Business Structure Advice

Expert guidance on choosing the right business structure. Compare sole trader, company, partnership and trust options with comprehensive tax and liability analysis.

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Choose the Right Business Foundation

Your business structure affects everything from tax obligations and personal liability to growth potential and compliance requirements. Making the right choice from the start can save you time, money, and legal complications.

We provide comprehensive analysis of all business structure options, considering your specific circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance to recommend the optimal setup for your venture.

Get Structure Advice

Business structure planning and analysis

Business Structure Services

Structure Comparison

Detailed analysis of sole trader, company, partnership and trust structures.

Tax Implications

Comprehensive tax analysis for each structure including GST and income tax.

Liability Assessment

Evaluation of personal asset protection and liability exposure for each option.

Growth Planning

Structure recommendations based on your business growth and expansion plans.

Compliance Review

Analysis of regulatory requirements and compliance obligations for each structure.

Restructuring Advice

Guidance on changing business structures as your business evolves.

Our Structure Advice Process

Business Assessment

We analyse your business model, goals, risk profile, and financial situation.

Structure Comparison

Detailed comparison of all relevant business structures for your situation.

Impact Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of tax, legal, and operational implications.

Recommendation & Implementation

Clear structure recommendation and assistance with implementation.

Business Structure Comparison

Sole Trader

Best for: Individual businesses, low-risk ventures, simple operations

Setup: Simple and inexpensive

Liability: Unlimited personal liability

Tax: Personal income tax rates

Partnership

Best for: Multiple owners, professional services, shared ventures

Setup: Moderate complexity

Liability: Joint and several liability

Tax: Partners pay tax on share of profit

Company (Pty Ltd)

Best for: Growth businesses, asset protection, multiple shareholders

Setup: More complex and costly

Liability: Limited to company assets

Tax: Company tax rate (25-30%)

Trust

Best for: Asset protection, family businesses, tax planning

Setup: Complex and requires trust deed

Liability: Limited for beneficiaries

Tax: Distributed to beneficiaries

Benefits of Professional Structure Advice

Tax Efficiency

Optimise your tax position and minimise tax liabilities through proper structure selection.

Asset Protection

Protect personal assets from business risks and liabilities with the right structure.

Growth Readiness

Choose a structure that supports your growth plans and future expansion.

Compliance Confidence

Ensure your business meets all legal and regulatory requirements from day one.

Detailed Structure Comparison

Feature	Sole Trader	Partnership	Company	Trust
Setup Cost	Low	Low-Medium	Medium-High	High
Liability	Unlimited	Unlimited	Limited	Limited
Tax Rate	Personal rates	Personal rates	25-30%	Distributed
Asset Protection	None	Limited	Strong	Strong
Compliance	Minimal	Moderate	High	High
Transferability	Difficult	Complex	Easy	Complex

*This is a general comparison – specific circumstances may vary

Who Needs Business Structure Advice?

Our business structure advice service is essential for anyone starting a new business or reconsidering their current structure.

We Help:

New business owners choosing their first structure
Sole traders considering incorporation
Partnerships establishing formal arrangements
Businesses planning growth or expansion
Companies needing restructuring advice
Family businesses establishing succession plans
Anyone confused about business structure options

Business professionals discussing structure options

Business Structure FAQs

What is the most common business structure in Australia? +

Sole trader is the most common structure for new small businesses due to its simplicity and low setup costs. However, companies (Pty Ltd) are increasingly popular for businesses with growth ambitions or significant liability concerns. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances including risk tolerance, growth plans, tax situation, and asset protection needs.

When should I consider changing from sole trader to company? +

Consider incorporating when: 1) Your business income exceeds $75,000 (GST threshold), 2) You have significant personal assets to protect, 3) You’re taking on business debt or liabilities, 4) You plan to hire employees, 5) You want to bring in business partners or investors, 6) Your business is growing rapidly, 7) You’re entering high-risk industries. We can help assess the right timing for your situation.

What are the tax advantages of different structures? +

Tax advantages vary: Sole traders/partnerships pay personal tax rates with potential small business concessions. Companies pay flat tax rates (25-30%) with franking credits for dividends. Trusts allow income splitting among beneficiaries for tax efficiency. Each structure has different GST, FBT, and CGT implications. We provide detailed tax analysis for your specific situation.

Can I change my business structure later? +

Yes, you can change business structures, but there are implications: 1) Tax consequences (CGT may apply), 2) Costs of establishing new structure, 3) Transfer of assets and contracts, 4) Potential need for new registrations (ABN, GST), 5) Impact on business relationships. It’s generally easier and cheaper to choose the right structure from the beginning, but we can help manage restructuring when needed.

What is the difference between a partnership and a company? +

Key differences: Legal Status: Partnership is not a separate legal entity, company is. Liability: Partners have unlimited liability, company shareholders have limited liability. Tax: Partners pay tax on their share of profit, company pays company tax. Continuity: Partnership ends if partner leaves, company continues. Setup: Partnership is simpler, company requires ASIC registration. We help you understand which suits your needs.

Get Your Business Structure Right

Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your business structure needs. We’ll analyse your situation and recommend the optimal structure for your goals.

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