Does my business need to lodge a tax return?

Every business registered for an ABN needs to lodge for the financial year, even if it made a loss or did not trade at all. Companies, trusts and partnerships lodge separately from the individuals behind them, while sole traders report business income in their own return. If you are unsure what applies to your structure, we can confirm it for you.

What records do I need for my business tax return?

You will generally need your profit and loss and balance sheet, bank and loan statements, records of any asset purchases or disposals, payroll and superannuation records, and receipts for the expenses you intend to claim. If your bookkeeping is up to date in Xero or similar, most of this comes straight out of the file.

Crest Accountants Services

Business Tax Return Services

Business Tax Returns Gold Coast

Lodging a business tax return doesn’t have to be stressful. At Crest Accountants on the Gold Coast, we work with sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies to make sure their business tax returns are lodged accurately, on time and with every legitimate deduction claimed. We have been helping Gold Coast businesses with their tax obligations since 1973, understanding that no two businesses are the same.

Whether you are lodging for the first time or looking for a more proactive accountant to work with throughout the year, our team offers practical advice and steady support at every stage of your business. Our particular focus is on SMEs who are great at doing what they do but need assistance managing the complexities of the Australian taxation system.

What Is a Business Tax Return?

A business tax return is an annual report lodged with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) that details your business income, expenses and tax obligations for the financial year. The type of return you lodge depends on your business structure, sole traders lodge as part of their personal tax return, while companies, trusts and partnerships lodge separate returns. Getting it right is important as errors or omissions can trigger ATO audits and penalties.

At Crest Accountants, We Help With:

When Is a Business Tax Return Due?

For most businesses, the tax return for the financial year ending 30 June is due by 31 October. However if you lodge through a registered tax agent like Crest Accountants, you may be eligible for an extended lodgement deadline. The exact due date depends on your business structure and circumstances, so it is important to confirm your deadline with your accountant early to avoid late lodgement penalties.

What Small Business Tax Deductions Can I Claim On My Business Tax Return?

There are a wide range of small business tax deductions available to Australian businesses that can legitimately reduce your tax liability. Common deductions include:

Business operating expenses such as rent, utilities and insurance
Employee wages and superannuation
Motor vehicle expenses used for business purposes
Business loan interest
Depreciation on business assets and equipment
Home office expenses for sole traders
Professional development and training costs
Accounting and legal fees
Small business capital gains tax concessions if selling an active business asset

Every business is different and the deductions available to you will depend on your structure and circumstances. Our accountants work with you to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to.

What Is The Company Tax Rate In Australia?

The full company tax rate in Australia is 30%. However for companies with an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million that earn more than 20% of their assessable income from business operations, a reduced rate of 25% applies. This lower rate can free up significant cash flow for businesses that carry a high level of working capital or debt. If you are unsure which rate applies to your business, our team can advise you.

How Do I Lodge a Business Tax Return?

Business tax returns in Australia are lodged with the ATO either directly through the ATO’s online services or through a registered tax agent. Lodging through a registered tax agent like Crest Accountants gives you access to extended deadlines, expert advice on deductions and peace of mind that your return is accurate and compliant. To get started, you will need to gather your income records, expense receipts, bank statements and any relevant financial reports for the year.

What Happens If You Lodge a Late Company Tax Return?

Lodging a late company tax return can result in failure to lodge (FTL) penalties from the ATO. Penalties are calculated based on the size of your business and how late the return is, and can add up quickly if left unaddressed. If you have missed a lodgement deadline, it is important to act quickly — the ATO is generally more lenient with businesses that come forward voluntarily rather than waiting to be contacted. Our team can help you get back on track and liaise with the ATO on your behalf if needed.

How Much Does a Business Tax Return Cost?

The cost of lodging a business tax return through an accountant depends on the complexity of your business structure, the volume of transactions and the level of support you need throughout the year. A straightforward sole trader return will cost less than a company or trust return with multiple income streams. The best way to get an accurate figure is to book a consultation with our team so we can understand your specific situation.

Why Choose Crest Accountants for Your Business Tax Return?

Crest Accountants has been helping Gold Coast businesses lodge their tax returns since 1973. As a family-run business ourselves, we understand the pressure that comes with managing your tax obligations while running a business. Our team takes the time to understand your goals and provide proactive advice throughout the year, not just at lodgement time. It’s why our clients stay with us for years and regularly refer us to their networks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Tax Returns

What is the difference between a personal and business tax return?

A personal tax return covers your individual income including wages, investments and rental income. A business tax return covers income and expenses generated through your business structure. Sole traders lodge both in a single return, while companies, trusts and partnerships lodge separately from their personal returns.

Do I need an accountant to lodge my business tax return?

You are not legally required to use an accountant, however it is strongly recommended. Business tax returns are more complex than personal returns and the risk of errors, missed deductions or late lodgement penalties is significantly higher without professional support.

How long does it take to lodge a business tax return?

The time it takes depends on how organised your records are and the complexity of your business. With Crest Accountants, we work with you to make the process as straightforward as possible and will keep you informed throughout.

What is the company tax rate in Australia?

The full rate is 30%, however companies with an aggregated turnover under $50 million that earn more than 20% of their income from business operations are taxed at 25%.

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   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Aaron Larkin 
 13 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 
 63 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 
 75 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 
 83 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 
 154 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 
 154 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 
 157 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 
 157 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 
 158 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 
 158 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.