Annual recurring compliance obligations managed accurately, on time, and with an eye on tax risk.
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Your tax compliance obligations extend well beyond a single annual return. They cover company, trust, and partnership tax returns, financial reporting, BAS and IAS lodgements, PAYG compliance, and ongoing requirements from the ATO, your lenders, and your regulators. We manage these consistently, identify tax risk issues early, and take the burden off you so you can focus on running your business.
Meeting deadlines is the baseline. Managing your tax risk position is what takes compliance from a reactive chore to a genuine advantage for your business.
The ATO places increasing responsibility on businesses to demonstrate that their compliance processes are sound and their tax risk issues are identified and addressed before lodgement. Businesses that can show their processes are solid are in a much better position if a review or audit comes up.
We stay across the latest regulatory developments, including changes to GST laws, legislative changes, and ATO guidance, so your compliance stays up to date. We flag potential compliance and tax risk issues throughout the year, not just at year end.
Common compliance failure points:
The table below summarises the main recurring compliance obligations and who they apply to:
| Obligation | Who It Applies To | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Return | Companies, trusts, partnerships, and sole traders | Annual |
| Business Activity Statement (BAS) | Businesses registered for GST | Quarterly or monthly |
| Instalment Activity Statement (IAS) | Businesses and individuals not registered for GST | Quarterly |
| PAYG Withholding | Businesses with employees | Per pay run, reported periodically |
| PAYG Instalments | Businesses with predicted taxable income | Quarterly |
| Superannuation Guarantee | Employers with eligible employees | Per quarter |
| Financial Statements | Companies, trusts, and partnerships | Annual |
| ASIC Annual Review | Incorporated companies | Annual |
We manage the full range of annual and ongoing compliance obligations for your business structure, with an eye on accuracy, deadlines, and tax risk throughout the year.
We prepare and lodge annual income tax returns for companies, trusts, and partnerships, alongside taxation consulting advice throughout the year.
Whether your business reports quarterly or monthly, we manage your BAS and IAS preparation, GST calculations, and PAYG withholding figures so everything is accurate before lodgement.
We manage both PAYG withholding and PAYG instalments, making sure the right amounts are withheld, reported, and paid on time throughout the year.
Accurate financial statements are the foundation of reliable tax returns and a requirement for many business compliance obligations.
We manage ATO communications on your behalf, respond to queries, and represent your business in compliance reviews.
If the ATO initiates a review or audit of your business, having experienced support through the process makes a real difference to both the outcome and your stress levels.
Ongoing ASIC compliance is a separate but related obligation for incorporated companies. We coordinate ASIC annual review obligations through our Corporate Secretarial Services, keeping this tidy alongside your tax compliance. This covers annual company reviews, maintenance of the company register, director and shareholder records, and lodgement of changes to company details.
We provide remote business tax compliance support to clients across Australia. Whether you are based in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, or anywhere else in Australia, we manage your annual compliance obligations with the same consistency and care.
Most compliance work is handled remotely through clear processes and communication. In-person meetings are available on a case-by-case basis.
What is business tax compliance for an Australian small business?
Business tax compliance covers every recurring obligation your business has to the ATO and other regulators. For most Australian small businesses that includes the annual income tax return for your structure (company, trust, partnership, or sole trader), Business Activity Statements covering GST and PAYG, Instalment Activity Statements where they apply, PAYG withholding for employees, PAYG instalments, the superannuation guarantee, financial statements, and ASIC annual reviews for incorporated companies. It also covers responding to ATO correspondence, keeping records that support what you have lodged, and identifying tax risk issues before they become problems.
What is the difference between a BAS and an IAS?
A Business Activity Statement covers GST, PAYG withholding, and PAYG instalments, and is lodged by businesses registered for GST. An Instalment Activity Statement covers PAYG withholding and PAYG instalments for businesses that are not registered for GST. We manage both as part of your ongoing compliance.
When does a business need to register for GST in Australia?
