Accounting News

As a business owner, you may love running your company, but there’s always the underlying thought that, one day, you’ll need to sell and retire. With global markets in flux and an uncertain future, how can you ensure your business is worth enough when the time comes to sell? Let's look at the core ways your business can be structured to deliver on your own personal, family, philanthropic and leisure goals, now and into retirement. Creating a business that will fund your retirement plans Your business should be your retirement nest egg, but how do you ensure it holds its value for a comfortable retirement? Here are five strategies to boost your business’s value, ensuring you get the return on investment (ROI) needed when it’s time to sell. Build a business that can run without you To maintain its value at sale, your business must operate independently of you. Systematise your operations and create scalable processes, so the day-to-day functions are not solely reliant on you. A strong management team that can run the business without you is essential. Autonomy increases the business’s appeal to potential buyers, who want to ensure the company will thrive even after the founder leaves. Focus on recurring revenue streams Recurring revenues provide stability and increase your business’s value. Consider subscription services or other predictable income sources. Recurring revenue models significantly raise business valuation multiples, often by 2-3 times compared to transaction-based models. With a stable income structure, you can sell your business for a premium price, giving you the capital needed for retirement. Invest in intellectual property and licensing Intangible assets like intellectual property (IP) and brand equity can significantly enhance your business’s value. Consider developing products, processes, or technologies that can be patented and licensed. This creates passive income and appeals to buyers looking for businesses with valuable, long-term assets. Keep detailed records and keep finances healthy A business with a solid financial track record is more attractive to buyers. To boost your business’s appeal, maintain strong financial health, a good credit score, and positive cash flow. Rigorous financial tracking and clean books with 3-5 years of profitability will justify higher valuations and greater ROI, making your business a more desirable asset. Create a strategic exit plan well in advance of retirement The key to a successful exit is planning well in advance. Work with your advisors to enhance the business’s value, identify ideal buyers, and structure your exit in a tax-efficient manner. Ideally, start your exit strategy 3-5 years before retirement to ensure you have time to focus on succession planning, boosting business value, and securing enough capital for your retirement needs. Helping you secure your income and lifestyle You’ve worked hard to build your business, and you deserve a fulfilling, comfortable retirement. But to make that a reality, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Start working on your exit strategy now. Come and have a chat about your retirement plans and exit strategy. We can also introduce you to independent financial advisers who can offer personalised wealth management advice.

The new financial year is already in full swing, meaning most of you are still finalising your general ledger accounts in order to get the necessary information to us to prepare your final 2024 accounts and tax returns. Others have already got us your information and are looking ahead. Either way, it can be a time when we forget our current tax obligations, due in relation to the beginning of the 2025 financial year. In order for you to be across your tax obligations, below are the key compliance dates that are coming up. Make sure these lodgments are up to date to avoid any interest or penalties. KEY TAX DATES – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024 21 September 2024 – GST – Monthly Activity Statement and payment for August 2024 21 September 2024 – PAYG withheld – Monthly activity statement and payment for August 2024 21 September 2024 – PAYG instalment – Activity Statement and payment for monthly reporters for August 2024 30 September 2024 – TFN withholding report – Annual TFN withholding report for closely held trusts where a trustee has been required to withhold amounts from payments to beneficiaries during the 2024 income year 30 September 2024 – PAYG withholding payment summary – 2024 income year annual report due if lodged by us 21 October 2024 – GST – Monthly Activity Statement and payment for September 2024 21 October 2024 – PAYG withheld – Monthly activity statement and payment for September 2024 21 October 2024 – PAYG instalment – Activity Statement and payment for monthly reporters for September 2024 21 October 2024 – Annual PAYG instalment – Payment of annual PAYG instalment for 2023–24. Lodge only if instalment amount varied or the rate method to calculate the instalment is used 28 October 2024 – GST – Quarterly Activity Statement and payment for the July to September 2024 quarter if you do not lodge with us 28 October 2024 – PAYG withheld, FBT instalment and PAYG instalment – Quarterly Activity Statement and payment for the July to September 2024 quarter if you do not lodge with us 28 October 2024 – Superannuation guarantee – Due date for superannuation guarantee contributions for July to September 2024 31 October 2024 – Income tax – Due date for lodgment of 2023–24 income tax return for individuals, trusts and partnerships if you do not lodge with us 31 October 2024 – GST – Lodgment of annual 2023–24 GST return for instalment payers who are required to lodge tax returns by 31 October 2024 31 October 2024 – Companies – To provide distribution statements to shareholders for 2023–24 for most companies 31 October 2024 – Income tax – Due date for lodgment of 2023–24 income tax return for an entity that has one or more prior year tax returns outstanding as at 30 June 2024 31 October 2024 – SMSFs – Annual return for new registrant SMSF if the ATO has provided this due date We’re here to help if you’re facing operational issues, tackling people challenges, or have health and safety questions, give us a call or email us.

