Crest Accountants Services

Business Tax Returns Gold Coast

Crest Accountants prepares and lodges company tax returns and business tax returns for sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies, and has done that from Burleigh Heads since 1973. We act for businesses across Queensland and around Australia, and where you are based makes no difference to how the return is handled.

Very few returns go wrong on the arithmetic. They go wrong on timing: a deadline that moved without anyone noticing, a shareholder loan that could have been fixed in April but not in July, a resolution that needed signing twelve months before lodgement. We lodge the return, and we raise what has to be decided before the year closes rather than after.

When your business tax return is due

Most of the confusion here comes from 31 October being repeated as if it were everyone’s date. It is the date for a self-lodging individual, partnership or trust. It is generally not the date for a company, though there are circumstances, below, where a company does land on 31 October.

If you lodge your own company return and balance on 30 June, the ATO’s income tax due date for self-preparing entities is 28 February, and that is the payment date as well as the lodgement date.

Engage a registered tax agent and it changes. Under the ATO’s lodgment program for companies, most company clients of an agent are due 15 May, with payment the same day. Entities whose prior year total income exceeded $2 million are due 31 March, again with payment the same day.

That concession is conditional, and easily lost. Any entity with one or more prior year returns outstanding at 30 June is due 31 October, with payment on 1 December. One overdue return pulls the next one forward by roughly six and a half months, automatically, and nobody writes to tell you.

That earlier date applies while returns are outstanding, not permanently. Bring the overdue returns in and keep lodging on time, and the extended lodgment program date comes back the following year. Catching up a backlog is work we do regularly, and it is worth finishing before 30 June so the next year is not caught by the same rule.

If you are using a tax agent for the first time, or changing agents, the ATO says you should contact them before 31 October to be in their lodgment program, or the extended date may not be available that year.

The dates are not uniform across a group. On the individual and trust side of the lodgment program, a trust whose latest return produced a liability of $20,000 or more is due 31 March rather than 15 May. Those entities also get staggered payment dates keyed to lodgement, running from 21 March to 5 June, so for them lodgement timing is a cash flow decision as well as a compliance one. Companies and super funds get the 5 June concession only where both the prior and current year are non-taxable or produce a refund. Run a company and a trust, assume the two work the same way, and one will be late.

Being late has its own cost. The failure to lodge penalty runs at one penalty unit for every 28 days or part of 28 days a document is overdue, up to five units, doubled for a medium withholder and multiplied by five for a large one. The ATO generally warns first and can remit the penalty once the documents are in, and safe harbour may apply where a registered agent was given everything in time. The penalty is usually not the expensive part. The interest on an unpaid liability is, and since 1 July 2025 that interest is not deductible.

Lodging early can close a Division 7A window

Where a private company has paid or lent money to a shareholder or an associate during the year, the deadline to repay it or put it under a complying loan agreement is the company’s lodgment day, and the ATO defines that as the earlier of the due date for lodgment or the actual date of lodgment.

The consequence is counter-intuitive, and it is why we ask about drawings before finalising anything. Lodging early closes the window early: lodge in September and you have given away eight months of the time you had to deal with a drawing. Raise the loan account before the return is finalised, not after. Our explainer on how Division 7A treats money taken out of a company covers the mechanics.

What your business lodges depends on its structure

We work with sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies, whether you are lodging for the first time, have years to catch up on, or run several entities that have to line up. The four structures are not four versions of one form: the ATO sets out different obligations for each, changing who lodges, who pays, when, and what has to be decided in advance. One rule is common to all four. The ATO’s guide to lodging a return for your business is clear that if you carried on a business, something has to be lodged even in a year it earned nothing. Where there was genuinely nothing to report that lodgement is a return not necessary form rather than a tax return, and the two are not interchangeable.

Sole traders

A sole trader has no separate business return at all. Business income and expenses go inside your individual return, in the business and professional items schedule, under your own tax file number, and you lodge it even if your income sits below the tax-free threshold.

What catches sole traders out is the money they take. You cannot employ yourself, so nothing you draw is a wage, and money or assets taken out for personal use are not deductible. Your own super is not a business expense either: it is a personal contribution claimed in your own return after notifying the fund, which is a different thing from the super guarantee you pay for workers.

Partnerships

A partnership has its own tax file number and lodges an annual return showing business income, deductions and how the net income or loss is distributed. It pays no tax itself. Each partner reports their share and is personally liable for the tax on it, whether or not that share was ever drawn out.

