Crest Accountants Services

Business Structuring Accountant Gold Coast

Your business structure is a decision you make once and pay for every year afterwards. It sets who is liable when something goes wrong, what rate your profits are taxed at, who can be paid what, and how much a future sale or handover will cost you. Crest Accountants has advised business owners on structure from Burleigh Heads since 1973, and works with clients across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Tweed and Northern Rivers, and further afield across Queensland and Australia. Here is the part most owners do not want to hear: very few of them chose the wrong structure. They chose a structure that fitted at the time and then kept trading in it for another decade while the business changed shape around it.

When you need business structure advice

The obvious moment is at the start, before an ABN is registered and before the first invoice goes out. The less obvious moments are the expensive ones. You need structure advice when you hire your first employee, when you sign a commercial lease or a supply agreement with a personal guarantee attached to it, and when you buy property, plant or equipment that will still be on the balance sheet in ten years. You need it when a second person joins the ownership, whether that is a business partner, a spouse or an investor. You need it when profits start regularly exceeding what you and your family actually draw out, because at that point the difference between structures stops being theoretical. And you need it well before a sale, a merger or a handover to the next operator, because the tax outcome of an exit is largely set by decisions made years earlier. The common thread is that structure advice is worth the most before the transaction and the least after it. Once the contract is signed, the lease is executed or the asset is registered in the wrong name, the options narrow to expensive ones.

What Are the Different Business Structures in Australia?

There are four main business structures in Australia, each with different tax, liability and administrative implications:

Each structure has advantages and disadvantages depending on your situation. Our team can walk you through the pros and cons of each and help you determine which is the right fit.

Structuring for growth, investment and exit

Structure decisions get harder as the business gets more valuable, which is an argument for making them earlier.

When you bring in a business partner or an outside investor, the question is not only what percentage they get but what they are getting a percentage of, and whether the entity they are buying into is the one holding the assets you would rather keep. When you develop intellectual property, build a customer database or buy premises, the question is which entity should own it from day one, because moving it later is a transaction with tax attached.

The exit is where structure is finally priced. A buyer will want to buy either the shares or units in your entity, or the business assets out of it, and which one it is changes the seller’s tax position substantially. The small business capital gains tax concessions can reduce a gain on the sale of an active business asset very significantly, but the eligibility tests are strict and they look at the structure, the ownership and the way the asset has been used. Those tests are far easier to satisfy when the structure was set up sensibly years earlier than when it is being rearranged in the months before a sale. The same is true of a handover to family or management, which is why structure and succession planning are really the same conversation held at different times.

Why Crest for business structure advice

Crest Accountants has been advising business owners from Burleigh Heads since 1973. We are based at 5-7 Prosper Crescent and act for businesses across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Tweed and the Northern Rivers, and for clients throughout Queensland and the rest of Australia by phone and video. Where you are located does not change the advice.

Structuring here is not a standalone product sold by someone who never sees the consequences. It sits alongside the tax returns, the BAS work and the year-end compliance, which means the people recommending a structure are the same people who will lodge under it and who will hear about it if the annual cost turns out to be higher than the benefit. Advice is given in plain English, including the parts you will not like, and where a recommendation touches financial products or personal investment, we will refer you to a licensed financial adviser rather than stepping outside our lane.

General advice disclaimer

The information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial product advice. Crest Accountants does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and does not provide financial product advice. Tax and duty laws change, and thresholds and rates are those current at the time of writing. Before acting, seek advice about your own circumstances from a registered tax agent, and where financial products are involved, from a licensed financial adviser.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Structuring

What does a business structuring engagement actually involve?

We start by understanding the business, the risks and who owns what, then model the tax and compliance outcome under the options that could realistically work for you. You receive a written recommendation with the reasoning and the cost of implementing it. If you go ahead, we handle the registrations, the ASIC and ATO lodgements and the accounting setup, and coordinate with your solicitor on any deeds, transfers or shareholder agreements. After that the structure is reviewed as part of your ordinary compliance work rather than left alone until something breaks.

Can I change my business structure after I have started trading?

Yes, and it is common. The change is a transaction rather than a formality, because moving assets between entities is a disposal for tax purposes unless a relief applies. Depending on your circumstances that may include the small business restructure roll-over for income tax, and in Queensland, the transfer duty exemption for eligible small business restructures. Both have conditions, so the sequence and timing matter. The practical answer is that restructuring is usually achievable, and it is far cheaper when it is planned than when it is triggered by a bank, a buyer or a dispute.

Will restructuring trigger capital gains tax or stamp duty?

It can, which is why the planning comes first. The ATO’s small business restructure roll-over can defer the income tax consequences for eligible small businesses where the restructure is genuine and ultimate economic ownership does not change. The ATO also makes clear that stamp duty and GST still have to be considered separately. In Queensland there is a transfer duty exemption for eligible small business restructures into a company, subject to turnover, asset value and ownership conditions. Whether you qualify for either depends on your numbers and your ownership, and that is the first thing we check.

