Tax Preparation Services in Australia
Australian tax compliance is administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and encompasses company tax returns, individual tax returns, quarterly BAS lodgements, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, and superannuation guarantee obligations.
Australian tax compliance is administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and encompasses company tax returns, individual tax returns, quarterly BAS lodgements, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, and superannuation guarantee obligations. Fintax Support Limited prepares annual company tax returns, individual returns, BAS statements, and STP finalisations, optimizing instant asset write-offs, R&D tax incentives, and franking credit strategies. We represent clients during ATO audits and manage activity statement lodgement across all reporting cycles.
Regulatory Framework
Company tax returns are due by the 15th day of the seventh month after the income year-end (typically 15 February for 30 June year-end companies), with payment due on the same date for large companies. BAS is due 28 days after quarter-end (or monthly for large businesses). Individual tax returns are due 31 October following the income year, extendable to May via a registered tax agent.
Our Tax Preparation Services in Australia
Company Income Tax Returns
Prepare and lodge company income tax returns for Australian proprietary and public companies with accurate financial statements, tax reconciliation schedules, and Division 7A compliance. We apply the 25% base rate entity (BRE) rate or the 30% standard corporate rate, manage franking accounts, and ensure your return meets ATO lodgement deadlines with payment aligned to your income year.
Complete company return prep
Company tax return prepared from adjusted trial balance with tax reconciliation, temporary differences, and franking account schedules.
BRE vs 30% rate application
Base rate entity status verified — 25% rate for qualifying small companies, 30% standard rate applied where turnover or passive income thresholds are exceeded.
Lodgement deadline management
Return due by the 15th day of the seventh month after income year-end, or extended lodgement program dates for registered tax agents.
ATO e-lodge with assessment tracking
Electronic lodgement through the ATO portal with Notice of Assessment monitored for discrepancies, amendments, and franking deficit tax.
How It Works
Books and entity review
Review adjusted trial balance, shareholder structure, BRE eligibility, prior-year return for loss carryforwards, and Division 7A loan balances.
Return preparation and schedules
Prepare company tax return with tax reconciliation, capital allowances, R&D offset integration, and franking account computation.
Client review and approval
Walk through taxable income, tax payable, franking credits, and balance due before authorising ATO electronic lodgement.
Lodge, pay, and assessment follow-up
Submit return electronically, coordinate PAYG instalment or balance-due payment, and monitor ATO Notice of Assessment.
Books and entity review
Review adjusted trial balance, shareholder structure, BRE eligibility, prior-year return for loss carryforwards, and Division 7A loan balances.
Return preparation and schedules
Prepare company tax return with tax reconciliation, capital allowances, R&D offset integration, and franking account computation.
Client review and approval
Walk through taxable income, tax payable, franking credits, and balance due before authorising ATO electronic lodgement.
Lodge, pay, and assessment follow-up
Submit return electronically, coordinate PAYG instalment or balance-due payment, and monitor ATO Notice of Assessment.
Australian companies lodge an income tax return for each income year — typically 1 July to 30 June, though substituted accounting periods are available in certain circumstances. The corporate tax rate is 25% for base rate entities (aggregated turnover under $50 million with 80% or less passive income) and 30% for all other companies. We prepare the full return package including tax reconciliation from accounting profit to taxable income, capital allowance (depreciation) schedules under Division 40, immediate asset write-off eligibility, and franking account balances that determine dividends franked at 25% or 30%. Division 7A deemed dividend rules on shareholder loans, unpaid present entitlements, and related-party transactions are reviewed each year. PAYG instalments during the year are reconciled against the final tax liability, and R&D tax incentive offsets are integrated where applicable. Late lodgement may incur Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties, and the ATO can amend assessments within two years for most small business entities or four years for complex cases under the standard amendment periods.
Common Questions
Individual Income Tax Returns
Lodge individual income tax returns for employees, investors, sole traders, and rental property owners with every schedule, offset, and deduction your situation requires. We prepare returns covering salary and wages, dividends with franking credits, capital gains, business income, and rental properties — maximising work-related deductions, superannuation contributions, and tax offsets while meeting the 31 October deadline or your tax agent's extended lodgement date.
Complete individual return prep
Individual tax return with all applicable schedules for salary, investments, rental income, business activities, and foreign income.
Deduction and offset optimisation
Work-related expenses, personal super contributions, private health insurance rebate, and low and middle income tax offset applied correctly.
