Structure and registrations
Compare sole trader, company, trust or partnership questions and identify ABN, TFN, GST, PAYG withholding and other registrations.
Starting a business
Start the business with the financial foundations in place.
A useful setup covers more than an ABN. The structure, registrations, bank accounts, software, invoicing, payroll and cash plan should work together from the first transaction.
A clear starting point
Build the system you will still want when the business grows.
Oceania ANZ helps founders make the early accounting decisions in the right order. Legal or financial advice is coordinated with appropriately licensed advisers where the decision sits outside accounting and tax work.
What we cover
The records and decisions to get clear first.
Banking and records
Separate business banking, owner funds, expenses, receipts and record retention from the beginning.
Software and invoicing
Configure Xero, MYOB or another suitable system with a useful chart of accounts, invoice settings and bank feeds.
Cash and tax plan
Estimate setup costs, working capital, GST, income tax, PAYG instalments, wages and superannuation before cash is committed.
How it works
A practical path from first conversation to completed work.
Business model
Explain what you will sell, who pays, expected costs, staffing and any partners or investors.
Setup decisions
Confirm the accounting and tax actions needed before trading begins.
System build
Set up banking, software, invoice flow, payroll and record-keeping responsibilities.
First-year calendar
Map BAS, payroll, superannuation, tax and annual reporting dates with a regular review rhythm.
Frequently asked questions
Questions people ask before getting started.
Should I register for GST immediately?
It depends on expected turnover, the type of activity and whether voluntary registration is useful. The decision should be made using the current Australian registration rules and the business forecast.
Do I need a company?
Not every business does. Structure affects tax, asset protection, administration, ownership and future changes, so it should be considered before registrations and contracts are locked in.
Which accounting software should I use?
The best fit depends on invoicing, payroll, inventory, reporting, integrations and who will maintain the records. The setup should follow the workflow rather than the logo.
How much cash should I keep aside for tax?
The amount depends on profit, GST registration, wages, entity type and instalment arrangements. A first-year cash plan can set practical transfer amounts and review points.
Next step
Book a startup accounting appointment.
Bring the business idea, expected revenue, likely costs and ownership plan. We will help identify the next setup decisions in the right order.