Tailored Business Structures
The right structure protects your assets, minimises your tax, and positions your business for growth. The wrong one does the opposite.
When Your Structure Works Against You
Many business owners are operating in structures that were set up years ago, often by a previous accountant who didn't ask enough questions, or during a startup phase when the business looked very different. A sole trader structure made sense at $200K turnover. At $1.5M, it's costing you tens of thousands in unnecessary tax and exposing your personal assets to business risk.
Outdated structures create compounding problems. You pay more tax than necessary because income can't be distributed efficiently. Your personal home and savings are exposed because there's no separation between you and the business. You can't bring in partners or investors because the structure doesn't allow it. You can't sell the business cleanly because everything is tangled together.
The longer you wait to address structural issues, the more expensive and complex the restructuring becomes. CGT events, stamp duty, and transfer costs all increase as the business grows in value.
Structures Designed for Where You're Going, Not Where You've Been
BVM designs business structures based on your current situation and your future plans. We consider your risk profile, your growth trajectory, your family situation, your asset protection needs, and your eventual exit strategy, then recommend a structure that serves all of these.
For a tradie in Oran Park who's grown from sole trader to $2M turnover with three employees, that might mean a company with a discretionary trust as shareholder, providing asset protection, income splitting flexibility, and a clean entity for eventual sale. For a professional services firm, it might be a unit trust structure that allows easy admission of new partners.
We don't just recommend structures, we implement them. We handle the entity setup, ABN and TFN registration, bank accounts, and ensure all existing contracts, leases, and registrations are properly transitioned. And we review structures annually to ensure they still serve your evolving needs.
What's Included
- ✓Comprehensive structure review and recommendation
- ✓Entity establishment (company, trust, or combination)
- ✓ABN, TFN, and GST registration for new entities
- ✓Asset protection analysis and implementation
- ✓Income distribution strategy and documentation
- ✓Restructuring advice including CGT rollover relief assessment
- ✓Annual structure review aligned to changing circumstances
- ✓Shareholder and unit holder agreements guidance
Who Is This For?
This is for business owners who suspect their current structure is costing them money or exposing them to unnecessary risk. If you are still operating as a sole trader above $200K turnover, if your structure was set up more than five years ago without review, or if your business has changed significantly since your structure was established, it is time for a professional assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best business structure for a small business in Australia?+
There is no single best structure, it depends on your turnover, risk profile, number of owners, growth plans, and personal circumstances. Common options include sole trader, partnership, company, discretionary trust, and combinations. We assess your specific situation and recommend the structure that optimises tax, protects assets, and supports your goals.
When should I change from sole trader to a company or trust structure?+
The tipping point is usually when your taxable income exceeds $120K–$150K, when you take on employees or significant contracts, or when your personal assets are at risk from business activities. At these points, the tax savings and asset protection benefits of a company or trust typically outweigh the additional compliance costs.
How does a discretionary trust protect my personal assets?+
A discretionary trust separates business assets and income from your personal name. If the business faces legal action or financial difficulty, your personal assets (home, savings, investments) are generally protected because they are not owned by the entity that incurred the liability. However, proper setup and ongoing compliance are essential for this protection to hold.
What are the tax implications of restructuring my business?+
Restructuring can trigger CGT events, stamp duty, and GST implications. However, rollover relief provisions exist that can defer or eliminate these costs in many cases. We assess eligibility for all available concessions before recommending a restructure, and we model the costs against the long-term benefits to ensure the change makes financial sense.
Can I set up a trust to reduce my tax as a business owner?+
A discretionary trust allows income to be distributed to beneficiaries on lower tax rates, which can significantly reduce the overall family tax burden. However, trusts must be established and operated correctly to achieve these benefits. Recent ATO scrutiny on trust distributions means proper documentation and genuine arrangements are essential. We ensure everything is compliant while maximising legitimate benefits.
Let's See If We're The Right Fit
We will take the time to understand your business, what support you need and whether BVM is the right partner moving forward.
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