid that, build a QBCC‑ready reporting pack into your 12‑month system. Using QBCC guides and checklists as a base, this usually includes:
- An up‑to‑date balance sheet that actually matches your records
- Aged creditors and debtors so you know who you owe and who owes you
- Work-in-progress, so you are not overstating profit on unfinished jobs
- Clear tracking of director drawings versus wages and super
We help Brisbane trade businesses turn day-to-day numbers into QBCC‑compliant reports using those checklists and templates. The idea is to make licence renewals and reviews a routine process, not a last‑minute scramble with half‑finished spreadsheets.
Cash Flow, Dashboards And Growth On Your Terms
Even with strong sales, cash flow can hurt. Many trade businesses know the feeling: long payment terms from builders, lumpy progress claims, slow payers, equipment finance repayments and tax bills landing just as things quieten down.
A 12‑month cash flow cycle for a trade business should:
- Forecast by project, from quote through to final payment
- Allow for quiet months, public holidays and wet weather slowdowns
- Include buffer targets, a minimum bank balance you aim not to drop below
- Map out BAS, super, PAYG and loan repayments well in advance
For example, you might:
- Map out each major project over the year, listing expected invoice dates and amounts.
- Add in known costs such as wages, subcontractors, fuel, rent and finance payments.
- Add all ATO and super due dates from a 12‑month calendar.
- See where the bank balance dips below your buffer, then bring work forward, adjust terms or delay spending.
We bring this together into a simple dashboard, usually showing:
- Current bank position and committed payments
- Upcoming BAS, super and payroll dates
- Debtors by age, highlighting who needs a phone call
- Key KPIs like margin, utilisation and average debtor days
With Virtual CFO support, those numbers start to guide real decisions, such as:
- Hire another ute and employee, or stick with trusted subbies
- Buy equipment outright, take on finance, or keep hiring
- Tweak pricing or terms so your cash comes in faster than it goes out
The goal is growth on your terms, not growth that only makes you busier and more stressed. For professional services and not‑for‑profits, the same Virtual CFO approach helps with staffing, service mix and funding decisions.
Think Beyond This Year And Protect Your Future
Many established trade business owners across Brisbane are starting to look past the next job and towards the next stage of life. You might be thinking about selling the business one day, handing things to family, or slowly stepping back while keeping a few key clients. Professional firm owners and not‑for‑profit leaders face similar questions about succession and legacy.
That is where structure, SMSFs and long‑term tax planning come in. With the right setup, you can build wealth outside the business, using your trade, professional or not‑for‑profit organisation as the engine but not your only asset. Important pieces include:
- Choosing the right mix of business and personal ownership
- Using SMSFs in a way that suits your overall plan, including property where appropriate and with a clear understanding of contribution, borrowing and related‑party rules
- Planning for an eventual exit so the business is ready to sell or pass on, with clean financials, clear systems and documented client or funding relationships
We draw on our firm history since 1986 to guide this. We have seen clients move from start‑up stages to retirement and beyond, across trades, professional services and not‑for‑profits. When your 12‑month finance system connects with a longer‑term succession and SMSF plan, each year builds towards something bigger than the next batch of invoices.
Whether you are focused on compliance, growth or legacy, aligning your money systems to your stage and mindset is what keeps your business moving in the right direction.
Get Started With Your Project Today
If you are ready to get your books in order and free up more time on the tools, our team at HW One is here to help. Talk to an experienced accountant for tradies in Brisbane who understands how to manage cash flow, job costs and tax for trade businesses. Reach out today through our contact page and we will work with you to put a practical plan in place.
Published by HW One in BUSINESS
Turn Your Next 12 Months Into a Scaling Blueprint
Moving a business from around $500k in revenue to $2m is a big shift. You can feel the momentum, but you can also feel the strain on cash, capacity, and your own time. You are quoting, selling, delivering, chasing payments, and still trying to think about the future.
