Tax Solutions
Understanding and managing your tax obligations can often feel overwhelming and confusing.
At North Coast Accounting, we help individuals, investors, sole traders, and businesses navigate the complexities of taxation with confidence, providing proactive advice that helps you minimise tax, maximise opportunities, and stay compliant.
With over 25 years of experience, our Wanneroo-based Chartered Accountants deliver tailored tax solutions for individuals, companies, trusts, partnerships, and self-managed super funds. Whether you need assistance with a simple tax return or complex taxation and compliance matters, we provide practical guidance and personalised strategies designed around your unique circumstances.
We believe effective tax management is about more than meeting deadlines and lodging returns. Our proactive approach focuses on identifying tax-saving opportunities, improving cash flow, reducing compliance risks, and helping you make informed financial decisions throughout the year.
When you partner with North Coast Accounting, you gain access to experienced tax professionals who take the time to understand your goals and provide clear, reliable advice. Our commitment is to help you keep more of what you earn, achieve greater financial certainty, and build a stronger financial future with confidence.
Our Expertise
Our experienced team offers expert service and advice, from essential tax requirements to the most complex of tax law issues. Our services include, but are not limited to:
Preparation & lodgement of Individual Tax Return covering:
Get every dollar back. Lodge with confidence.
Your tax return is more than a form — it's your opportunity to reclaim what you're owed. Our Chartered Accountants dig into the detail of your income, investments, and deductions so nothing is missed and every claim is defensible.
Whether your situation is straightforward or complex, we handle it accurately, explain it clearly, and have it lodged on time — with the refund you actually deserve.
What we cover:
- Salary/Wages
- Termination Payment
- Salary Sacrifice
- Rental Properties
- Cryptocurrency Trading
- Shares/Investment
- Capital Gain
- Contractor/Subcontractor
- FIFO Workers
- Non-Resident Tax
- Foreign Income
- Tax for Deceased and Deceased Estates
- Multiple Year Overdue Tax Return
Why clients choose us:
- Your tax is prepared by an Accountant/Tax Agent who has +25 years experience
- Help you maximise your refund by identifying all eligible deductions
- Proactive advice and clear communication
- Making tax time stress free
- Quick turnaround time
Preparation & lodgement of Business Tax Return covering:
Less tax. More profit. We handle the numbers.
Running a business is demanding enough without navigating the complexity of Australian tax law. At North Coast Accounting, we go beyond preparing and lodging your return — we work as your year-round tax partner, identifying opportunities to reduce your liability, protect your profits, and keep your business on solid financial ground.
Our Chartered Accountants take the time to understand your business — its structure, its goals, and its numbers — so every return we lodge is accurate, compliant, and built around getting you the best possible outcome.
Business structures we work with:
- Sole Trader
- Partnership
- Trust
- Company
- Self-Managed Super Fund
More than a tax agent — a business tax partner
Most accountants prepare your return after the year ends. We work with you throughout the year — reviewing your position, flagging planning opportunities, and making sure you're never caught off guard at tax time. For growing businesses, established enterprises, and family investment structures alike, our team provides the kind of personalised, proactive service that actually moves the needle.
What you gain?
- Lower tax bills- We identify every concession, deduction, and structuring opportunity available to your entity type — legally reducing what you owe.
- Better cash flow- Smart timing of income and expenses, PAYG instalment management, and tax-efficient distributions keep more cash in your business.
- Full ATO compliance- Accurate returns lodged on time, every time. No penalties, no late fees, no ATO letters to worry about.
- Strategic growth advice- Tax planning that aligns with where your business is headed — restructuring, expansion, succession, or exit.
- Time back in your day- Hand off the complexity and focus on running your business. We handle the compliance so you don't have to think about it.
- Advice you can act on- Clear, practical guidance — not generic recommendations. We explain your position and what you can do about it.
Let's talk about your business tax position
Book a free strategy call with one of our Chartered Accountants — no obligation, no jargon.
Preparation and lodgement of Activity Statements:
BAS done right. Every period, without the stress.
