For Melbourne Small Businesses

Small Business Tax Compliance & Preparation Services in Melbourne

Fixed-fee tax preparation and compliance support for Melbourne small businesses. We prepare and lodge your tax returns, BAS, payroll and ATO obligations accurately and on time — so nothing is left to the last minute.

Book a Tax Compliance Consultation

Tax Preparation

Tax Preparation Services for Melbourne Small Businesses

Our tax preparation service covers the preparation, review and lodgement of income tax returns for companies, trusts, partnerships and sole traders, backed by CPA-qualified advisors and a fixed fee agreed upfront.

Unlike seasonal tax preparation services that only appear at tax time, we prepare your return from books we have kept accurate all year. That means fewer questions, fewer adjustments and no end-of-year scramble. Deductions are substantiated, reconciliations are complete, and your return is lodged through a registered tax agent — which typically extends your lodgement deadline as well.

If you only need a once-a-year individual return, our personal tax accountants can help. For businesses, tax preparation works best as part of a compliance program — and that is what this service delivers.

Our Compliance Approach

Practical, Year-Round Support — Not Just Lodgements

Tax compliance is more than submitting forms. We work with you across the year to keep your books tidy, your payroll correct and your obligations up to date. You always know what is due, why it matters and what we are handling for you.

Our compliance work connects with your bookkeeping and year-end tax preparation. Information flows one way, once. No duplicate effort, no missing data, no surprise bills.

What We Cover

Small Business Compliance Services

We help Melbourne small businesses stay ahead of their tax obligations, not chase them. Our team manages your BAS, IAS, PAYG, payroll, FBT and year-end lodgements so you stay compliant and focused on running your business.

Income Tax Returns

Preparation and lodgement of company, trust, partnership and sole trader tax returns — accurate, compliant and aligned with your bookkeeping and year-end records. Explore our full business tax services.

ASIC Annual Review Compliance

We manage your annual ASIC obligations, including company statements, solvency declarations, share register updates and lodging changes to company details.

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

Identification, review and calculation of fringe benefits, plus preparation and lodgement of FBT returns where required.

BAS & IAS Lodgements

Accurate preparation and lodgement of Business Activity Statements covering GST, PAYG instalments and PAYG withholding, built on clean, up-to-date bookkeeping.

Single Touch Payroll (STP) & Superannuation

Payroll filing, STP submissions, superannuation calculations and on-time payments — fully reconciled and compliant. Learn about Payday Super.

TPAR Reporting

Preparation and lodgement of Taxable Payments Annual Reports for businesses that pay contractors (for example trades, cleaning and security).

ATO Registrations & Updates

GST, PAYG, TFN, ABN, fuel tax credits and other registrations or changes — correctly lodged and monitored.

Management Reports & Insights

Clear monthly or quarterly financial reports, cash-flow summaries and insights tailored to your business.

Accredited. Connected. Trusted.

CPA-Qualified Melbourne Accountants, Backed by Australia's Leading Platforms

42 Advisory is a CPA practice and TPB-registered tax agent. We support Melbourne's medical professionals, ecommerce brands and local service businesses with tax preparation, compliance and advisory under one roof.

Clarity Through Fixed Fees

Fixed-Fee Compliance — No Hourly Surprises

Smart businesses run on clarity, not uncertainty.

Every small business we partner with is quoted a fixed monthly fee: one transparent price covering bookkeeping, accounting, tax preparation and advisory support. No hourly billing. No hidden extras. Just proactive advice and predictable costs that scale with your business.

FY2026–27 Quick Facts

Key Tax Facts for the 2026–27 Income Year

Individual tax rate on $18,201–$45,000: 15% for 2026–27 (reduced from 16% on 1 July 2026 under legislated tax cuts; falls to 14% from 1 July 2027)
Company tax rate: 25% for base rate entities (aggregated turnover under $50 million); otherwise 30%
GST registration threshold: $75,000 annual turnover
Superannuation guarantee: 12% of ordinary time earnings
TPAR lodgement deadline: 28 August 2026
Minimum record-keeping period: 5 years

Last reviewed July 2026. Source: Australian Taxation Office. General information only — not specific tax advice.

Compliance Made Simple

Compliance Made Easy. Accuracy You Can Depend On.

Staying compliant should not be confusing or time-consuming. We manage your entire compliance cycle with clear communication, fixed fees and cloud-based systems. From tax returns and BAS to ASIC renewals, payroll, super and TPAR — every requirement is handled on time, all year round.

One Trusted Advisor, Full-Year Confidence

Work directly with a dedicated compliance advisor who knows your business — not a rotating team or a call-centre queue. Consistent communication, accurate lodgements and clear answers when you need them.

Everything Lodged On Time, Every Time

Tax returns, BAS and IAS, STP finalisation, superannuation, TPAR and ASIC annual reviews — nothing slips through the cracks. Proactive reminders and cloud workflows keep your compliance up to date.

Made for Melbourne SMEs

From trades and hospitality to clinics, e-commerce and professional services, we help Melbourne small businesses stay compliant, organised and ready for growth.