The split is where partnership returns go wrong. A written agreement is not required for a partnership to exist, and where there is none the ATO treats income and losses as distributed equally, whatever the partners understood between themselves. Partners are not employees either, so a nominal salary paid to a partner is a distribution of profit rather than a deductible wage. The ATO expects partnership returns to be lodged progressively so each partner can still meet their own date, which means a slow partnership return makes several people late rather than one.

Trusts

A trust has its own tax file number, and the trustee lodges an annual return regardless of the net income involved, unless the ATO advises otherwise. It includes a statement of how income was distributed, and each beneficiary needs their part before finishing their own return.

The decisive act is not done at lodgement. The trustee’s resolution must be made by 30 June of the year being reported for it to determine who is assessed, and where it is not effective the trustee can be assessed instead, potentially at the top rate. By the time the return is prepared that decision is history, which is the argument for an accountant in the room before 30 June.

Companies

A company is a separate legal entity with its own tax file number, return, tax rate and usually its own PAYG instalments. Its money is its money, not yours, which is why taking cash out informally carries consequences the other structures do not have.

A company lodges every year it is registered, and a final return before ASIC deregisters it. After deregistration no company return can be lodged at all, which is a real problem when something is found afterwards. Profit is distributed as a dividend, franking credits may be attached so shareholders get credit for tax already paid, and a distribution statement has to be issued to any shareholder paid one. Directors carry personal exposure too: under the director penalty rules a director can be made personally liable for certain unpaid tax and super debts, which is why the return, the activity statements and the super are looked at together.

From accounting profit to taxable income

Your accounting profit is the starting point, not the answer. The return reconciles it to taxable income, and there are two kinds of adjustment.

The general rule is straightforward: an expense is deductible where you incurred it in earning assessable income, apportioned where it is partly private. That covers most of what a business spends. The return is decided by the exceptions rather than the rule.

Permanent differences never come back. The ATO’s list of what a business cannot claim includes entertainment other than an entertainment-related fringe benefit, traffic fines, private or domestic expenses, expenses relating to non-assessable income, and the GST component of a purchase where you claim a GST credit for it. Payments to workers can also be denied where the PAYG withholding and reporting obligations were not met. One recent change bites: general interest charge and shortfall interest charge incurred on or after 1 July 2025 are no longer deductible, so carrying an ATO debt costs more after tax than it used to.

Timing differences reverse, just not in the year you expect. Tax depreciation replaces book depreciation. Prepayments of $1,000 or more are apportioned rather than claimed up front where you will not receive the goods or services in full within 12 months. Employee super is deductible only where paid on time to a complying fund, so the June contribution still in the bank account at 30 June is usually next year’s deduction. A bad debt has to be genuinely bad rather than doubtful, and written off in writing before year end, so a provision for doubtful debts is not a deduction. Trading stock moves the number too: an increase in stock value is assessable income and a decrease is a deduction, although simplified trading stock rules let an eligible small business skip the stocktake where it estimates the value changed by $5,000 or less.

Then come carried-forward losses, which behave differently in each structure, and credit for the PAYG instalments already paid during the year.

Which company rate applies

Which rate applies is its own test, and it is regularly stated wrongly. The full rate is 30%. The 25% rate applies only to a base rate entity, and the ATO requires two conditions for the income year: aggregated turnover below the threshold, and 80% or less of assessable income being base rate entity passive income. That passive list includes rent, interest, dividends and franking credits, royalties and net capital gains. A trading company that also holds a property or a large term deposit can cross the line without changing what it does for a living, and lose the lower rate on all of its income.

What's included

The annual return is run and priced as its own job. It can stand alone, or sit inside year-round accounting support where you want someone across the numbers through the year as well. The return engagement covers the whole job, from the accounts through to lodgement:

Financial statements for the year, reconciled to your bank, loan and asset records
The income tax return for your structure, sole trader, partnership, trust or company
The reconciliation of accounting profit to taxable income, and the adjustments that make the two differ
A deduction review across the categories that actually apply: operating costs, wages and super, motor vehicle, interest on business borrowings, depreciation, home office for sole traders, professional development, and accounting and legal fees
Dividend and franking records where a company has paid a distribution, and credit for PAYG instalments already paid
Confirmation of the lodgement and payment dates for each entity you run
Lodgement as a registered tax agent, and dealing with the ATO on your behalf where something is outstanding

Where an active business asset was sold during the year, the small business capital gains tax concessions are their own piece of work rather than part of the standard return, and we quote them separately.

