Straight answers
Frequently asked questions, answered by the people who do the work
The questions we hear every week about starting, running and paying tax on a business in Australia. Can't find yours? Ask us directly.
Ask us anything
Real questions get real answers
If your question is not below, send it over: business questions start with a consultation.
Starting a business
How long does it take to register a company?
With details and structure confirmed, most Pty Ltd companies are registered with ASIC the same business day; ABN, TFN and GST follow within days. See Company Registration.
Should I be a sole trader or a company?
Sole trader for low-risk starts (simple, nearly free); company for growth (limited liability, flat rate, more obligations). Full comparison: Sole Trader vs Company.
Do I need an ABN, an ACN or both?
Do I need to register for GST?
Only from $75,000 turnover a year (immediately for taxi/rideshare). Below that it's optional and sometimes smart. See GST.
Can foreigners open a company in Australia?
Yes, but at least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia. We guide foreign founders through it, in English or Spanish. Start at Business Setup.
Running a business
How much does an accountant cost?
At MAS, fixed fees agreed upfront: BAS from $200 and fixed monthly packages for business accounting. See Pricing.
When is my BAS due?
Standard quarterly dates: 28 October, 28 February, 28 April, 28 July. Agent lodgement often extends them. Details: BAS Lodgement.
My books are months behind. Can you fix them?
Yes, catch-up bookkeeping is one of our most common jobs: backlog reconciled, errors fixed, system left running.
What do I need before hiring my first employee?
PAYG withholding registration, STP-ready payroll software, a super process and workers comp insurance. We set it up: Payroll.
What ASIC obligations does my company have?
Annual review (fee + solvency resolution), keeping details current (mostly within 28 days of changes) and responding to correspondence. We handle it as your agent: ASIC Compliance.
Individual tax
How much is a tax return with MAS?
From $170 (TFN income) or $200 (with ABN income), prepared and lodged online by a registered agent. Start here: Individual Tax Return.
Is 31 October the deadline?
For self-lodgers, yes. Register with an agent before 31 October and you generally get extended deadlines, often well into the following year.
What can I claim as deductions?
Work expenses you paid yourself, related to earning your income, with records. Full guide: Tax Deductions.
I have ABN income. Is my return different?
It includes a business schedule with your income, expenses and PAYG instalments. From $200: Sole Trader Tax Return.
Working with MAS
Do you speak Spanish?
Sí. Todos los servicios están disponibles en inglés o español, incluidas consultas y declaraciones. Conoce al equipo en About MAS.
Do you work outside your city?
Yes, all of Australia, fully online with secure document handling and video consultations.
How do consultations work?
Book a consultation and we review your structure, obligations and opportunities with you. Individual tax returns do not need one: they follow a direct fixed-fee process from $170.
Who will I actually talk to?
A director: Roberto (Registered Tax Agent, ASIC Agent) or Rovin (Chartered Accountant, law background). Meet them.
Didn't find your question?
Send it to us. Business questions start with a consultation; tax returns start from $170.