Why Choose 42 Advisory

Compliance That’s Clear, Predictable & Built for SMEs

Full Compliance, Fully Managed
We do not just tick boxes. Every obligation — tax returns, ASIC reviews, BAS/IAS and ATO requirements — is prepared accurately and lodged on time. You stay compliant without the stress or follow-ups.

ATO, ASIC & Payroll Obligations Done Properly
Tax lodgements, ASIC annual reviews, BAS/IAS, TPAR, STP, superannuation and payroll reporting — all aligned and current. Sole trader, company or trust: every requirement is handled correctly the first time.

Streamlined Systems for Faster, Cleaner Compliance
Xero, digital signatures, connected payroll and automated reminders make compliance simple. Fewer errors, fewer missed deadlines, less admin.

Choosing a Provider

How to Choose a Tax Preparation Service in Melbourne

When comparing tax preparation services, check four things: registration, qualifications, pricing model and support beyond tax time.

Tax agent registration. Anyone who charges a fee to prepare or lodge tax returns in Australia must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. Verify any provider on the TPB register. 42 Advisory is a registered tax agent.
Professional qualifications. A CPA or equivalent designation means your work is subject to professional standards, ongoing education requirements and quality review. 42 Advisory is a CPA practice.
Pricing model. Hourly billing rewards slow work. A fixed fee agreed upfront means you know the cost before the work starts.
Year-round support. A once-a-year provider sees your figures after the year has closed — too late to fix problems or plan. A year-round partner keeps your records lodgement-ready and flags issues while they can still be addressed.

Designed For Confidence

One Partner for Tax Preparation, Compliance & Stress-Free Reporting

Small business owners deserve more than a once-a-year tax agent. They need a partner who keeps every deadline under control and every obligation handled properly. At 42 Advisory, we combine proactive tax preparation and compliance with clear guidance — you always know what is due, what has been lodged and what needs your attention next.

From company, trust and sole trader tax returns to BAS, IAS, TPAR, superannuation, STP, ASIC annual reviews and ATO registrations — we manage every requirement cleanly and consistently. Because your records stay organised all year, your EOFY tax work is completed early and without stress.

You May Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Tax Compliance in Melbourne

What does small business tax compliance include?

Small business tax compliance ensures your business meets all ATO and state-based obligations.

This may include:

Company, trust, SMSF or individual tax returns
Business Activity Statements (BAS)
GST reporting
PAYG withholding
PAYG instalments
Superannuation guarantee compliance
Fringe Benefits Tax (if applicable)
Payroll tax (state-based)

Compliance ensures your business remains legally up to date and avoids penalties.

What are the tax obligations of a small business in Australia?

Depending on structure and turnover, small businesses may be required to manage:

Income tax
GST (if turnover exceeds $75,000)
PAYG withholding (if employing staff)
Superannuation contributions
Payroll tax (threshold dependent)
ASIC annual statements (for companies)

Failing to meet these obligations can result in penalties and interest.

Do I need a tax accountant for small business compliance?

While businesses can technically self-manage compliance, professional oversight helps:

Ensure accuracy
Reduce ATO audit risk
Avoid common errors
Correctly interpret legislation
Identify potential red flags

Software records transactions — it does not interpret tax law.

When are small business tax returns due?

Company and trust tax return due dates vary based on:

Lodgement program eligibility
Whether a registered tax agent is used
ATO history

Using a registered tax agent often extends standard deadlines. Check our Key ATO due dates guide

What is GST compliance for small businesses?

If your business turnover exceeds $75,000, you must:

Register for GST
Lodge BAS
Report GST collected and paid
Maintain compliant tax invoices

Incorrect GST coding is one of the most common compliance errors.

What is the difference between tax compliance and tax planning?

Tax compliance focuses on meeting reporting requirements.

Tax planning focuses on proactively reducing tax legally.

Compliance is reactive and necessary.

Planning is strategic and optional.

Well-managed businesses integrate both.

Do sole traders have tax compliance obligations?

Yes.

Sole traders must manage:

Income tax reporting
GST (if registered)
PAYG instalments
Superannuation if employing staff

Even without a company structure, compliance obligations remain significant.

What records must a small business keep?

The ATO requires businesses to keep records for at least five years, including:

Sales and purchase records
Payroll records
Bank statements
Tax invoices
Asset purchase documentation
Loan agreements

Poor record-keeping increases audit risk.

How much does a tax preparation service cost in Australia?

A basic individual tax return prepared by an accountant typically costs $300–$500, while small business tax preparation commonly ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 or more, depending on entity type and record quality. At 42 Advisory, business tax preparation is included in a fixed monthly fee agreed upfront, so there is no separate tax-time bill.

What is the difference between a tax preparation service and a registered tax agent?

In Australia, any person or firm charging a fee to prepare or lodge tax returns must be a registered tax agent with the Tax Practitioners Board — so a legitimate tax preparation service and a registered tax agent should be the same thing. Always verify registration on the TPB register before engaging a provider. Lodging through a registered agent also typically gives you extended lodgement deadlines.

Get Started

Let's Simplify Your Tax Compliance and Preparation

Book an initial meeting and we will map your obligations, confirm what is outstanding and quote a fixed monthly fee.

Schedule a Strategy Meeting