Whether you're a sole trader, growing business, company, or trust, our team delivers personalised support, expert advice, and peace of mind knowing your BAS obligations are in safe hands. Missing a BAS deadline or lodging incorrect figures can trigger ATO penalties, interest charges, and unwanted scrutiny. At North Coast Accounting, we take that risk off your plate entirely — preparing and lodging your activity statements accurately, on time, and with a thorough review that goes well beyond data entry.
Our Chartered Accountants dig into your financial records each period, catching discrepancies early, ensuring your GST and PAYG figures are correct, and giving you a clear picture of your business obligations before anything is submitted.
What we prepare and lodge:
- Business Activity Statement (BAS): Monthly or quarterly BAS prepared, reconciled against your accounts, and lodged via the ATO business portal. GST, PAYG withholding, and PAYG instalments all handled in one place.
- Instalment Activity Statement (IAS): IAS lodgement for businesses that report PAYG withholding or instalments outside of a standard BAS cycle — prepared accurately and submitted before each deadline.
- Fringe Benefit Tax Return (FBT): Annual FBT return prepared following a thorough review of employee benefits provided — cars, entertainment, loans, and expenses. We identify exempt benefits and minimise your FBT liability where possible.
What you gain?
- Zero penalties, zero late lodgements: We track every due date across your reporting obligations and lodge ahead of time — so ATO penalties and general interest charges never become a problem.
- Errors caught before lodgement: We review your source data each period rather than simply processing what's there. Coding errors, missing transactions, and GST classification issues are identified and corrected before anything reaches the ATO.
- Better visibility of your cash position: Knowing your GST and PAYG obligations each period lets you plan your cash flow with confidence — no unexpected tax bills eating into your working capital.
- Insights beyond compliance: Each period is an opportunity to review how your business is tracking. We flag trends, inconsistencies, and planning opportunities that a standard BAS service would miss.
- Time back in your business: Hand off your activity statement obligations entirely. No more scrambling at quarter end — we handle the preparation, review, and lodgement so you can stay focused on running your business.
Behind on your BAS — or want someone reliable to take it over?
Let us simplify your compliance requirements so you can focus on what matters most—running a successful and profitable business.
Preparation of the Financial Statements:
Know exactly where your business stands — every year.
Your financial statements are more than a compliance requirement. Done properly, they're one of the most useful tools you have — giving you a clear, accurate picture of how your business is performing, where your money is going, and what your next move should be.
What's Included?
- Profit & Loss statement: A clear view of your revenue, expenses, and net profit over the year
- Balance Sheet: Your business's assets, liabilities, and equity at year-end — in one place.
- Supporting Working Papers: Full account reconciliations and year-end adjustments behind every number.
- Compliance with AASB Standards: Prepared to meet all applicable accounting standards and legislative requirements.
Why it matters for your business?
- Tax compliance — done right: Accurate financials are the foundation of every tax return. Get this wrong and everything downstream is affected.
- Better decisions, backed by real numbers: Whether you're hiring, investing, or expanding — you need financials you can actually trust to make the call.
- Stronger position with banks and investors: Lenders and investors want professionally prepared financials. Well-presented statements open doors that rough records close.
- Peace of mind at year-end: No scrambling, no guesswork. We review your records, reconcile the accounts, and handle the year-end adjustments so the numbers are right.
At North Coast Accounting, our experienced Chartered Accountants prepare financial statements across all reporting tiers and entity types, ensuring every disclosure meets the applicable AASB standard and legislative requirement.
Property Tax advice for Investors:
Property is one of the biggest financial decisions most Australians ever make — and one of the easiest to get wrong at tax time. Moving in a year earlier, renting out a few months sooner, or selling a subdivided block instead of the whole lot can mean tens of thousands of dollars in capital gains tax.
At North Coast Accounting we help individuals, investors and families across Perth make confident, well-informed property decisions. We don't just complete your return after the fact — we help you plan before you buy, move, rent, subdivide or sell, so you understand the consequences while you can still do something about them.
We specialises in providing tax advice for every situation:
- Turning your home into an investment property
- Moving into a former investment property
- Subdivision and development of land
- Subdividing your main residence and selling a block
- SMSF property investment through an LRBA
- Airbnb and short-term rental of your home
- Capital gains tax for non-residents and foreign residents
- Estate and succession tax planning
Make your next property move with confidence. Let's talk it through.