The next 12 months do not have to be just “another financial year”. You can treat them as a clear scale-up runway, with pricing, cashflow, and hiring all working together instead of fighting each other. When these three pieces are planned as one, growth feels controlled instead of chaotic.
This is where professional business advisory in Brisbane can add real value. With the right support, your numbers turn from a source of stress into a simple, calm plan for getting to $2m in a way that suits both your business and your lifestyle.
Clarify Your $2m Destination and Scaling Levers
Before changing anything, it helps to define what $2m actually means for your business. It is more than a bigger sales number. It is a different shape of business and a different role for you as the owner.
Get clear on a simple picture of your future state, such as:
- Revenue mix by service or product line
- Rough headcount and structure, including who reports to whom
- Target profit margins that make the extra effort worthwhile
- What you will stop doing day to day as the owner
Once you know that picture, work backwards. A simple revenue model helps. For example, think in terms of clients x average fee x frequency of work. Check this against:
- Your current capacity and realistic workload per team member
- Busy times like EOFY or seasonal spikes common in Queensland
- Slower periods where you might do more project work or improvement work
From there, pick only 3 or 4 main levers for the year. Common ones include:
- Pricing improvements and better packaging
- Upsells or new offers that suit your existing clients
- Operational efficiency so work flows faster and with fewer errors
- One or two key hires that unlock more billable capacity or free you up
Keeping the list tight stops you trying to fix everything at once and burning out.
Reset Your Pricing and Margins for Scale
Many owners at the $500k mark are undercharging in at least one area. Legacy clients are on old rates, quotes run over scope, and some jobs barely cover their own costs. That is a problem when you are trying to grow, because more volume on weak pricing often just means more work for the same money.
A good first step is a simple pricing health check:
- List your main services and average fees
- Mark where you see scope creep or frequent write offs
- Flag long term clients still on “mates rates” or very old pricing
- Compare your fees and inclusions with current market insight from business advisory in Brisbane
From there, build a 12 month pricing roadmap instead of a one-off jump. This might include:
- Staged price reviews by client group or service line
- Clear packages with defined inclusions and exclusions
- Minimum fees so no job pulls margins down
- A plan and scripts for how you will explain changes to clients
Link every pricing change to margin and capacity. Set simple rules such as:
- A target gross margin for each service line
- A minimum hourly recovery rate that every quote must meet
- Clear “walk away” work that no longer fits your scaling plan
When the team has these rules, quoting becomes quicker and more consistent, and your growth starts to lift profit instead of just revenue.
Design a Cashflow Engine That Funds Growth
Growing from $500k to $2m usually needs upfront cash. You might need to hire ahead of demand, spend on better systems, or support more stock or work in progress. If cashflow is only checked when the bank balance looks low, growth will feel risky and stressful.
Shift from reactive to forecasted cashflow with:
- A simple weekly forecast for the next 13 weeks
- A monthly view for the next 12 months
- Clear visibility of BAS, tax instalments, super, and other fixed commitments
Next, tighten working capital so more of your profit shows up as cash:
- Shorten debtor days with clear payment terms and deposits
- Use direct debit or recurring payment where possible
- Review supplier terms and align them with how you get paid
- Set aside a “scale fund” that is kept separate for hiring, marketing, and systems
Then stress test your plan. Model three basic scenarios for the next year:
- Best case: sales and collections are ahead of plan
- Base case: things track roughly as expected
- Worst case: slower sales or delayed payments
For each scenario, decide in advance what will change. That might include the timing of a new hire, the size of discretionary spend, or your own drawings. This way, when conditions shift, you are not forced into rushed decisions.
Hire with Clear KPIs Not Hope
Hiring too late leaves you exhausted. Hiring too early can strain cashflow. The key is to link each hire to both capacity and clear KPIs, so you are not relying on hope.
Start by deciding what type of role makes the biggest difference between $500k and $2m:
- Revenue generating roles that deliver billable work or sales
- Operational support roles that free you from admin or scheduling
- Specialist roles that lift quality and reduce rework
Once you choose the role, build a simple scorecard with 3 to 5 KPIs. These might include:
- Billable hours or billable percentage
- Jobs completed on time
- Error rates or rework needed
- Client satisfaction or NPS style measures
Give each hire a 90 day plan that outlines what “good” looks like by the end of Month One, Month Two, and Month Three. Review progress regularly, not just at annual review time.
Finally, link people to profit with a basic capacity model:
- How much revenue should this role support when fully up to speed?
- By when should they be covering their own cost?
- What leading indicators will tell you if that is on track?
Advisers can help you set these expectations and review them in a calm, numbers-based way.
Turn Advisory Insights Into a 12 Month Action Calendar
A scaling plan only works if it turns into clear actions in your diary. Strategy needs a calendar.
Break your year into quarterly themes, for example:
- Quarter 1: Pricing reset and service packaging
- Quarter 2: Cashflow systems and working capital improvements
- Quarter 3: First key hire and onboarding
- Quarter 4: Efficiency projects and owner role changes
Then map monthly actions, such as:
- Specific client groups to review pricing with
- Dates to update terms, proposals, and contracts
- Timing for cashflow reviews and scenario checks
- Hiring milestones, interviews, and 90 day check ins
This is where ongoing business advisory in Brisbane becomes very practical. Instead of once a year tax chats, you can have regular, board-style reviews. These sessions might include KPI dashboards, margin by service line, cashflow updates, and course corrections based on real numbers.
At HW One in Brisbane, we work with owners who are in this exact $500k to $2m phase and want to grow with control, not chaos. With the right pricing, cashflow, and hiring plan, the next 12 months can become a clear, confident runway to the business and lifestyle you actually want, not just more hours for more revenue.
Take The Next Step Toward Stronger Business Decisions
If you are ready to turn strategic ideas into practical results, our business advisory in Brisbane can help you move forward with confidence. At HW One, we work closely with you to understand your goals and the specific challenges your business faces. Reach out to our team via our contact page so we can explore the best path for your next phase of growth.
Published by HW One in BUSINESS
Unlocking the Real Value of a Chartered Accountant
Running a small business in Queensland often means wearing every hat at once. One minute you are sorting BAS and payroll, the next you are worrying about cash flow, overdue invoices and whether your numbers would stand up to ATO scrutiny. It is stressful, and it can be hard to know if you are doing things in the best way or just getting by.
A chartered accountant steps in to bring order, clarity, and strategy to that chaos. What does a chartered accountant do beyond tax returns? We help design the right business structure, keep you compliant, interpret your numbers and give you practical guidance so you can make decisions with confidence instead of guesswork. At HW One, we work with Queensland small and medium businesses, professionals, and not-for-profits, bringing local insight as well as technical knowledge so your finances support your goals, not hold you back.
What Chartered Accountants Actually Do Day-to-Day
Not all accountants are chartered accountants. Chartered accountants have completed additional education and training, and must meet ongoing professional and ethical standards. That extra layer of discipline and accountability is designed to protect you as the client.
Day-to-day, the work is far broader than lodging a tax return. A chartered accountant can help with tasks such as:
- Overseeing bookkeeping and checking that entries are coded correctly
- Making sure payroll, PAYG withholding and superannuation are calculated and reported accurately
- Managing GST and BAS obligations so you claim what you should and pay what is required
- Preparing income tax returns for you and your business
- Preparing financial reports that actually make sense to non-accountants
The real value comes from interpretation. We do not just record numbers, we read them. That means helping you see:
- Which products, services or clients are driving your profit
- Where money is leaking through unnecessary costs
- Why cash feels tight even when your profit looks healthy on paper
When you understand these drivers, you can adjust pricing, cut waste and plan ahead instead of reacting at the last minute.
Protecting Your Business From Costly Compliance Mistakes
Australian tax and reporting rules for small businesses can be hard to keep on top of, especially when you are also running day-to-day operations. There are ATO lodgements, GST, PAYG withholding, superannuation, Single Touch Payroll and, in some cases, payroll tax and other state-based obligations.
Without specialist support, it is easy to fall into traps such as:
- Claiming deductions you are not entitled to, or missing ones you are
- Applying the wrong GST treatment to mixed supplies or exports
- Failing to pay super on time and facing penalties
- Leaving director obligations unattended and risking personal exposure
A chartered accountant helps you build strong foundations. That includes:
- Keeping your records in order so you are ready if the ATO asks questions
- Lodging on time and accurately, reducing late fees and interest
- Updating you on law changes that impact how you run your business
- Putting in place clear processes and financial controls that give confidence to banks, investors and boards
This kind of risk management does not just protect you from penalties, it supports your reputation and gives you more freedom to focus on growth.
Turning Numbers Into Smart Growth Decisions
Good accounting support should help you move forward, not just keep you out of trouble. When you are thinking about growing, restructuring or even winding back, the question is not just “can we do it?” but “should we, and what will it mean for our cash and tax position?”
A chartered accountant can play a central role in decisions around:
- Choosing or reviewing your business structure, such as company, trust or sole trader
- Setting pricing that covers your costs and supports profit targets
- Deciding when to hire, contract or outsource
- Assessing major investments in equipment, technology or premises
To support this, we use tools such as:
- Cash flow forecasts that show what your bank balance is likely to look like, not just your profit
- Scenario planning that tests best and worst cases before you commit
- KPI dashboards that highlight the numbers that really matter for your industry
- Profit improvement plans tailored to how Queensland businesses actually operate
This kind of planning is especially useful when you are managing seasonal cash swings, thinking about expansion into new regions or getting your business into shape for a potential sale or succession.
Tailored Support for Queensland SMEs and Not for Profits
Queensland businesses and not-for-profits face some specific challenges. Funding can be lumpy, grant reporting can be detailed, and boards and committees often expect clear, timely information, in plain English. State-based rules, local industry conditions and regional economic trends all play a part.
A Brisbane-based chartered accountant who works with clients across Queensland brings practical understanding of:
- Local industry patterns, such as tourism, construction, health and professional services
- State taxes and reporting that interact with federal requirements
- The expectations of lenders, regulators and community stakeholders in this part of Australia
At HW One, we see ourselves as advisers as much as accountants. That means regular check-ins, not just once a year. It means taking the time to explain your numbers in straightforward language and working side by side with your other advisers, such as lawyers and finance brokers, so your wider financial strategy is aligned.
How to Choose the Right Chartered Accountant for You
If you are wondering what a chartered accountant does for your specific situation, the answer will depend on the adviser you choose. It is worth taking the time to find a long-term partner rather than a short-term fix.
A simple checklist can help:
- Confirm they are a qualified chartered accountant
- Ask about experience with your type of business or sector
- Check that they work with the cloud accounting software you use, or can recommend a suitable option
- Look for clear, upfront fee explanations and what is included
Useful questions to ask include:
- How do you approach tax planning, not just tax lodgement?
- How often will we meet or speak through the year?
- Who will actually handle my work day to day?
- How do you support business strategy and decision making, not just compliance tasks?
Think of this relationship as a long-term investment. A good chartered accountant grows with your business, supports you through major life and business events and becomes a trusted sounding board whenever significant financial decisions are on the table.
Take the Next Step to Strengthen Your Business Finances
Bringing a chartered accountant into your team can reduce risk, cut stress and give you much clearer insight into how your business is really performing. Instead of scrambling to keep up with lodgements and hoping you have made the right calls, you can rely on qualified advice, timely information and a strategic view of your finances.
For Queensland business owners, professionals and not-for-profits, shifting from DIY or last-minute accounting to a proactive advisory relationship can be a turning point. With the right support, your numbers become a tool for better decisions, stronger compliance and more confident planning for whatever comes next.
