How new business setup usually runs
A strong new business accountant Sunshine Coast process starts with a short discovery: what you sell, who pays you, how often, and what deadlines are already on the table. From there, the work typically follows three stages.
1) Fast setup and triage — Choose structure (sole trader, company, trust), register ABN/TFN, GST and PAYG as needed, set up Single Touch Payroll and super, and create a simple invoice‑to‑BAS workflow. If anything is overdue, it’s addressed first.
2) Process design — Implement Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks with clean bank feeds, receipt capture and payroll. Map responsibilities (who uploads, who reviews, who lodges) so you aren’t bottlenecked during BAS or tax time.
3) Ongoing reviews — A monthly or quarterly check keeps reconciliations tight, BAS accurate and cash flow visible. Simple targets (margin, breakeven, tax provision) are tracked so you can make decisions early.
Australia and Queensland essentials
- Register an ABN before GST. Most businesses register for GST when turnover reaches $75,000 projected or actual.
- If a supplier doesn’t quote an ABN when required, you may need to withhold at the top marginal rate on payment.
- Set up STP‑enabled payroll and pay super by the due dates. The super guarantee is 11.5% for 2024–25 (check ATO for updates).
- If employing in Queensland, consider WorkCover Queensland and watch payroll tax once wages approach the state threshold.
- Trading under a name different from your legal name? Register the business name with ASIC and keep details current.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the proposal covers the whole job: structure advice, registrations, software setup, payroll/STP, BAS, year‑end tax and a short onboarding plan.
Software fit
Ask for the exact workflow in your chosen platform: how bills, receipts and bank feeds flow to reconciliations and BAS—plus who presses “lodge”.
Turnaround and communication
Agree on response times, meeting rhythm and escalation for urgent issues (payroll day, BAS week, ATO letters).
Commercial fit
Get pricing in writing with separate lines for setup, cleanup and ongoing. Clarify what’s included vs. ad‑hoc advisory.
Best next steps
Write one sentence that defines success (for example: “start trading with clean books and payroll live in two weeks” or “BAS and payroll on time without me chasing”). Use that to shortlist providers, not just job titles.
If you’re still deciding on scope, skim these hubs next: New Business Accountant (Australia), Small Business Accountant, Bookkeeping Services, Tax Accountant, BAS Agent Services and Payroll Services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a local provider in Sunshine Coast?
Not always. Remote delivery works well, but a Sunshine Coast accountant can be useful for in‑person onboarding, industry familiarity and faster handover of records. Choose based on scope, clarity and response time first—then location.
How soon should I register for GST?
Register when you expect to hit $75,000 GST turnover within 12 months, or as soon as you actually do. Some sectors (like rideshare) require immediate registration. Your accountant can confirm timing and handle the ATO application.
What should my first 90 days include?
ABN/TFN, GST/PAYG (if needed), STP payroll and super setup, invoicing and payments, receipt capture, BAS calendar, and a weekly cash flow check. Keep it simple and repeatable.
Which page should I read next?
If you want local options, start at Accountant Sunshine Coast. If you want scope detail, see New Business Accountant (Australia) or jump to Help Centre to answer specific questions.