- Preparing an objection to ATO Assessment
- Representing the client in case of ATO Audit
- Preparing a private binding ruling for your tax related situation
- Employer super guarantee compliance audit
An ATO audit or tax dispute can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At North Coast Accounting, we provide expert representation and strategic advice to help individuals and businesses navigate ATO reviews, audits, objections, and disputes with confidence.
Our experienced Chartered Accountants act on your behalf, managing communication with the ATO, reviewing your tax position, and preparing comprehensive responses to ensure your interests are protected. We work proactively to minimise potential penalties, reduce stress, and achieve the most favourable outcome possible.
Whether you have received an audit notice, are responding to an ATO review, or need assistance challenging an assessment, we provide practical solutions backed by extensive taxation expertise and a thorough understanding of Australian tax legislation.
Our goal is not only to resolve the immediate issue but also to strengthen your tax position for the future. With professional support, clear communication, and a results-focused approach, you can have confidence knowing your tax matters are being handled by trusted experts.
Don't let an ATO audit or tax dispute disrupt your business or personal finances. Contact our team today for expert guidance and dedicated support every step of the way.
Tax time checklist & deduction checklist to help you prepare for the tax:
Make tax time easier with our simple tax and deduction checklist designed to help you gather all the key information needed for an accurate and complete tax return.
By preparing the right documents in advance, you can ensure you don’t miss valuable deductions and help us maximise your refund while keeping your return fully compliant with Australian tax laws.
Our checklist covers common income sources, expenses, and deductions for individuals, investors, contractors, and small business owners—making tax time faster, smoother, and stress-free.
Tax Advice/Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to provide for my tax return?
To prepare your tax return accurately and maximise your deductions, you should provide documents that show your income, expenses, and any relevant investments or tax offsets. Attached is our tax checklist that will help you gather the documents for the appointment.
How long does it take to complete a tax return?
For a basic individual tax return, we can usually complete and lodge your tax return on the same day as your appointment.
For more complex tax returns involving rental properties, share trading, cryptocurrency, foreign income, business activities, or motor vehicle claims, our typical turnaround time is approximately two weeks after we have received all the necessary information and supporting documents.
What expenses are tax deductible and what can I claim in my tax return?
You may be able to claim deductions for expenses that are directly related to earning your income. To claim a deduction, you must generally have paid for the expense yourself and keep records to support your claim.
Common tax deductions include:
- Work-related vehicle and travel expenses
- Uniforms and protective clothing
- Self-education and training expenses
- Professional memberships and subscriptions
- Home office expenses
- Tools and equipment used for work
- Mobile phone and internet expenses used for work purposes
- Union fees
- Accounting and tax agent fees
- Donations to registered charities
- Income protection insurance premiums (if held outside superannuation)
Additional deductions may be available for:
- Sole traders and contractors
- Cryptocurrency investors and traders
Before you lodge your tax return, ensure you meet the ATO's three golden rules:
1.You must have spent the money and not been reimbursed.
2.The expense must directly relate to earning your income.
3.You must have a record (like a receipt) to prove it
The deductions available depend on your occupation, income sources, and individual circumstances. Our team can help identify all legitimate deductions you may be entitled to claim while ensuring compliance with Australian tax laws.
Attached is the tax deduction checklist.
Can I claim my car as a work expense?
Yes, you may be able to claim car expenses, but it depends on how you use the vehicle and whether it is for work or business purposes.
You generally cannot claim 100% of your car expenses unless the vehicle is used exclusively for business. Instead, you can claim the business-use portion.
If you are an employee:
You can claim car expenses if:
- You use your car for work-related travel (not commuting to and from home)
- You keep records such as a logbook or travel diary (depending on the method used)
If you are a business owner (sole trader, company, or trust):
You may be able to claim:
- Fuel
- Registration and insurance
- Repairs and servicing
- Depreciation of the vehicle
- Interest on car loans (if applicable)
Two main methods to claim:
- Logbook method: You claim the business-use percentage based on a 12-week logbook.
- Cents per kilometre method: A simplified method for up to a limited number of business kilometres.
Important considerations:
- Private use is not deductible
- Proper records must be kept to support your claims
- The method you choose can impact how much you can claim
We can review your situation and help determine the most tax-effective way to claim your car expenses while ensuring compliance with ATO rules.