GST registration is required once your business has, or expects to have, a GST turnover of $75,000 or more in any 12 month period. The threshold is $150,000 for not for profits, and there is no threshold for taxi and ride share drivers who must register from day one. You generally have 21 days from when you cross or expect to cross the threshold to register. You can also register voluntarily under the threshold if you want to claim GST credits on business purchases. We assess whether registration is required, register you with the ATO, choose the right BAS cycle (monthly, quarterly, or annually), and decide between cash or accruals accounting for GST.
What records should we keep to support ATO compliance?
At a minimum, keep accurate records of sales and income, expenses, receipts, invoices, and bank statements for seven years. We help clients put practical record-keeping systems in place so reporting stays accurate and review-ready year round.
What are the BAS lodgement due dates in Australia?
Quarterly BAS due dates are 28 October (Q1), 28 February (Q2), 28 April (Q3), and 28 July (Q4). Lodging through a registered tax or BAS agent generally adds about four weeks to most of these dates under the agent lodgement program. Monthly BAS is due on the 21st of the following month. Annual GST returns are lodged with the income tax return. Late lodgement can attract Failure to Lodge penalties and General Interest Charge. We track your due dates, prepare and lodge BAS through the agent program, and apply the extended dates where they are available.
What is the difference between a tax agent and a BAS agent?
Both are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board but they operate under different scopes. A BAS agent can prepare and lodge BAS, IAS, GST, PAYG withholding, payroll, and superannuation reporting, but cannot provide income tax advice or lodge income tax returns. A tax agent can do everything a BAS agent does plus prepare and lodge income tax returns, and advise on capital gains tax, fringe benefits tax, business structures, Division 7A, and tax planning. Simply Tax Solutions is registered as both a tax agent and a BAS agent, so your full compliance picture sits with one team.
How do you handle outstanding lodgements?
We work with businesses that come to us with outstanding lodgements regularly. We prioritise getting your obligations back on track, work through any ATO penalty and interest considerations, and put a structure in place to keep you up to date going forward.
Do you deal with the ATO on our behalf?
Yes. As registered tax agents, we can liaise with the ATO directly on your behalf. This includes responding to correspondence, managing payment arrangements, handling compliance reviews, and providing representation during tax audits.
Is the company tax rate 25% or 30% in Australia?
It depends on whether your company qualifies as a base rate entity. Base rate entities pay 25%, while the standard company tax rate is 30%. To qualify as a base rate entity, the company must have aggregated turnover under $50 million, and no more than 80% of its assessable income can be base rate entity passive income such as interest, dividends, rent, royalties, and net capital gains. Most active small and medium businesses pay 25%. Companies whose income is mostly passive investment income pay 30%. We assess base rate entity eligibility every year as part of your company tax return so the right rate is applied and franking credits are tracked correctly.
Can I lodge my own company tax return in Australia?
Yes, a director can lodge through the ATO Online services for business, but the self preparer lodgement program has earlier due dates than the registered agent program (most self prepared company returns are due 28 February or 31 October depending on the prior year tax position), and you take on full responsibility for accuracy. Companies have a higher review risk than individual returns because of franking accounts, Division 7A loans, trust distributions, base rate entity tests, and PSI rules. Lodging through a registered tax agent gives you the extended due date, ATO communication on your behalf, and a clear position if questions come up later.
Do you work with clients outside Queensland?
Yes. We provide business tax compliance support to clients across Australia through a structured remote model, with in person meetings available on a case-by-case basis.
A few recent Google reviews from clients who use us for business tax, bookkeeping and ongoing support.
Katiija Legood
“We’ve been with Simply Tax since starting our small business and couldn’t be happier. Always friendly, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable.”
Mike
“In all avenues of service Simply Tax has been excellent. For a first time ABN holder like me, the team has really been of great help.”
Rob Lynch
“Prompt and communication is excellent. Very happy with many years of service from Simply Tax Solutions.”
Sarah Roberts
“This is the second year we’ve used Simply Tax Solutions for our partnership return. Prompt, professional and helpful when preparing details for the ATO.”
Alistair Ogden
“A great choice as our tax agent. Gideon and the team are super friendly, always available to answer questions, and make organising tax so simple.”
Review excerpts shown for readability. Full reviews available on Google.
Whether you are starting a new business, implementing a growth strategy, or reviewing a structure that no longer serves you, we will help you make a clear, informed decision and set everything up properly from the beginning.
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