Business setup & advice

Set up right from the start — with help you can trust

Getting started in business? We help you choose the right structure, protect your personal assets, and register everything correctly from day one.

Business setup advice, asset protection and ATO registrations — explained in plain English, with budgeting and software support once you're up and running.

Based in Hatton Vale and servicing the Lockyer Valley, with online appointments available throughout Queensland.

How we help you start strong

Practical support, right from day one

Whether you're just getting started or switching to a better structure, we'll guide you through structure and asset protection, registrations and planning — with budgeting and software support once you're up and running.

Business structure & asset protection

We'll guide you through choosing the right business structure — including how well it protects your personal assets — and help with the necessary registrations.

Business budget & planning support

We can work with you to put together a practical business budget and a simple business plan to get your ideas down clearly.

Accounting software setup & training

Whether it's Xero, MYOB or another option, we'll help you choose the right accounting software, set it up properly and show you how to use it.

Choosing the right business structure

One of the most important early decisions

The structure you choose can affect how much tax you pay, how much control you have, your setup and running costs, and how well your personal assets are protected.

There's no one-size-fits-all option — the best structure depends on your type of business, how you want to operate day to day, and your long-term goals. You're not locked in forever either; your structure can change as your business grows.

An initial consultation fee applies for structure advice on its own, but it's waived if you go ahead with a business setup through us.

Asset protection

Sole trader, partnership, company or trust?

If the business runs into trouble — a bad debt, a legal claim, a dispute — the structure you chose at the start has a big say in what's actually at risk, how the profit is taxed, and how much control you have.

Higher exposure

Sole trader

Simple and low-cost, and profit is taxed as your own income at your personal marginal rate. But there's no legal separation between you and the business — personal assets, including your home, can be at risk if things go wrong.

Shared exposure

Partnership

Two or more people share the income, the running of the business and, importantly, the liability — each partner can generally be held responsible for debts the other partner incurs on the business's behalf.

Some separation

Company

A separate legal entity that pays its own tax at the company rate, and generally shields personal assets from business debts and claims — though director's guarantees and duties can still create personal exposure.

Often used for protection

Trust

Can help separate business assets from personal ones and gives flexibility over how income is distributed to beneficiaries. Adds complexity and cost, and — see below — the rules around trust taxation are changing.

The rules around trusts are changing

As part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget (announced 12 May 2026), the Government has proposed a 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028. Non-corporate beneficiaries would get a credit for tax the trustee has already paid, but corporate "bucket company" beneficiaries generally wouldn't — which changes the value of a strategy a lot of trusts have relied on.

A temporary rollover window from 1 July 2027 is proposed to let businesses restructure out of a discretionary trust into a company or fixed trust without immediate tax consequences. None of this is law yet, and existing testamentary trusts and primary production income have proposed carve-outs — but if your business operates through a trust, it's worth reviewing whether it's still the right structure well before these dates arrive.

Considering a business structure or a possible restructure? Talk to us about what these changes could mean for you.

Where a solicitor comes in

We advise on the accounting and tax side of structure and asset protection. Formal asset protection strategies, trust deeds and legal ownership arrangements are drafted by a solicitor — we're happy to work alongside yours, or point you to one, as part of your setup.

Business budget & planning

Do you really need a business plan or budget?

Even a simple one can help you stay on track, make confident decisions and improve your chances of success.

We work with you to put your ideas down clearly and build a practical budget you'll actually use.

Accounting software setup & training

Flexible support, or a structured package

For businesses using Xero or MYOB — whether you're setting up for the first time or want to get more out of your existing system.

Flexible

One-on-one setup & training

$220/hr

Tailored sessions at our office, delivered based on the time you need. Ideal if you only need help in certain areas or prefer support as needed.

Most popular

Setup & training package

$1,100

A structured, guided approach across three sessions, so your software is set up correctly and you're confident using it day to day.

  • Session 1 — Setup & file review
  • Session 2 — Daily use & processing
  • Session 3 — Reporting & review
Add-on

Payroll setup & training

$550

Added to the package or delivered as its own setup session plus follow-up training — for businesses that also need payroll set up correctly.

Frequently asked questions

Business setup questions

Do I really need a business plan or budget?

Even a simple one can help you stay on track, make confident decisions and improve your chances of success.

How do I know which structure is right for me?

We'll help you decide based on your business type, size, risk level and long-term plans.

What are my lodgement obligations?

It depends on your business structure and whether you're registered for GST, have employees, or run a company or a trust.

How do I track my business income and expenses?

The easiest way is with accounting software like Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks — it connects to your bank account and helps you keep everything organised.

Start smart with Lockyer Accounting & Tax

Book now and build your business on a solid foundation

We're local, approachable, and here to help — whether you're just getting started or switching to a better structure. Registrations, planning, budgeting and the right software, all in plain English.

Important information: Information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Business setup fees cover initial setup and guidance only — further advice, structure changes or ongoing support are charged separately. Obtain advice relevant to your circumstances before making a significant business decision.

Get in Touch

07 5317 6040

3/2 Summerholm Rd, Hatton Vale

PO Box 396, Gatton QLD 4343

Mon to Fri - 8am to 4pm

Saturday appointments available on request

Send Us a Message