Click on the link for more information:
https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/income-and-deductions-for-business/deductions/deductions-for-motor-vehicle-expenses
I have an electric vehicle-how can I claim its expenses in my tax return?
If you have an electric vehicle (EV), how you claim it in your tax return depends on whether you use it for work and whether you’re an employee, contractor, or running a business.
If the EV is used for work purposes, you can usually claim either:
1. Cents per kilometre method
- You can claim a set rate per work-related kilometre (up to 5,000 km per year per car)
- This is the simplest method
- You don’t need detailed fuel/electricity records, but you must be able to show how you estimated work travel
2. Logbook (actual cost) method
This is more detailed but often gives a higher deduction. You can claim the work-use percentage of:
- Electricity/charging costs (home charging or public charging)
- Depreciation of the EV (vehicle value spread over its effective life)
- Insurance, registration, servicing, tyres, repairs
- Loan interest (if the car is financed)
- Charging equipment (like home wall charger depreciation or deduction)
You’ll need: - A 12-week logbook showing work vs private use
- Records of all running costs (especially electricity invoices or charging statements)
Important EV-specific point:
For EVs, you don’t claim fuel — instead you claim electricity used for charging, which can be calculated using:
- Home electricity bills + reasonable EV usage calculation, or
- Public charging receipts, or
- A combination with ATO-accepted reasonable methods
If you’re a business owner or sole trader:
You can also structure claims under business use, and GST may apply depending on your registration.
Key rule:
You can only claim the work-related portion, not private use.
Do I Have to Pay Tax on Foreign Income?
If you are an Australian tax resident, you are generally required to declare and pay tax on your worldwide income, including income earned from overseas.
Foreign income may include:
- Salary and wages earned overseas
- Foreign pensions
- Rental income from overseas properties
- Interest from foreign bank accounts
- Overseas dividends
- Capital gains from foreign investments
- Foreign business income
In many cases, if you have already paid tax in another country, you may be able to claim a Foreign Income Tax Offset (FITO) to reduce the amount of Australian tax payable and avoid double taxation.
If you are a non-resident for Australian tax purposes, different rules apply, and you may only be taxed on your Australian-sourced income.
As foreign income tax rules can be complex, we recommend seeking professional advice to ensure all income is reported correctly and any available tax offsets are claimed.
How come I spent $1200, but don’t get a $1200 refund?
This is one of the most common misconceptions about tax deductions.
A tax deduction reduces your taxable income, not your tax bill dollar-for-dollar. The actual tax benefit depends on your marginal tax rate.
For example, if you spent $1,200 on a deductible work-related expense and your marginal tax rate is 30%, the tax saving would be approximately $360, not $1,200.
This means the net cost to you is approximately $840 after the tax benefit.
The amount of your tax refund depends on several factors, including your income, tax withheld by your employer, tax offsets, and other deductions claimed during the year.
Our team can help explain how deductions affect your tax position and ensure you are claiming all deductions you are legally entitled to.
Amounts paid into superannuation by your employer to meet the Superannuation Guarantee obligations and amounts paid under a salary sacrifice arrangement are called concessional contributions.
Salary sacrificing into super involves asking your employer to redirect a portion of your pre-tax pay into your super fund. These contributions are taxed at a rate of 15% in the super fund. For most, this is a lower rate of tax than their marginal tax rate.
A. Concessional Contributions Cap (Main Limit)
Salary sacrifice contributions count toward your concessional contributions cap.
For most people, the cap is:
- $30,000 per financial year (from 2024–25 onwards)
This include: - Employer Super Guarantee (SG) contributions
- Salary sacrifice contributions
- Personal deductible contributions
B. What happens if you go over the cap?
If you exceed the cap:
- The excess is taxed at your marginal tax rate (plus interest adjustments)
- It can reduce the tax benefit of contributing extra
C. Can I carry forward unused cap?
Yes. If your total super balance is under $500,000, you may be able to carry forward unused concessional caps from previous years for up to 5 years.