31 October deadline tracking
Self-lodgers must file by 31 October; clients of registered tax agents access extended lodgement dates through the agent program.
myTax and agent e-lodge
Electronic lodgement with pre-fill data reconciled against payment summaries, bank interest, and dividend statements from the ATO.
How It Works
Document collection and intake
Gather payment summaries, bank interest statements, dividend statements, rental records, super contribution receipts, and prior-year Notice of Assessment.
Return preparation and review
Prepare individual return with pre-fill reconciliation, business schedule for sole traders, rental schedule, and capital gains schedule if applicable.
Client review and approval
Walk through refund, balance due, Medicare levy surcharge, and HELP/HECS repayment before authorising ATO lodgement.
Lodge and payment coordination
Submit return electronically and coordinate payment via BPAY, credit card, or ATO payment plan if a balance is owed.
Document collection and intake
Gather payment summaries, bank interest statements, dividend statements, rental records, super contribution receipts, and prior-year Notice of Assessment.
Return preparation and review
Prepare individual return with pre-fill reconciliation, business schedule for sole traders, rental schedule, and capital gains schedule if applicable.
Client review and approval
Walk through refund, balance due, Medicare levy surcharge, and HELP/HECS repayment before authorising ATO lodgement.
Lodge and payment coordination
Submit return electronically and coordinate payment via BPAY, credit card, or ATO payment plan if a balance is owed.
Australian individuals must lodge an income tax return for each financial year (1 July to 30 June) if their taxable income exceeds the tax-free threshold or if tax was withheld from their income. The deadline for self-lodgers is 31 October following the end of the income year — for the 2024–25 year, that is 31 October 2025. Clients of registered tax agents access extended lodgement dates, often into the following calendar year, provided they are registered with the agent before 31 October. We prepare returns covering salary and wages from payment summaries, franked and unfranked dividends with imputation credits, interest income, trust distributions, rental property income and deductions, sole trader business income on Schedule C (business schedule), and capital gains on the CGT schedule. The Medicare levy (2% of taxable income above thresholds) and Medicare levy surcharge for taxpayers without adequate private health insurance are calculated. HELP/HECS-HELP repayments are triggered once repayment income exceeds the annual threshold. Late lodgement incurs Failure to Lodge penalties, and the ATO's pre-fill data is reconciled against your records to ensure accuracy.
Common Questions
BAS Lodgement (GST, PAYG)
Prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) on schedule — monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your GST turnover and reporting obligations. We reconcile GST collected against input tax credits, calculate PAYG instalments and PAYG withholding, and ensure remittances are paid on time to avoid ATO general interest charge and penalties.
BAS preparation and lodgement
Activity statements prepared with accurate GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalment, and FBT instalment labels reconciled to bookkeeping records.
GST and input credit review
GST on sales reconciled against input tax credits on business purchases with tax invoices validated for ATO audit defence.
Reporting cycle management
Monthly, quarterly, or annual BAS cycles tracked with payment due dates aligned to your reporting period and lodgement method.
Simpler BAS and cash accounting
GST reporting method reviewed — cash versus accrual, simplified GST accounting, and annual GST reporting for eligible small businesses.
How It Works
Transaction review and reconciliation
Reconcile sales, purchases, GST collected, and GST paid from bookkeeping records for the reporting period.
BAS preparation
Complete activity statement labels for GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, and any FBT or wine equalisation tax obligations.
Client review and approval
Present net GST payable or refund position, PAYG instalment amount, and total BAS liability before ATO lodgement.
Lodge and remit payment
Submit BAS through the ATO Business Portal or SBR-enabled software and arrange payment or confirm refund processing.
Transaction review and reconciliation
Reconcile sales, purchases, GST collected, and GST paid from bookkeeping records for the reporting period.
BAS preparation
Complete activity statement labels for GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, and any FBT or wine equalisation tax obligations.
Client review and approval
Present net GST payable or refund position, PAYG instalment amount, and total BAS liability before ATO lodgement.
Lodge and remit payment
Submit BAS through the ATO Business Portal or SBR-enabled software and arrange payment or confirm refund processing.