How much does it cost to set up a company?

There are two costs. ASIC charges a registration fee, and it increases some fees on 1 July each year in line with the Consumer Price Index, so the current amount is the one published on the ASIC fees page. On top of that sits the advice and setup work, which varies with complexity: a single-director company with one shareholder is a different job from a company acting as trustee for a trust with a tailored deed. We quote that work before we start it. It is worth weighing the ongoing cost too, because a company brings annual review fees, financial reporting and its own tax return every year afterwards.

Do I need a solicitor as well as an accountant?

Often, yes. Trust deeds, shareholder and partnership agreements, transfers of land and anything touching estate planning are legal documents and need a solicitor to draft or review them. Our role is the structure, the tax modelling, the registrations and the accounting, and we work with your solicitor so the legal documents match the structure that was actually recommended. Structures fail more often through a mismatch between the advice and the paperwork than through the advice itself.

Do you only work with Gold Coast businesses?

No. Our office is in Burleigh Heads and a lot of our clients are local, and you are very welcome to come in. But structuring advice depends on your numbers, your documents and your plans rather than your postcode, and we work with businesses across Queensland and around Australia by phone and video. If you are outside the Gold Coast, nothing about the process changes.

News about Business Structuring

Structure is cheapest to fix before the transaction, not after it.

Talk to Crest Accountants about your business structure on 07 5538 0999, or send an enquiry through the form and one of our team will get back to you within 24 hours.

See What Our Clients Have To Say About Our Business Structuring Services

      
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      Posted on Google  
   
   Aaron Larkin 
 44 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. UPDATE - 1 September 2026
After my initial experience, Crest followed up and explained that my original email had unfortunately been caught by their spam filtering. They took the time to investigate what happened and get everything back on track.

I have since met with Wesley, and the experience was excellent. He was straightforward, knowledgeable and refreshingly honest about what I actually need rather than trying to sell me services unnecessarily. He gave me practical advice around setting up my contracting business and was very generous with his time.

I particularly appreciated Wesley’s practical and transparent approach. He focused on what would genuinely be useful for me rather than trying to push unnecessary services, and that level of honesty goes a long way.

Overall, the initial communication issue was disappointing, but the way it was handled afterwards, particularly my experience with Wesley, has significantly changed my impression of Crest. Around a 4.5/5 experience overall and I would happily recommend Wesley.

UPDATE – 21 August 2026
Crest Accountants have since contacted me and I now have a meeting booked with them for next Friday.
My original review was based on having sent an email directly to their general info email address and receiving no response or acknowledgement for around three weeks. It appears there may have been an issue with my original enquiry reaching the right person, although I'm still not sure exactly what happened.
Once contact was established, they got back to me promptly by phone and were helpful in arranging a meeting.
I've updated my rating from 1 to 3 stars to reflect this and will update the review again after I've had the opportunity to meet with them and experience their service properly.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Extremely disappointing experience with Crest Accountants.
I contacted them three weeks ago and received absolutely no response — not even a basic acknowledgement that my email was received.
I understand businesses get busy, but three weeks of complete silence from a professional accounting firm is simply poor customer service. If they were unable to assist, a short email saying so would have been perfectly acceptable.
Based on my experience at the time, I couldn't recommend them to anyone looking for responsive or reliable communication.

Owner's reply
Hi Aaron,

Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience.

We take client service seriously and have reviewed our recent enquiry records. Based on the information available to us, we have not been able to identify an enquiry matching the details outlined in your review. It is possible there may have been a misunderstanding, or that an enquiry was submitted under a different name, such as by a spouse, partner or family member, in which case correspondence may have been sent to that individual.

We would genuinely appreciate the opportunity to investigate this further and clarify what has occurred. Please contact our office on (07) 5538 0999 and leave your contact details, requesting that they be passed on to Nigel. I will personally review the matter and follow up with you directly.

Kind regards,
Crest Accountants
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Greenwold 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My partner and I moved from NZ to Aus and we were looking around for an accountant that would help my partner transition his business from a sole trader in NZ to now a company set up in Aus. We came across Crest Accountant's and honestly it’s been amazing.

We have Sarah as my partners accountant and she is so awesome, so lovely and always helps, she explains things clearly to us and we are quite new to all the ‘accounting terms’ as such… But Crest accountants have made the transition so easy for us and as something we would think would be stressful, it hasn’t at all because they’ve been so helpful and onto it.

If you are looking for an accountant, I can’t recommend Crest enough! We are so happy with our decision and will recommend them to anyone! Thank you Crest!

Owner's reply
Thank you for your kind words and for trusting Crest Accountants with your move from New Zealand to Australia. We're thrilled to hear Sarah helped make the transition from sole trader to company structure simple and stress-free. Providing clear accounting, tax and business advice for small business owners is what we're all about. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to supporting your business growth for years to come!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ada Skopljak 
 106 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Sarah Fleming from Crest Accountants highly enough. She has been absolutely fantastic throughout my accounting and tax matters.

