How this usually works
A practical startup tax planning process starts with a short discovery: structure, founders, revenue model, funding runway, software stack, and any ATO deadlines. From there the work usually breaks into three phases with clear deliverables.
1) Setup and registrations: Confirm structure and shareholder/founder arrangements, apply for ABN, determine GST timing, register PAYG withholding, set up Single Touch Payroll and super, and create your BAS and tax lodgement calendar. If you need a name or company, see Business Name and Tax Set Up and Company Set Up Accountant.
2) Systems and record‑keeping: Configure Xero or QBO, connect bank feeds, set your chart of accounts, workflows and document capture. Establish payroll, super and supplier settings. If cash flow is tight, choose cash‑basis GST and simple approval flows. See New Business Cash Flow Set Up and Bookkeeping Services.
3) Ongoing review and planning: Quarterly health checks tied to BAS and PAYG instalments, adjusting for growth, seasonality and hiring. Document founder remuneration (salary vs drawings/dividends), track loans to/from directors, and prepare for funding rounds or grants. Connect advisory with compliance so decisions translate into entries and lodgements.
Australian context to keep in view
- An ABN is required to operate and to register for GST. If you don’t quote an ABN, payers may need to withhold at the top rate from invoices. See ABN Registration Help.
- Register for GST when you expect annual GST turnover of $75,000 or more. Consider earlier registration if input credits are material or customers expect tax invoices.
- Choose cash vs accrual for GST with cash‑flow in mind. Cash basis helps early‑stage businesses avoid funding GST on unpaid invoices.
- Hiring? Set up PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll and superannuation. Align pay cycles with BAS and cash flow, and use Payroll Services if needed.
- Many startup and professional setup expenses are deductible; track them from day one and separate capital vs operating costs to avoid missed claims.
- Expect PAYG instalments once your first income tax assessment is issued. Good forecasts reduce bill shock; BAS Agent Services can help keep instalments accurate.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Startup tax planning should cover structure advice, registrations, bookkeeping and payroll setup, BAS and income tax planning, and quarterly reviews—not just year‑end lodgement. Confirm inclusions in writing.
Software fit
Look for deep experience with your stack (e.g., Xero/QBO, receipt capture, payroll, inventory). Ask for a sample workflow showing who does what and when.
Turnaround and communication
Ask about onboarding timelines, BAS and payroll cut‑offs, how urgent ATO issues are handled, and the cadence for management reports.
Commercial and compliance fit
Compare fixed‑fee vs hourly, advisory access, and whether a registered Tax Agent/BAS Agent will sign lodgements. Verify experience with startups at your stage and in your industry.
Best next steps
List the outcomes you want in the next 90 days (for example: register ABN/GST, set up payroll, lodge first BAS, model PAYG instalments, prepare investor‑ready reports). Then shortlist providers who will map those outcomes to concrete tasks, timelines and responsibilities.
If you are early in your decision, move through these related pages: New Business Accounting Checklist, Business Structure Advice, and the Tax and BAS hubs. If you’re ready to act, use the form below and we’ll connect you with the right support.
Prefer to browse first? See Help Centre articles on GST, PAYG and payroll for startups.
Frequently asked questions
What does startup tax planning usually involve?
For Australian startups it typically covers structure selection, ABN/GST/PAYG/STP registrations, bookkeeping and payroll setup, mapping deductible startup costs, GST method selection, PAYG instalment planning, and a quarterly review rhythm that links advisory to BAS and income tax lodgements.
How do I know if this service suits my business?
It is a good fit if you are forming a new venture, approaching the GST threshold, hiring staff or contractors, preparing for funding, or if you need proactive tax minimisation while staying fully compliant with ATO rules.
What should I compare before choosing a provider?
Confirm scope (setup + compliance + planning), software fluency, turnaround times, fixed‑fee vs hourly pricing, access to advice between lodgements, registered Tax/BAS credentials, and evidence of results for similar‑stage startups.
What should I read next?
Work through these pages to narrow your brief: New Business Accounting Checklist, Business Name and Tax Set Up, Business Structure Advice, plus the Tax, BAS, Payroll and Bookkeeping hubs.