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The importance of tax planning for your business

By 25/05/2022November 3rd, 2022No Comments
The importance of tax planning for your business

Every business owner hates leaving money on the table, especially when it comes to their tax. Investing time and money into your tax planning now could save money for your business in the long run.

It’s not uncommon for businesses to push their tax affairs to the back of their mind while focusing on growth and profits. But inadequate planning results in overworked and stressed accounts departments as well as the risk of paying greater tax than you needed to.

This is why it’s crucial you prioritise an effective tax planning strategy. There are instant benefits to implementing a well constructed plan in coordination with a trusted and experienced accountant, such as those in our Equil Advisory team.

What is a tax plan?

Tax planning involves forward-estimating, organising, and staying on top of your tax affairs throughout the financial year. It begins with a conversation with your accountant discussing the options around any available tax deductions or government incentives.

Tax planning offers the opportunity to take a regular, top-down view of accounts and cash flow, to ensure that the maximum amount of time and money is saved when adhering to requirements of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). As with any strategy, tax planning should complement any growth model for your business and factor cash levels, assets and future expenditure planning.

What are the benefits of tax planning?

Reduce taxable rate/income

One of the most significant benefits to tax planning is the opportunity to reduce the applicable tax rate, or taxable income, within your business, helping you to save money that you’ve earned. Tax planning may create the time and space required to take every possible step to minimise costs.

A common result of inadequate planning is an unnecessarily large bill to the ATO at the end of the financial year. There’s no need for so many small to medium enterprises (SME’s) to pay nearly as much tax as they do, however they do not internally have the available resources or expertise to be able to minimise this without assistance.

Whereas, your accountant provides this function and advises on key strategies whether it be related to investments, deduction or expenses to reduce your taxable income.

Better managing your tax bill

There are far too many businesses who experience ‘bill shock’ when it comes to their payable taxes. Without foresight or planning, it is often higher than they expect, and a lack of preparedness and cash flow can leave them in a tough (and expensive) situation.

Adequate tax planning with your accountant may help you avoid being taken by surprise. There are tax payment options for businesses available throughout the financial year, allowing for regular instalments as opposed to a bulk payment. Your accountant can forward-plan and forecast according to your revenue and expenditure.

At Equil Advisory, we’ve assisted clients in arranging correct PAYG instalments quarterly, to eliminate the risk of ‘bill shock’. Improving the accounts workflow, such as invoicing, may assist your team in calculating and paying your tax correctly and quickly so you prevent being caught offguard. Further, an accountant may reveal new tools, software and strategies that can improve the efficiency of this process.

Creating an expenditure, offload and income strategy

Tax planning allows a business to get ahead on their expenditure, so that they are minimising their tax bill to the fullest extent, within legal obligations. Your accountant  will be able to guide you according to the needs of your business.

The sale of any assets may be subject to tax, such as capital gains, and this needs to be prepared for. The future impact on a business’ tax bill should also be taken into account when planning for any future capital expenditure, such as land, office space or machinery.

This is how the ideal tax strategy future-proofs a business and allows it to plan any future financial moves without the risk of immense tax implications at year end.

There is simply no way that a business big or small will be able to fully minimise their tax if they fail to plan adequately in advance. Small business owners in particular, shouldn’t be expected to be well versed in tax law, including detailed types of non-deductible expenses, or areas where tax exemptions may exist.

Take advantage of relevant programs

Tax planning may also help businesses to take advantage of relevant regulations, incentive programs and offset opportunities. Without the experience of an accountant many management teams may not be aware of their eligibility for these programs, such as environmental tax incentives, and wage subsidies.

For example, businesses may not understand the extent to which they can take advantage of a superannuation contributions cap limited at $27.5k for Self-Managed Super Funds. Having the right accountant can ensure that you are constantly updated as the rules and numbers are adjusted.

Speak to an expert

The bottom line is that businesses know the benefits of minimising a tax bill, but they may not know how, or they may think that they can do it themselves.

Whether you’re a sole trader looking at next year’s budget, or tax planning for a company, knowing who to speak to for the greatest tax savings is invaluable.

Our team at Equil Advisory we’d be happy to lend our expertise to your business to ensure the best possible tax strategy is in place. With the right planning and careful oversight, you may reduce your exposure, and create savings and confidence, moving into the future.

Clare Connell

Practice Manager

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
After I travelled to Europe and ran out of all the Money - I knew it was time to get back to work.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
Around the time I ran out of money during my Europe trip.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
I’m the Entertainment Warden.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Run, walk, chill, drink at THE BAAAAY live love laugh the BAAAAYY.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
Besides the Bay? Accounting is my second passion.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Byron Baes.

What would your last meal be?
100% a juice cleanse.

Cats or dogs?
Zara.

Clare Connell

Practice Manager

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I originally started working here in 2020 as an Accountant but left to travel and take a break from Accounting. Now, a year later I’ve come back as the Practice Administrator.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
January 2023.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Anything and everything to do with the office and making sure the team is happy and processes are working efficiently.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Catch up with friends, go on trips away, play tennis, go to the beach, shop!