Move Your Finances Forward With Expert Chartered Accounting Support
If you are still wondering, “what does a chartered accountant do?,” we are here to walk you through how professional advice can strengthen your decisions and give you clearer control over your numbers. At HW One, we take the time to understand your goals so we can tailor practical strategies that suit your business or personal situation. If you are ready to talk through your options or have specific questions, simply contact us and we will help you take the next step with confidence.
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will extend to certain services provided by accounting firms, including HW One. These changes may mean clients are asked to complete additional identity checks or re-confirm information about business structures, ownership, source of funds or transactions. Learn what is changing, why these checks are being introduced, and how you can help avoid delays.
From 1 July 2026, the way you pay your employees’ super is changing. Instead of making quarterly super payments to your employees’ funds, contributions will essentially need to be paid at the same time as salary and wages.
Payday Super marks a significant change for employers. To make sure your business isn’t caught out, make sure you’ve taken the following readiness steps, in line with ATO guidance.
Understand the New Requirements
Under the new regime, super guarantee payments must reach your employees’ super funds within seven business days of payday, though longer deadlines apply in some cases, such as for new employees. The amount of contribution is calculated as 12% of an employee’s ‘qualifying earnings’ – a new term that incorporates and expands on the previous concept of ordinary time earnings.
If contributions are not made on time, in full and to the correct fund, the super guarantee charge (SGC) may apply.
Plan Your Transition
The ATO recommends that employers do the work now to plan and prepare for Payday Super. This includes:
- Deciding when, exactly, your business will move to Payday Super (noting early adoption is perfectly fine).
- Reviewing your cash flow position, to make sure your business can cope with a shift away from quarterly to ‘real-time’ super payments.
- Checking your current payroll and business processes, such as confirming that super fund details for all eligible employees are up-to-date and complete.
Lock in Plans
Once your business has determined when it will start using Payday Super, the next step is to make sure all relevant systems are ready for the change. That includes the payroll software you use, as well as any clearing houses or super fund portals you may use to make super guarantee contributions.
For any businesses that use the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH), remember that it will close permanently from 1 July 2026 as part of the Payday Super reforms.
Finally, take the time to troubleshoot any potential issues that might arise once Payday Super is live. For example, your business may need to implement a process quickly to correct any errors that might arise when paying employees’ super contributions.
Remember, from 1 July 2026 Payday Super is Mandatory
Any businesses that do not adapt to the new rules and continue to pay super quarterly run the risk of being on the receiving end of compliance action by the ATO.
If your business needs help preparing for Payday Super, feel free to reach out to a member of our team. We can walk you through the requirements of the new legislation and troubleshoot any potential pitfalls well ahead of 1 July 2026.
On Tuesday evening, the 2025-26 Federal Budget was handed down. The Government’s big moment in the 2025-26 Federal Budget was the personal income tax cuts.
Income tax cuts are a dazzling headline but in reality they deliver a tax saving of up to $268 in the 2026-27 year, with a tax saving of up to $536 from the 2027-28 year.
Two previously announced measures of note that have not passed Parliament but remain in the Budget are below. Both of these measures have stalled in Parliament and, assuming they are not approved in the final days of Parliament, will lapse when an election is called.
- Tax on super accounts above $3m (a 30% tax on future earnings for superannuation balances above $3 million); and
- The $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business for 2024-25.
Budget 2025-26 is a budget for voter appeal with over $7bn in additional spending measures in 2025-26 and over $20bn across five years. Most measures extend previously announced and budgeted items for another year.
A detailed guide of all budget announcements for your reference is available for download by clicking here.
Please feel free to give us a call on 07 3360 9600 should you wish to discuss how these changes may impact you and your business.
On Tuesday evening, the 2024-25 Federal Budget was handed down. The 2024-25 Budget is a pre-election budget for the people with everyone getting a little something to ease cost of living pressures.
Tags: Federal budget
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