Registered businesses and employers lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) to report and pay GST, PAYG withholding on employee wages, PAYG income tax instalments, and other obligations such as FBT instalments and wine equalisation tax. GST registration is required when annual GST turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profit bodies). Reporting frequency depends on turnover: businesses with turnover of $20 million or more lodge monthly; most others lodge quarterly; eligible small businesses with turnover under $10 million may elect annual GST reporting. GST is calculated at 10% on taxable supplies, with input tax credits claimed on creditable acquisitions supported by valid tax invoices. PAYG withholding on employee wages is reported and remitted through the BAS, while PAYG instalments represent prepaid income tax for businesses and investors. The due date for lodging and paying is generally the 28th day of the month following the reporting period (or the next business day if the 28th falls on a weekend). We reconcile BAS labels to your general ledger, review GST-free and input-taxed supplies, and ensure the correct accounting method (cash or accrual) is applied consistently.
Common Questions
PAYG Payment Summaries & STP Finalisation
Manage Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting and year-end finalisation for employers, replacing traditional payment summaries for most employees. We ensure STP Phase 2 data is reported correctly throughout the year and finalised by 14 July, with income statements available to employees through myGov for pre-fill in their individual tax returns.
STP Phase 2 compliance
Payroll events reported each pay run with gross payments, PAYG withholding, super, allowances, and paid leave broken down by category.
Year-end STP finalisation
Finalisation declaration lodged by 14 July confirming YTD amounts so employees receive accurate income statements in myGov.
Payroll deadline tracking
STP reports due on or before each payday, with update events for corrections and finalisation by the 14 July deadline.
Legacy payment summary support
Payment summaries prepared for non-STP payments such as closely held payees, foreign employment, and certain lump sum payments.
How It Works
Payroll setup and STP registration
Configure payroll software with ABN, STP enabled, Phase 2 fields mapped, and employee tax file numbers validated.
Pay period STP reporting
Report each pay event to the ATO on or before payday with gross payments, tax withheld, super, and itemised income components.
Year-end reconciliation
Reconcile STP YTD totals against payroll records, general ledger, and superannuation guarantee payments before finalisation.
STP finalisation by 14 July
Lodge finalisation declaration for each employee by 14 July so income statements are available in myGov for tax return pre-fill.
Payroll setup and STP registration
Configure payroll software with ABN, STP enabled, Phase 2 fields mapped, and employee tax file numbers validated.
Pay period STP reporting
Report each pay event to the ATO on or before payday with gross payments, tax withheld, super, and itemised income components.
Year-end reconciliation
Reconcile STP YTD totals against payroll records, general ledger, and superannuation guarantee payments before finalisation.
STP finalisation by 14 July
Lodge finalisation declaration for each employee by 14 July so income statements are available in myGov for tax return pre-fill.
Single Touch Payroll (STP) requires employers to report salary, wages, PAYG withholding, and superannuation information to the ATO each time they pay employees — on or before payday. STP Phase 2, mandatory from 1 January 2022, requires additional data including itemised income types (bonuses, overtime, directors' fees), paid leave breakdowns, salary sacrifice amounts, and employment basis codes. At year-end, employers must finalise STP data for each employee by 14 July — this replaces the traditional group certificate or payment summary for STP-reported employees. Once finalised, employees access their income statement through myGov, and the data pre-fills into their individual tax return. Employers with closely held payees (directors and family members of closely held entities) may defer STP reporting to the year-end finalisation event. Non-STP payment summaries are still required for foreign employment income, certain lump sum payments, and other excluded amounts. Failure to finalise by 14 July delays employees' tax return lodgement and may attract ATO compliance action. We manage STP reporting through compliant payroll software and ensure Phase 2 fields are correctly mapped to ATO requirements.
Common Questions
Capital Gains Tax Calculations
Calculate and report capital gains and losses on disposals of CGT assets including shares, property, and business assets. We apply the 50% CGT discount for individuals and trusts on assets held 12 months or more, manage cost base adjustments, and coordinate CGT events with individual, company, and trust tax returns.
CGT event calculation
Capital proceeds, cost base elements, and capital gain or loss calculated for each CGT event on the appropriate tax schedule.
50% CGT discount application
CGT discount applied for individuals and trusts on assets held at least 12 months before the CGT event — reducing taxable gain by 50%.
Pre-sale planning and structuring
Asset sale timing, small business CGT concessions, and rollover relief structured to minimise overall CGT liability.
Main residence exemption
Principal residence exemption analysed for property disposals with partial exemption calculations for mixed-use or absence periods.
