Business structuring advice

Understand the types of business structures that suit you best

Your business structure will define the advantages, risks, tax implications and administrative challenges you’ll have to manage going forward. Our award-winning advisors will help you build the right foundation for your success.

Liston Newton Advisory
Liston Newton Advisory is rated 4.8 from 32 reviews

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An award-winning Australian accounting firm

SMSF multi service firm of the year awardSMSF customer service firm of the year awardIfa innovator of the year awardIfa holistic adviser of the year award

Australian business structures

While there can be overlap, every structure is unique, and being able to define their traits and take advantage of the most relevant ones could be the difference between a hobbling business and a competitive one.

Business structuring services tailored to your needs

We don’t need to tell you how challenging settling on a business structure is. It's one of the first decisions every owner needs to make, and we know you’ve crossed this bridge before. But, as your business evolves, its needs may, too. You’ll be overseeing more complex operations, managing larger teams, and generating greater revenue. You need a structure that can minimise your tax obligations, protect your assets and grow the wealth you’ve already built.

We’ll explain the various business structures Australia allows and explain the factors you need to consider, such as:

  • Tax obligations | Understand which structures are taxed at individual and corporate rates, why, and how you may be able to minimise your tax liability.
  • Person asset risk | Growth comes with risk, and business can fail despite an owner’s best efforts. We can help you protect your personal wealth from business debts.
  • Administration complexity | The more complex the structure, the more rigorous your compliance and reporting obligations will be. We’ll keep your structure clean and tidy.

Sorting out your structure is just one step. We’ll help you take the rest.

Talk to us

We are your full-service business advisors

Liston Newton has been around for over 40 years; our senior business advisors and business accountants have been in the industry longer than that. We’ve worked with businesses of all sizes and helped them scale through innumerable challenges. 

Understanding, assessing and selecting a new structure is just one facet of what we can do for you. We’ve learned that long-term partnerships are the best way to provide meaningful advice and design effective strategies, and that is why we’ll make it our mission to earn your trust and the right to be your long-term advisors.

Our broader business advisory services

  • Financial reporting
  • BAS returns
  • ASIC compliance
  • Inventory management
  • Tax payments
  • Bookkeeping services
  • Analysis and strategic advisory services

Expertise you can trust

From business structuring to tax advice, we’ll provide all the knowledge you need to run a successful business.

Our methodology for business success

Our larger goal is to help our clients achieve the financial freedom they need to pursue their personal and professional goals without fear. To do that, we’ve developed a holistic approach we call Get Set, Get Moving, Get Free. Here’s how it works.

Get set

We’ll discuss your long-term goals while stabilising your business to ensure it’s safe and profitable.

Get moving

We develop business improvement and wealth-building strategies and then help you action on them.

Get free

Finally, we help you protect your assets and fortify your business, giving you the freedom to do as you wish.

We help structure businesses in all Australian industries

“It's been incredible!”

Kieran Liston and the Liston Newton team have been assisting me with my accounting matters since 1976. For the past 47 years, Kieran and the Liston Newton team have provided reliable accounting assistance, which has allowed me to focus on my business in primary production.

Their exceptional service has consistently exceeded my expectations and made me feel that they truly care about my financial well-being.

Brian Downes

Liston Newton has given me really helpful guidance over the years for both my business and my personal finances. When you have an accounting team that you trust to give the right advice, it gives you the confidence to focus on growing your business and doing the things you love.

Kate Nixon
Founder, Kat The Label

Liston Newton helped us move our accounting over to Xero. Their Accountant managed the set up and training so we felt comfortable with the software. We now have all our processes streamlined which gives us improved visibility of our business performance. This has allowed us to open 2 more stores without a significant increase in administration effort.

Peter Luskan
Pandora

Meet your advisors

We advise businesses anywhere in Australia

While our offices are primarily across the East, we have the capabilities to work closely with businesses in any Australian state and territory, whether they’re in the heart of a capital CBD or a regional town. While you’re always welcome in our offices, we’re more than willing to come out to you, or to set up a virtual consultation for your ease.

Frequently asked questions

Should I be operating as a company or a sole trader?

Many factors will influence your decision to operate as a sole trader or another business structure, such as a company. Your personal circumstances and the nature of your business will determine which structure is right for you.

Each business structure has strengths and weaknesses concerning tax minimisation and asset protection. The key is to match these with your personal circumstances and long-term goals to find the right fit.

How do I set up a business?

Apart from choosing the correct structure, there are several other considerations when setting up a new business in Australia. You will need to register for GST, open separate bank accounts for the business, apply for business names, and establish an accounting system to keep appropriate records. A good business adviser can assist with these steps during your business setup process.

Why is a business structure so important?

Choosing the correct business structure is crucial as it can significantly affect your business in terms of tax minimisation and protection from potential risks. Getting this right from the start is essential. While you can change structures in the future, there may be certain restrictions, including capital gains consequences in many cases. Establishing the right business structure from the outset is one of the most important aspects of your business setup.

What’s the best structure for my business?

Different business structures offer varying tax rates, concessions, and the ability to stream profits to associated individuals or entities. Each business will have an ideal structure to minimise tax as much as possible.

When choosing the right structure, consider future plans such as:

  • Am I planning on selling my business in the near future?
  • How big do I plan on growing my business?
  • What do I want to do with the profits from my business?
  • Do I want to reinvest profits or take them for personal wealth?
  • Do I want to bring on other investors or employees?

How you answer these questions will influence which business structure is right for you.

Related resources

Let’s talk

Start your business with the best possible foundation. We can help you choose the right structure.

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