What is something not everybody knows about you?
My childhood revolved around dancing and being in theatre plays and musicals.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
I have always wanted to be on The Block.

What would your last meal be?
Sushi.

Cats or dogs?
100% Dogs.

William Yates

Business Services Accountant

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
Equil Advisory came highly recommended, and when I was referred via a mutual friend, I jumped at the opportunity.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
Started in July 2023.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
The majority of my role here at Equil Advisory is dedicated to tax compliance and supporting clients through strategies and processes to help improve the business.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
When I’m not at uni, you can usually find me out training or playing golf.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I love a good bit of Lego in my downtime.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Jonah from Tonga.

What would your last meal be?
Sushi.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs.

Alex Talia

Assistant Manager

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
Having worked in the family business and doing the bookkeeping as a teenager, an accounting degree was the clear next step. My career initially took me to chartered accounting firms and then moving into commercial accounting for more exposure, I knew my move back into an accounting firm had to be the right fit. The supportive team and management at Equil was a clear choice for me.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
June 2022.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
A large part of my role is CFO focused, I aim to support our clients through the different stages of the business by implementing strategies and processes to guide them in making the right business decisions.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Watch sport and binge tv shows.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I love fishing and hope to one day in the future be retired and do nothing but fish.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Big Brother.

What would your last meal be?
A medium rare a5 wagyu tomahawk steak.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs.

Albert Tan

Business Services Accountant

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I was looking for a new place to clear my throat and break the office silence.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
When I was assured that there would be another Malaysian member of the team.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Play hide-and-seek in the bathroom.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Go to the gym.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I don’t know how to pronounce geography properly.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Survivor.

What would your last meal be?
Macaroni and cheese with milk.

Cats or dogs?
Neither.

Albert Tan

Business Services Accountant

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I have always wanted to be an accountant due to the influence of my family as most of them are accountants. I joined Equil Advisory as it offered me a different opportunity to work on compared to other accounting firms as well as allowing me to develop different skills.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
28th February 2022.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
My role at Equil Advisory includes tax compliance work and assisting client in their day-to-day business with EA’s outsourced CFO function.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Spending time with my wife, talking to my family or reading light novels.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
Love spicy food even though I can’t handle it at all.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Voice actor in any cartoon shows.

What would your last meal be?
Roti Telur Bwang.

Cats or dogs?
Love cats and dogs equally.

Sabrina Truong

Business Services Accountant

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I wanted to see how people who eat unhealthy actually live.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
Just as the second lockdown was about to begin, so I didn’t have to talk to people in person.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Eat raw veggies and perfect my American accent.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Driving around Sydney for the best fast food places.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I eat banana bread with chopsticks.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Man vs Food.

What would your last meal be?
Deep fried chicken and chips with extra chicken salt.

Cats or dogs?
Cats!

Sabrina Truong

Business Services Accountant

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
My dad is a bookkeeper, so it was natural for me to choose accounting as a degree. Accounting allows me to help others grow their businesses and achieve their goals, which is something I am passionate about. I joined Equil Advisory because it is not like your typical accounting firm. I also wanted to be part of a team that is supportive and provides the opportunity for me to develop and grow my skills.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
July 2021.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
A large part of my role is focused on tax compliance and the other part is dedicated to building client relationships so that I can better help our clients with EA’s outsourced CFO function.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
You would find me watching Netflix, working out, or hanging out with friends/family.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I am learning Korean.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Super Trio Game Master.

What would your last meal be?
Pepperoni Pizza.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs!

Gaurav Shrestha

Senior Business Services Accountant

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How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
Growing up I was exposed to the business environment, so I always wondered about the ins and outs of the business, how it runs and how to be financially sound. This piqued my interest on business studies and further after that into accounting. I wanted to broaden my horizons, knowledge and have a sound work life balance which led me to Equil Advisory.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
17th December 2021.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
At Equil Advisory, we are exposed a range of work that include tax compliance, bookkeeping, tax advice, liaising with the clients and outsourced CFO functions. My work is predominately occupied by tax compliance and outsourced CFO function.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
I’m mostly out with my cousins or friends. Binge watching series or may be hop online to play some games.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I can speak four different languages and I love gaming.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
The Voice.

What would your last meal be?
Mo Mo.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs.

June Wong

Business Services Senior

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
My sister got tired of me working from home and hence decided to join EA.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
Just as the first lockdown was lifted.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Eat Coco Pops and telling people what I am honestly thinking.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Planning my next EA Team workout session.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I am scared to sleep alone.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Survivor – because I wouldn’t last a day.

What would your last meal be?
I can’t decide between all the YUM-MEE animals of the world.

Cats or dogs?
Porcupine.

June Wong

Business Services Senior

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I realised that a lot of people that work in chartered firms are not the happiest. Thus, I was looking for a place where I am happy to go to work every day. I think I found it at Equil.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
May 2021.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Connecting with clients and providing them with all the support they need so they can be at ease and have confidence that they are well looked after.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Watching dramas at home while lying on bed.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I actually thought of becoming an IT person and did a couple of months of IT degree before realising that I am not tech-savvy at all.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Amazing Race.

What would your last meal be?
Hotpot with lots of veges, mushrooms and tofu!