D. Why salary sacrifice is popular:
- Contributions are taxed at 15% inside super (generally lower than personal tax rates)
- Can reduce your taxable income
- Helps with long-term retirement savings
E. Important considerations:
- Money is generally locked away until retirement (preservation rules apply)
- Contribution limits include employer SG contributions, not just salary sacrifice
- High-income earners may face additional tax (Division 293 tax if applicable)
In short:
Yes, you can salary sacrifice into super, but you must stay within the concessional cap (generally $30,000 per year, including employer contributions).
Check your employment agreement or speak with your employer before arranging salary sacrifice into super.
Is it a good idea to salary sacrifice into superannuation to reduce my tax bill?
If you salary sacrifice into superannuation this will attract a contributions tax of 15%. For the 2026 year, if you are a middle income earner, with income of between $45,000 and $135,000, your marginal tax rate (including medicare) will be 32%, so salary sacrificing into your super will save you a significant amount of tax.
However, any amounts that are sacrificed into superannuation will also be taken into account for the income tests that determine liability to pay the Medicare levy surcharge and the entitlement to claim dependent tax rebates and seniors tax offsets.
If you are in a lower tax bracket (between $18,200 and $45,000) for the 2026 and the marginal tax rate will be 16%, however you may also pay an additional 2% medicare levy. The tax saving in this tax bracket is minimal. This does not mean you should not consider contributing money to your super, but it might be more beneficial to make after tax contributions, and take advantage of the government superannuation co-contribution. This can either be done through your employer or by you making your own contributions directly to your super
Below link for more info:
https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/growing-and-keeping-track-of-your-super/how-to-save-more-in-your-super/salary-sacrificing-super
Do I have to pay Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS)?
You only pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) if all of the following apply:
1. Your income is above the threshold limits:
- Single: above $101,000–$105,000 (depending on the financial year)
- Family/couple: above $202,000–$210,000
The threshold increases if you have dependent children.
2. You do NOT have eligible private hospital cover
You must have an approved private hospital insurance policy (not just extras cover).
3. How much is the surcharge?
If applicable, MLS is charged at:
- 1% to 1.5% of your income depending on how high your income is above the threshold.
You are a temporary resident and, if your income for surcharge purposes is over the relevant threshold amount, you may be liable to pay the Medicare levy surcharge. The policy that you have is not sufficient to provide you with an exemption from the levy. However, if you are not eligible for Medicare benefits, you may be able to apply for a Medicare levy exemption, which will also exempt you from the surcharge. For more information contact us on 9306 8888.
Why do I have to pay Medicare levy surcharge even though I have private hospital cover?
You’re paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) even though you have private hospital cover because the rule is not just about you — it’s about your family situation.
The key rule (this is where most people get confused)
For MLS purposes, it’s not just about you. The ATO looks at your family situation, meaning:
- You
- Your spouse (or de facto partner)
- Your dependent children (if applicable)
ALL of you must have appropriate private hospital cover to avoid MLS (if your income is above the threshold).
Important clarification
- The MLS is calculated based on your individual taxable income
- But the exemption depends on whether the whole family unit is covered
So: - You may pay MLS on your income
- Your wife may also have her own MLS liability depending on how tax is assessed
Simple example
If: - Combined income is above ~$105k (single equivalent) / ~$210k (family threshold)
- Only one partner has hospital cover
MLS usually still applies for the uncovered spouse (and in some cases both, depending on income split)
Practical advice (what people usually do)
To avoid MLS completely, couples typically either:
- Take out family hospital cover, OR
- Ensure both partners are individually covered
I am self-employed and have paid personal superannuation contributions all year. What can I claim?
Provided that you satisfy the eligibility criteria, you will be able to claim a deduction for the superannuation contributions you have made to a complying superannuation fund or retirement savings account.
The maximum concessional superannuation contribution (which includes employers superannuation contributions, salary sacrificed super and personal deductible contributions) is $30,000 for the 2025 and 2026 year. However, if you have a total superannuation balance of less than $500,000 at the end of the year prior to making the contribution, and you have not used all of your cap in previous years, you may be able to contribute more by utilising your unused cap amounts. Unused cap amounts can be carried forward for up to 5 years.
You must have first notified your superannuation fund of your intention to make the claim and received a confirmation.
Take the next step
Book your free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step towards smarter tax planning, better business decisions and long-term financial success.