As the year winds down, the festive season and holiday break provide an opportunity to pause, recharge, and reflect. But how can you make the most of this valuable downtime? Here are five tips for enjoying a restful and productive holiday period: 1. Reconnect with Family and Friends Running a business often takes time away from loved ones. Use this break to strengthen personal relationships by disconnecting from work and focusing on quality time with family and friends. Turn off work emails, relax, and make this festive season one to remember. 2. Reset and Recharge Take a deliberate step back from the business to recharge mentally and physically. A digital detox—avoiding work emails and laptops—can reduce stress and help you return refreshed and ready for the year ahead. 3. Reflect and Plan for 2025 Review your business performance and finances, identify growth opportunities, and set goals for the upcoming year. This reflective downtime is ideal for developing a strategic plan that aligns with your long-term vision. 4. Expand Your Knowledge Use the extra time to read inspiring business books, listen to podcasts, or watch educational YouTube content. Learning from other entrepreneurs’ stories can spark new ideas and motivate you for the next chapter of your business journey. 5. Explore a New Hobby The holidays are a perfect opportunity to try something new. Whether it’s learning a language, picking up a creative hobby, or diving into a new sport, pursuing a fresh interest can broaden your perspective and keep your mind sharp. Let’s Plan for Success in 2025 A new year brings new opportunities. Whether it’s exploring a new market, diversifying your offerings, or funding a growth project, we’re here to help you strategise and achieve your goals. Reach out to discuss your plans for 2025 and take the first step towards a successful year ahead.

The new financial year is already in full swing, meaning most of you are still finalising your general ledger accounts in order to get the necessary information to us to prepare your final 2024 accounts and tax returns. Others have already got us your information and are looking ahead. Either way, it can be a time when we forget our current tax obligations, due in relation to the beginning of the 2025 financial year. In order for you to be across your tax obligations, below are the key compliance dates that are coming up. Make sure these lodgments are up to date to avoid any interest or penalties. KEY TAX DATES – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024 21 September 2024 – GST – Monthly Activity Statement and payment for August 2024 21 September 2024 – PAYG withheld – Monthly activity statement and payment for August 2024 21 September 2024 – PAYG instalment – Activity Statement and payment for monthly reporters for August 2024 30 September 2024 – TFN withholding report – Annual TFN withholding report for closely held trusts where a trustee has been required to withhold amounts from payments to beneficiaries during the 2024 income year 30 September 2024 – PAYG withholding payment summary – 2024 income year annual report due if lodged by us 21 October 2024 – GST – Monthly Activity Statement and payment for September 2024 21 October 2024 – PAYG withheld – Monthly activity statement and payment for September 2024 21 October 2024 – PAYG instalment – Activity Statement and payment for monthly reporters for September 2024 21 October 2024 – Annual PAYG instalment – Payment of annual PAYG instalment for 2023–24. Lodge only if instalment amount varied or the rate method to calculate the instalment is used 28 October 2024 – GST – Quarterly Activity Statement and payment for the July to September 2024 quarter if you do not lodge with us 28 October 2024 – PAYG withheld, FBT instalment and PAYG instalment – Quarterly Activity Statement and payment for the July to September 2024 quarter if you do not lodge with us 28 October 2024 – Superannuation guarantee – Due date for superannuation guarantee contributions for July to September 2024 31 October 2024 – Income tax – Due date for lodgment of 2023–24 income tax return for individuals, trusts and partnerships if you do not lodge with us 31 October 2024 – GST – Lodgment of annual 2023–24 GST return for instalment payers who are required to lodge tax returns by 31 October 2024 31 October 2024 – Companies – To provide distribution statements to shareholders for 2023–24 for most companies 31 October 2024 – Income tax – Due date for lodgment of 2023–24 income tax return for an entity that has one or more prior year tax returns outstanding as at 30 June 2024 31 October 2024 – SMSFs – Annual return for new registrant SMSF if the ATO has provided this due date We’re here to help if you’re facing operational issues, tackling people challenges, or have health and safety questions, give us a call or email us.