Cats or dogs?
Neither.

MAKS KHAN

Director

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
Kapil and I were best buddies, so it was a no brainer to start here at EA.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
Back in the day.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Loves to palm off work to Jennifer Harb.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Naps on the couch and my nightly sleep walks to bed.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I love to boogie.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
The Amazing Race.

What would your last meal be?
Pork ribs with a side of bacon.

Cats or dogs?
Can’t choose, won’t choose, Nickelodeon’s CatDog.

MAKS KHAN

Director

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I loved maths and business subjects while in school and thought accounting would help me build on that passion. I joined Equil Advisory to be part of a team that allowed for a hands-on approach with regards to learning and looking after clients. Giving me the right building blocks to a successful career in accounting and business.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
I have been with Equil Advisory since July 2017.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
One of my core strengths is, I take my clients’ business personally. Trying to connect with clients and their needs is what helps us service them better whilst putting their minds at ease – whether it be through our Outsourced CFO function, Tax Compliance, Advice & Etc.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
I love binging on Netflix, but other than that I love my football (soccer), even if it maybe just playing FIFA.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I really used to be into painting, I could do it for hours. I have now replaced that with photography – I guess this is where all my creativity comes from.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
The Amazing Race.

What would your last meal be?
A decadent chicken parmigiana, with a side of chips and coke.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs.

JENNIFER HARB

Assistant Manager

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I have always been interested in business in general. During the first year of university, I didn’t have a path but as I took more of the core business classes, I came to realise that accounting is the common denominator in all business functions. You can’t tell how well a company is running without understanding the accounting side. Helping people solve their problems and achieve their business goals is a pretty rewarding feeling.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
I started Equil Advisory in January 2019.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Clients want to feel like one that is valued, and timely communication is important to them. I am proactive in replying to emails and returning phone calls. I try to do my work in the most efficient manner, that is helpful to both my colleagues and our clients.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Hanging out with my friends, going to the gym and watching my shows.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I once put electricity on my braces in year 8 thinking nothing would happen.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
I’m a celebrity, get me out of here.

What would your last meal be?
Lemon garlic chicken with a side of spicy chicken wings.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs, even though I have a cat.

CHIMENE GEAITANI

Senior Business Services Accountant

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
Wanted to get away from Rob.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
July 2018.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Efficiency.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Smoking shisha and thinking how to make my workflow more efficient.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
My feet actually touch the floor when i am seated.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
The Real Housewives of Western Sydney.

What would your last meal be?
Dumplings from the dodgy dumpling place, Maks and Rob love.

Cats or dogs?
Neither, they are not efficient.

CHIMENE GEAITANI

Senior Business Services Accountant

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
The intricacy of business and numbers have always been of interest to me. Numbers are what we use to measure success with; they create clarity and commitment and, more importantly, create accountability. Accountability is the key to producing results - which is what I strive for here at Equil Advisory.Here at Equil Advisory, I am part of a energetic and committed team who strive for the best possible results for each and every one of our clients. I enjoy assisting numerous businesses in financial matters, as well monitored and controlled many of their day-to-day operations.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
July 2018.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Working at Equil Advisory exposes us to a range of compliance work; from bookkeeping to financial reports, tax returns and advice. We are lucky to be trained in all scopes of work so that we’re able to satisfy our clients’ needs from start to end.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
I enjoy my time at home with my little bub.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I have an OCD on time.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Big Brother.

What would your last meal be?
Pad Keo Mao from Home Thai.

Cats or dogs?
Neither.

KAPIL MAHASHETTYWAR

Managing Director

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
Going to the pub wasn’t a legit career.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
I got kicked out of too many pubs so I had to find my own space to drink so I started Equil Advisory in May 2017.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Get in the way.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Hide from my kids in my home office eating all the chocolate.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I actually have a crown.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
Keeping up with the Kardashians.

What would your last meal be?
Salty Steak that I can send back to the kitchen.

Cats or dogs?
Cats (I am a massive Cat person).

KAPIL MAHASHETTYWAR

Managing Director

Email Me Linkedin

How did you end up at Equil Advisory?
I come from a family of businessmen, so it was only natural for myself to gravitate my career towards business. Accounting allowed me to build upon the necessary skills needed to be a successful a partner but also to assist me in starting my own business, Equil Advisory. Through my experiences in business I have learnt many things and now wish to assist my clients and team to reach their full potential.

When did you start at Equil Advisory?
May 2017, was one of the best decisions on my life to start Equil Advisory as it set the tone of implementing strategies from my past learnings. I wanted to ensure every staff member has enough empowerment and freedom to make their own decisions to run the practice in the right direction.

What do you do at Equil Advisory?
Everything! But love the personal relationships aspect of the job, I love to talk so it is easier for me to pick up the phone and have a chat with anyone.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?
Play with my sons, Memphis and Kiaan and entertain them. Lay on the couch and watch TV.

What is something not everybody knows about you?
I went to a hospitality college in manly and have a bachelors in Tourism and hotel management and I was born in India.

If you had to apply for a reality TV show what would it be?
So you think you can dance.

What would your last meal be?
Keerthi’s chicken curry.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs.