The truth is we are not the ATO but we just help you avoid having to meet them unexpectedly.
You know that feeling when your accountant says, “We’ve talked about this”? It’s not judgment. It’s concern. It’s battle tested experience from cleaning up all kinds of tax time messes.
Running a small business? Then your accountant is probably acting like your business world parent. Keeping you safe, tidying up behind you and calmly explaining (again) why “just this once” is never a good strategy with the ATO.
We are the ones saying:
- “Please don’t do that…” Like trying to claim your family holiday to Bali as a business conference.
- “If you do this, here’s what happens…” Like not lodging your BAS on time. Cue the ATO’s version of a time out (aka general interest charges).
- “That’s not how this works…” Like mixing your personal and business bank accounts. It confuses everyone including the ATO and reconciling is a nightmare.
- “I know it seems harmless, but…” Like setting up multiple entities without clear commercial rationale and without considering Division 7A, asset protection or how you’ll move money between them.
- “Let’s tidy this up together…” Like fixing that Xero file that’s been coded by a team member who swears they “watched a YouTube video on it.”
We’re not here to kill the vibe. We’re here to keep your business strong, sustainable and avoid those tantrums from the tax office.
So here’s to all the business owners doing their best and to the accountants gently steering them away from the electrical sockets of tax risk.