Sarah is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and thorough. She took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of my questions with patience, and made what initially felt like a stressful situation much easier to understand and manage. Her attention to detail and genuine commitment to achieving the best outcome for her clients really stood out.

I truly felt supported throughout the entire process, and it gave me great confidence knowing my finances were in such capable hands. If you’re looking for an accountant who is honest, reliable, approachable, and exceptionally good at what she does, I would highly recommend Sarah Fleming and the team at Crest Accountants.

Thank you, Sarah, for all your hard work and outstanding service!

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review, Ada. We’re delighted that Sarah made your tax and accounting matters feel clear and manageable — she genuinely cares about getting the best result for every client, and we’ll be sure to pass on your kind words. It’s a pleasure having you with Crest Accountants, and we’re always here whenever you need us.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Joanne Roberts 
 114 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently worked with Wesley on a mutual client's finance application and found him to be highly professional, responsive, and easy to work with.

He was quick to provide the information required and helped ensure the process progressed smoothly from start to finish. It's always a pleasure working with professionals who are proactive and focused on achieving great outcomes for their clients.

I would happily recommend Wesley and Crest Accountants team.

Owner's reply
Thank you, Joanne — it was a pleasure working alongside you. Wesley and the team really value collaborating with professionals who share our focus on great outcomes for clients, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   stefan kubler 
 185 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been dealing with the Crest Team for over a year now. I have found their knowledge with all aspects from Bookkeeping to Tax Guidance, ATO Regulations and obligations to be Over 100%.
Very friendly and Helpful Team. Highly recommend their Services

Owner's reply
Thank you Stefan, for your kind review and for being a valued client of Crest Accountants. We’re glad you’ve found our support across bookkeeping, tax advice, and ATO compliance helpful. Providing clear, reliable guidance with a friendly and professional approach is important to us, and we appreciate your recommendation. We look forward to continuing to support you.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Valeria Davidov 
 185 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig Pearson has been my accountant for more than 6 years now and I can only say that he is highly professional.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued trust over the past 6+ years. Craig takes great pride in delivering a high level of professionalism and service, and feedback like yours is truly appreciated. We look forward to continuing to support you in the years ahead.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Stephen Childs 
 188 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Crest Accountants have provided great service towards our accounting needs for our family business and SMSF. A special mention to our personal accountant Nicole Amaya for all her support and direction over the years and we would certainly recommend Crest Accountants.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much Stephen, for your kind words and recommendation.
We’re delighted to hear that Crest Accountants has been able to support your family business and SMSF over the years. We will certainly pass on your special mention to Nicole Amaya, who will be thrilled to know her guidance and support have made a positive difference. We truly appreciate your trust and look forward to continuing to work with you into the future.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Serena Keeffe 
 188 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had a great experience working with the Crest team. Their clarity in explaining financial matters makes everything easy to understand, even when things get complex. They consistently provide proactive advice that helps me stay ahead rather than just reacting at tax time, which has been incredibly valuable.

What really stands out is their focus on long-term support—they genuinely care about helping you grow and make better financial decisions over time.

A special mention to Ange, who is always so helpful, responsive, and approachable. She goes above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly and no question goes unanswered.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for reliable, forward-thinking accounting support.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review — we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We’re pleased to hear that our clear explanations and proactive advice have helped you stay ahead and feel confident with your financial decisions. Long‑term support is very important to us, so it’s great to know that’s come through in your experience. Your feedback will be shared with Ange as recognition of the care and dedication she brings to her work. Thank you again for your recommendation and for trusting Crest Accountants as your accounting partner.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marco Ruas 
 189 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t be happier with the service I’ve received from  Angela at Crest Accountants. She is  incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always takes the time to explain things clearly so I feel confident about my finances. Her attention to detail and proactive approach has saved me both time and money, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everything is handled perfectly. Communication is always prompt and friendly, and nothing ever feels like too much trouble. It’s rare to find someone so trustworthy and genuinely invested in their clients’ success. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an outstanding accountant.

Owner's reply
Thank you for your wonderful feedback Marco. We’re thrilled to hear about your experience with Angela and appreciate your kind words regarding her professionalism, attention to detail, and clear, proactive communication. Providing trusted advice and ensuring our clients feel confident in their financial decisions is always our priority. Thank you for your recommendation and we look forward to continuing to support you.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Terrie Watson 
 189 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Crest accountants have been our accountants for over 20 years during that time Angela and Wes have supported our businesses with clarity and efficiency
They have always been proactive in advising us of changes in the taxation realm and attending to all our accountancy needs in a timely manner
I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone looking for a honest reliable accountancy service

Owner's reply
Thank you Terrie, for your continued trust and for taking the time to share your experience.
Supporting your businesses for over 20 years has been a privilege, and we truly appreciate your kind words. We are pleased to know that our commitment to providing timely, proactive advice has delivered meaningful value for you.
We sincerely value the long-standing relationship we’ve built and appreciate your recommendation, and we look forward to continuing to support your businesses into the future.