What we need from you

To start we need the full-year accounts and the bank and loan statements behind them, the activity statements you lodged during the year, your wages and super records, the fixed asset register, any dividend and franking records, and last year’s notice of assessment. If your bookkeeping is current and reconciled, the return is a short job. If it is not, that is the work, and we would rather say so up front than find it in May.

Most of this moves without you posting anything. We work in Xero and MYOB, so we go straight into the file rather than asking you to export it, and our cloud accounting service covers set-up if your records are still on spreadsheets. From first conversation to lodgement, everything can be handled by phone, video and secure file exchange.

What a business tax return costs

We do not publish a price list, because two things drive the fee and neither is visible until we look. The first is the structure and the volume behind it: a sole trader return built on reconciled bookkeeping is a different job from a company and trust group with inter-entity loans and an asset register that needs rebuilding. The second is how much support you want through the year, as against a single annual engagement.

So we look at what is in front of us and quote before we start. Where the records need cleaning up first, we say so and price that separately rather than letting it appear on an invoice afterwards. The same goes for the one-off pieces of work that sit outside a standard return, a business asset sale and the small business CGT concessions being the common one: they carry their own fee, quoted before we start. Book a consultation and you will have a figure before anyone starts on the return.

Why choose Crest Accountants

Crest has been preparing business tax returns from Burleigh Heads since 1973, independent that whole time. We are a registered tax agent, which is what puts your return on the lodgment program dates above rather than the self-lodger ones. Our Google rating is 4.8 from more than 130 reviews, and the team is led by principal Wesley Bothma with Michelle Mikkelson as accounting manager, so you deal with named people who already know your file.

The return is not a standalone product here. It sits alongside the year-round accounting and compliance support we already provide, so the person lodging in May is the person who saw the loan account in March and said something about it then. You get the position in plain English, including the parts you will not like, and where a question moves into financial products we refer you to a licensed financial adviser rather than stepping outside our lane.

Our office is at 5-7 Prosper Crescent, open Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday 8:00am to 12:30pm. Our clients are not only on the Gold Coast: we act for businesses throughout Queensland and across Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is my company tax return due?

Self-lodging with a 30 June balance date, 28 February, payment the same day. Through a registered tax agent, most company clients are 15 May, or 31 March where prior year total income exceeded $2 million. Any prior year return outstanding at 30 June drops you back to 31 October, and it stays there while returns remain outstanding. Lodge the backlog and keep lodging on time and your original due date comes back.

Do I need a separate tax return for my business?

It depends on the structure. A sole trader does not: business income and expenses go into your individual return. A partnership, a trust and a company each lodge their own return under their own tax file number, but only the company pays tax on what it reports.

What happens if I lodge my business tax return late?

Two things, and the second lasts longer. The ATO may apply a failure to lodge penalty of one penalty unit per 28 days or part thereof, up to five units. Separately, an outstanding prior year return at 30 June moves your next return to 31 October, so one late year costs you the extended date the following year too.

Does my company still have to lodge if it did not trade this year?

Yes, something is due every year, but it is not always a tax return. Where a company was registered and carried on a business, a return is lodged even if it earned nothing. Where there was genuinely nothing to report, the right lodgement is a return not necessary form rather than a tax return. We review the year, work out which of the two applies, and lodge the appropriate form, so the ATO’s records stay clean and the lodgment program dates are not lost over a quiet year.

Do I have to be on the Gold Coast to use Crest?

No. Our office is at Burleigh Heads and many clients are local, but we act for businesses throughout Queensland and across Australia, with accounts in cloud software and meetings by phone or video.

General advice disclaimer

The information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial product advice. Before acting, seek advice from a registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser about your circumstances.

The best time to talk about a business tax return is before the year ends, and the second best time is now.

Call Crest Accountants on 07 5538 0999 or send an enquiry through the contact form, and tell us your structure, your year end and whether anything is outstanding.

News about Business Tax Returns

See What Gold Coast Businesses Have To Say About Our Tax Return Services

      
 4.8
 4.8
 Top Rated Service
   Verified by Trustindex   Top Rated Service
   4.8 Excellent rating Last 12 months 
  New reviews collected regularly Recent review activity detected 
  Leading Service Google Maps rating and review data 
  Responds to customer reviews 100% response rate within 48 hours 
  Verified by Trustindex Based on real customer reviews Learn more 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Aaron Larkin 
 48 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 
 98 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 
 110 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 
 118 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 
 189 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 
 189 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 
 192 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 
 192 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 
 193 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 
 193 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.