How It Works
Asset review and cost base analysis
Identify CGT assets, establish cost base (acquisition, incidental, ownership, and improvement costs), and review prior CGT events and losses.
Tax planning and structuring
Model CGT outcomes of proposed dispositions, discount eligibility, small business concessions, and entity-specific treatment.
Return preparation and reporting
Report capital gains and losses on the CGT schedule attached to the individual, company, or trust tax return.
Post-disposition compliance
File required elections, update cost base records for remaining assets, and coordinate foreign resident CGT withholding if applicable.
Asset review and cost base analysis
Identify CGT assets, establish cost base (acquisition, incidental, ownership, and improvement costs), and review prior CGT events and losses.
Tax planning and structuring
Model CGT outcomes of proposed dispositions, discount eligibility, small business concessions, and entity-specific treatment.
Return preparation and reporting
Report capital gains and losses on the CGT schedule attached to the individual, company, or trust tax return.
Post-disposition compliance
File required elections, update cost base records for remaining assets, and coordinate foreign resident CGT withholding if applicable.
Capital gains tax applies when you dispose of a CGT asset — shares, property, business goodwill, or other capital assets — for more than its cost base. Individuals and trusts receive a 50% CGT discount on capital gains from assets held for at least 12 months before the CGT event, effectively taxing only half the gain at marginal rates. Companies are not eligible for the CGT discount but may access different concessions. Capital losses offset capital gains in the same year and can be carried forward indefinitely to offset future capital gains — they cannot offset other income. The main residence exemption eliminates CGT on the sale of your home if it was your main residence for the entire ownership period, subject to rules for absences, partial rental use, and properties on land over two hectares. Small business CGT concessions provide further relief for qualifying active assets sold in connection with a business. We calculate cost base elements including acquisition costs, stamp duty, legal fees, capital improvements, and holding costs for certain assets, and apply the CGT discount, exemptions, and rollovers under Subdivisions 152-A to 152-E and Division 118.
Common Questions
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Returns
Prepare and lodge Fringe Benefits Tax returns for employers providing non-cash benefits to employees and associates. We identify reportable fringe benefits, calculate FBT on cars, entertainment, loans, and housing, apply the 47% FBT rate with gross-up, and ensure your FBT return is lodged by 21 May for the FBT year running 1 April to 31 March.
Motor vehicle FBT calculations
Statutory formula and operating cost methods applied to company cars, novated leases, and car parking fringe benefits.
FBT gross-up and rate application
Type 1 and Type 2 gross-up factors applied at the 47% FBT rate with reportable fringe benefits amount calculated for payment summaries.
21 May lodgement deadline
FBT return due 21 May following the FBT year (1 April to 31 March) with payment aligned to the lodgement date.
Exempt and minor benefit review
Portable electronic devices, minor benefits, and otherwise deductible rule analysed to minimise FBT liability legitimately.
How It Works
Benefit identification and classification
Review all employee benefits — cars, entertainment, loans, housing, expense payments — and classify by FBT category and taxable value method.
Taxable value calculation
Calculate taxable value for each benefit category using statutory formula, operating cost, or actual value methods as applicable.
FBT return preparation
Prepare FBT return with gross-up calculations, FBT payable, reportable fringe benefits amounts, and employee-level benefit allocation.
Lodge, pay, and STP coordination
Lodge FBT return by 21 May, arrange payment, and ensure reportable fringe benefits amounts are included in STP finalisation or payment summaries.
Benefit identification and classification
Review all employee benefits — cars, entertainment, loans, housing, expense payments — and classify by FBT category and taxable value method.
Taxable value calculation
Calculate taxable value for each benefit category using statutory formula, operating cost, or actual value methods as applicable.
FBT return preparation
Prepare FBT return with gross-up calculations, FBT payable, reportable fringe benefits amounts, and employee-level benefit allocation.
