Frequently Asked Questions

You don’t legally need an accountant to lodge your individual tax return, but many people choose to use one to ensure their return is accurate and all eligible deductions are claimed. Tax legislation changes regularly, and what you can claim depends on your individual circumstances. At Atium Accounting, we take the time to understand your situation, explain everything in plain English and ensure your tax return complies with Australian Taxation Office requirements. We also provide advice throughout the year, not just during tax season.

Most businesses must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) once their annual turnover reaches the registration threshold. Some businesses choose to register earlier because it suits the way they operate or allows them to claim GST credits on business purchases. We can help you determine whether GST registration is appropriate for your business and manage the registration process on your behalf.

The frequency of your Business Activity Statement depends on your business and Australian Taxation Office reporting requirements. Many small businesses lodge quarterly, while some businesses lodge monthly. At Atium Accounting, we prepare and lodge BAS and IAS statements, review your GST reporting and help ensure your lodgements are completed accurately and on time.

Choosing the right business structure depends on your personal circumstances, expected income, future growth plans and asset protection requirements. Sole traders, companies, partnerships and family trusts all have different advantages. Rather than recommending the same structure to everyone, we provide tailored advice that supports your long-term goals and helps avoid costly restructuring in the future.

Absolutely. We regularly help new business owners throughout Bendigo and across Australia establish their businesses. We can assist with choosing the right business structure, registering your ABN, TFN and GST, setting up Xero, establishing bookkeeping systems and explaining your ongoing tax obligations. Our goal is to make starting your business as straightforward as possible.

We primarily recommend Xero because it is cloud-based, user-friendly and integrates with many other business applications. It allows both you and your accountant to access real-time financial information, making bookkeeping and reporting much easier. We also support businesses using MYOB, QuickBooks and other accounting software.

Yes. Many clients come to us because their bookkeeping has fallen behind. We can bring your accounts up to date, reconcile bank accounts, correct coding errors and prepare outstanding BAS, financial statements and tax returns. No matter how far behind your records are, we’ll work with you to get everything back on track.

A Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) allows members to manage their own retirement savings and investment decisions. While it provides greater flexibility, it also comes with significant compliance responsibilities. We assist SMSF trustees with annual financial statements, tax returns, audits, pension reporting and ongoing compliance to help ensure their fund meets Australian Taxation Office requirements.

Yes. We work with many clients who own one or multiple investment properties. We prepare tax returns that include rental income, deductible expenses, depreciation, capital gains and other taxation matters relating to property ownership. We also provide advice before purchasing or selling investment properties to help clients understand the tax implications.

Yes. Although Atium Accounting is based in Bendigo, we work with individuals and businesses throughout Victoria and across Australia. Using secure online systems, cloud accounting software and electronic document signing, we can provide the same personalised service regardless of where you are located.

Every client is different, so the cost of accounting services depends on the complexity of your circumstances and the services you require. We believe in providing value through proactive advice, accurate compliance and personalised service rather than offering one-size-fits-all packages. Before commencing any work, we’ll discuss your requirements and provide clarity around our engagement.

Yes. Receiving correspondence from the Australian Taxation Office can be concerning, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. We can review the letter, explain what it means, respond to the ATO on your behalf where appropriate and help resolve any outstanding issues as quickly as possible.

Many people only speak to their accountant at tax time, but receiving advice before making important financial decisions often produces much better outcomes. Whether you’re starting a business, purchasing property, employing staff, selling an investment or planning for retirement, seeking advice early can help avoid costly mistakes and identify opportunities that may otherwise be missed.

Yes. We prepare company tax returns, financial statements and taxation reports for businesses across many industries. We also provide year-round tax planning and business advice to help company directors understand their obligations and make informed financial decisions.

Good record keeping is essential for both individuals and businesses. You should keep receipts, invoices, bank statements and documents supporting income and deductions. Digital record keeping through cloud accounting software makes managing these records much easier. We can also recommend systems that simplify record keeping and reduce paperwork.

We believe accounting is about building relationships, not just lodging tax returns. Our team takes the time to understand your circumstances, explain complex matters in plain English and provide proactive advice throughout the year. Whether you need assistance with tax returns, bookkeeping, BAS, SMSF compliance, business advice or starting a new business, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.