Lodge, pay, and STP coordination
Lodge FBT return by 21 May, arrange payment, and ensure reportable fringe benefits amounts are included in STP finalisation or payment summaries.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is paid by employers on non-cash benefits provided to employees and their associates — it is separate from income tax and PAYG withholding. The FBT year runs from 1 April to 31 March, and the FBT return is due for lodgement and payment by 21 May following the end of the FBT year. FBT is calculated at 47% on the grossed-up taxable value of benefits provided. Common fringe benefits include company cars (statutory formula or operating cost method), meal entertainment, low-interest loans, housing, and expense payment arrangements. Employers must calculate a reportable fringe benefits amount (RFBA) for each employee where total taxable value exceeds $2,000 — this appears on their income statement or payment summary and is used for Medicare levy surcharge, HELP repayments, and other income tests but is not itself taxable income. Exemptions and reductions include certain portable electronic devices, minor benefits under $300, remote area housing, and the otherwise deductible rule where the employee would have been entitled to an income tax deduction. FBT instalments may be reported through the BAS during the year for employers with FBT liability.
Common Questions
Trust & Partnership Tax Returns
Prepare and lodge trust and partnership tax returns with beneficiary and partner distribution statements. We calculate net trust and partnership income, allocate distributions to beneficiaries and partners on their statements, manage streaming of capital gains and franked dividends, and ensure compliance with trust loss and integrity rules.
Trust and partnership return prep
Trust tax return and partnership return prepared with income allocation schedules and distribution statements for each beneficiary or partner.
Beneficiary and partner statements
Trust beneficiary statements and partnership statements issued showing each recipient's share of income, credits, and offsets.
Lodgement deadline management
Trust and partnership returns due under the ATO lodgment program with beneficiary statements issued before beneficiary lodgement deadlines.
Trust loss and streaming rules
Trust loss provisions, family trust elections, and streaming of capital gains and franked distributions managed correctly.
How It Works
Entity classification and deed review
Determine trust or partnership type, review trust deed or partnership agreement, and confirm beneficiary or partner entitlements for the income year.
Income calculation and allocation
Calculate net income by category (ordinary, capital gains, franked distributions), determine allocable amounts, and prepare distribution statements.
Return preparation
Prepare trust or partnership tax return with income schedules, capital gains, franking credits, and trust loss and integrity disclosures.
Lodge and beneficiary coordination
Lodge return with the ATO, issue beneficiary or partner statements, and coordinate with individual or company lodgements.
Entity classification and deed review
Determine trust or partnership type, review trust deed or partnership agreement, and confirm beneficiary or partner entitlements for the income year.
Income calculation and allocation
Calculate net income by category (ordinary, capital gains, franked distributions), determine allocable amounts, and prepare distribution statements.
Return preparation
Prepare trust or partnership tax return with income schedules, capital gains, franking credits, and trust loss and integrity disclosures.
Lodge and beneficiary coordination
Lodge return with the ATO, issue beneficiary or partner statements, and coordinate with individual or company lodgements.
Trusts and partnerships are generally not taxed on income at the entity level — instead, net income is calculated and allocated to beneficiaries or partners who include their share in their own tax returns. Trusts lodge a trust tax return (including a statement of distribution) and partnerships lodge a partnership return (which does not itself trigger tax but allocates income to partners). Trustees must determine and distribute trust income by 30 June each year to ensure beneficiaries are presently entitled and taxed in that year. Trust net income includes franked dividends, capital gains, and foreign income with beneficiaries entitled to corresponding franking credits and CGT discounts where applicable. Trust loss rules restrict the carry-forward and utilisation of losses — trusts must satisfy pattern of distribution and income injection tests. Family trust elections and interposed entity elections affect who can receive trust distributions without triggering trust loss or Division 6AA rules. Partnerships allocate income according to the partnership agreement, with each partner including their share on their individual or company return. We prepare trust and partnership returns with accurate distribution statements so beneficiaries and partners can lodge their own returns with correct pre-fill and schedule data.
Common Questions
Non-Resident Tax Compliance
Manage Australian tax obligations for non-residents earning Australian-source income, and for Australian residents with foreign income. We prepare non-resident tax returns, manage PAYG withholding on dividends, interest, and royalties, apply double tax agreement relief, and handle capital gains tax obligations for foreign residents disposing of Australian property.
Non-resident tax return preparation
Non-resident individual and company returns prepared reporting only Australian-source income at applicable non-resident rates.
Withholding tax and treaty relief
PAYG withholding on dividends, interest, and royalties reconciled with double tax agreement reduced rates where applicable.
Foreign resident CGT withholding
Section 14-255 obligations managed for purchasers acquiring Australian property from foreign residents, including clearance certificates.
Residency status determination
Tax residency analysed under the resides test, domicile test, 183-day test, and superannuation test with treaty tie-breaker rules applied.
How It Works
Residency and income classification
Determine tax residency status, classify income as Australian-source or foreign-source, and identify withholding obligations and treaty relief.
Return and withholding reconciliation
Prepare non-resident return or resident return with foreign income, reconcile PAYG withholding credits, and apply foreign income tax offsets.
CGT and property compliance
Manage foreign resident CGT withholding on property sales, prepare clearance certificate applications, and report CGT events on taxable Australian property.
Lodge and refund coordination
Lodge return within applicable deadlines and coordinate recovery of excess withholding tax or foreign tax credit claims.
Residency and income classification
Determine tax residency status, classify income as Australian-source or foreign-source, and identify withholding obligations and treaty relief.
Return and withholding reconciliation
Prepare non-resident return or resident return with foreign income, reconcile PAYG withholding credits, and apply foreign income tax offsets.
CGT and property compliance
Manage foreign resident CGT withholding on property sales, prepare clearance certificate applications, and report CGT events on taxable Australian property.
Lodge and refund coordination
Lodge return within applicable deadlines and coordinate recovery of excess withholding tax or foreign tax credit claims.
Non-residents of Australia for tax purposes are generally taxed only on Australian-source income — employment income for work performed in Australia, rent from Australian property, dividends, interest, and royalties from Australian sources, and capital gains on taxable Australian property (including real property and indirect interests in land-rich entities). Non-resident individuals pay tax at non-resident rates starting at 30% from the first dollar on employment and business income, with no tax-free threshold. PAYG withholding applies to dividends (typically unfranked amounts), interest, and royalties paid to non-residents, often at 30% or a reduced treaty rate. Australia's double tax agreements with over 45 countries may reduce withholding rates — for example, reduced rates on dividends and interest for residents of treaty countries with proper documentation. Foreign residents disposing of Australian real property are subject to CGT, and purchasers must withhold 12.5% of the purchase price and remit to the ATO unless a clearance certificate is obtained. Temporary residents have different CGT rules — they are generally exempt from CGT on assets that are not taxable Australian property. We determine residency status using statutory tests and treaty tie-breaker rules, prepare compliant returns, and manage withholding obligations for both non-residents earning Australian income and Australian entities paying foreign residents.
Common Questions
R&D Tax Incentive Claims
Identify, document, and claim the Research and Development Tax Incentive on eligible R&D activities and expenditure. Companies with aggregated turnover under $20 million receive a refundable 43.5% tax offset on eligible R&D expenditure — we prepare R&D schedules, tie claims to company tax returns, and maintain documentation for ATO review.
R&D eligibility assessment
Core and supporting R&D activities identified against the statutory definition — new knowledge generation through systematic experimental activities.
43.5% refundable offset
Refundable R&D tax offset calculated at 43.5% for eligible companies with aggregated turnover under $20 million.
R&D schedule preparation
R&D tax incentive schedule prepared with activity descriptions, expenditure breakdown, and registration with AusIndustry.
ATO review and audit support
Contemporaneous documentation organised to support ATO R&D claim review covering both eligibility and expenditure verification.
How It Works
Technical and financial discovery
Interview technical staff, review project records, and identify activities meeting core R&D and supporting R&D criteria under the legislation.
Expenditure quantification
Calculate eligible R&D expenditure including salaries, contractor costs, overheads, and decline in value of R&D assets.
Registration and schedule preparation
Register eligible activities with AusIndustry, prepare R&D tax incentive schedule, and integrate offset into the company tax return.
Lodgement and ATO review support
Lodge R&D claim with company return and respond to ATO and AusIndustry reviewers during claim examination.
Technical and financial discovery
Interview technical staff, review project records, and identify activities meeting core R&D and supporting R&D criteria under the legislation.
Expenditure quantification
Calculate eligible R&D expenditure including salaries, contractor costs, overheads, and decline in value of R&D assets.
Registration and schedule preparation
Register eligible activities with AusIndustry, prepare R&D tax incentive schedule, and integrate offset into the company tax return.
Lodgement and ATO review support
Lodge R&D claim with company return and respond to ATO and AusIndustry reviewers during claim examination.
Australia's R&D Tax Incentive provides a tax offset for companies conducting eligible research and development activities. Companies with aggregated turnover under $20 million receive a refundable tax offset of 43.5% on eligible R&D expenditure — meaning the offset can exceed the company's tax liability and result in a cash refund from the ATO. Larger companies receive a non-refundable offset between 33.5% and 38.5% depending on their R&D intensity (R&D expenditure as a proportion of total expenditure). Eligible R&D activities must be conducted for the purpose of generating new knowledge through systematic experimental activities involving technical uncertainty — routine testing, market research, and social science generally do not qualify. Activities must be registered with AusIndustry (Department of Industry) before the R&D tax incentive schedule is lodged with the company tax return. Eligible expenditure includes salaries of staff directly conducting R&D, contractor costs (with reductions for non-R&D elements), overheads apportioned to R&D activities, and decline in value of assets used in R&D. The ATO and AusIndustry jointly review claims, examining both the eligibility of activities and the accuracy of expenditure claims — contemporaneous documentation of hypotheses, experiments, and results is essential.
Common Questions
ATO Audit Support & Review Responses
Respond to ATO reviews, audits, amended assessments, and compliance activities with structured representation and documentation. We distinguish between ATO risk reviews and full audits, prepare objection lodgements within applicable time limits, and manage disputes through the ATO objection process and Administrative Appeals Tribunal when warranted.
ATO audit representation
Full representation during ATO risk reviews and audits with organised documentation, technical responses, and communication management.
Objection lodgement
Formal objections lodged within applicable time limits — generally two years for individuals and small business, four years for other taxpayers.
Review vs audit management
Risk review engagements managed proactively; full audit responses prepared with legal arguments and evidence for disputed items.
Deadline and interest management
Objection and amendment period deadlines tracked to preserve rights while managing general interest charge on disputed amounts.
How It Works
Notice review and assessment analysis
Review ATO letter, amended assessment, or audit notification to identify disputed items, amounts, and applicable deadlines.
Documentation and response preparation
Gather supporting records, prepare technical submissions, and respond to ATO information requests within prescribed timelines.
Objection lodgement
Lodge formal objection within the applicable period — generally 60 days from assessment or within the two or four-year amendment period.
Appeals and AAT representation
Represent client through ATO objection decision and, if necessary, lodge appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or Federal Court.
Notice review and assessment analysis
Review ATO letter, amended assessment, or audit notification to identify disputed items, amounts, and applicable deadlines.
Documentation and response preparation
Gather supporting records, prepare technical submissions, and respond to ATO information requests within prescribed timelines.
Objection lodgement
Lodge formal objection within the applicable period — generally 60 days from assessment or within the two or four-year amendment period.
Appeals and AAT representation
Represent client through ATO objection decision and, if necessary, lodge appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or Federal Court.
The ATO conducts compliance activities ranging from risk reviews (preliminary checks that may not change your assessment) through to full audits (detailed examinations that can result in amended assessments). Risk reviews are typically shorter and less invasive — the ATO may request specific information to verify compliance without formally opening an audit. A full audit involves detailed examination of records and may result in adjustments to income, deductions, credits, or penalties. When the ATO amends an assessment, taxpayers can lodge an objection — generally within 60 days of the notice of assessment, or within the standard amendment period of two years for individuals and most small business entities, or four years for other taxpayers and complex matters such as fraud or significant tax avoidance. The ATO's objection process is handled by an independent area separate from the audit team. If the objection is disallowed or partially allowed, taxpayers may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or the Federal Court. During audit and objection periods, general interest charge continues to accrue on unpaid tax unless the ATO agrees to suspend collection. We manage the full dispute lifecycle from initial ATO contact through risk review or audit response, objection, and AAT or court appeal, preserving your rights at every stage.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started
Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you within 24 hours.
Get Tax Filing Support
Tell us about your tax situation in Australia and our specialists will outline the right filing approach.
Explore More in Australia
Discover our other financial services available in this region.
Company Formation
Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) Company Registration
Learn More →
Accounting & Bookkeeping
ATO-Compliant Bookkeeping
Learn More →
Auditing
Statutory Audits (ASA-Compliant)
Learn More →
Odoo ERP
Odoo Implementation for Australian Businesses
Learn More →
Business Consultation
Entity Structuring (Company vs Trust vs Partnership)
Learn More →
Not sure which Tax Preparation service you need?
Our Australia team can assess your requirements and recommend the right approach. Book a free 30-minute consultation.
Need Tax Preparation Support in Australia?
Contact our Australia team for expert assistance.
