Accounting & Taxation

When it comes to income tax, knowing what you can claim — and doing it correctly — can make a big difference.

At Indigo Financial, we don’t just lodge your tax return. We take the time to understand your individual or business circumstances so you receive the full benefit of every deduction you’re entitled to claim.

Whether you’re a salaried employee, contractor, investor, or business owner, our Adelaide accountants help you navigate Australia’s complex tax system. We identify allowable deductions, find tax-saving opportunities, and optimise your tax position.

From work-related expenses and investment income to offsets and rebates, we make sure nothing is missed. In addition, we provide proactive advice to help you plan ahead, minimise your tax liability, and maximise your refund year after year.

Our team focuses on accuracy, timeliness, and compliance — but we also go further, helping you structure your finances to achieve better outcomes over time.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) can have a big impact on the profitability of your investments. However, with the right planning, it doesn’t have to come as an unwelcome surprise.

CGT applies when you sell assets such as shares, property, or other investments, and the profit (or gain) you make becomes part of your taxable income. Because the rules can be complex, many investors are caught off guard by how much tax they owe when selling an asset.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants help you plan ahead with practical, tax-effective strategies to reduce your CGT liability and retain more of your hard-earned wealth.

For example, we help you assess the best timing for a sale, use available exemptions, and structure ownership correctly. In addition, we explain the long-term impact of each decision so you can plan with confidence.

Smart CGT planning doesn’t just save tax — it helps you make better investment choices and protect your future returns.

Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting or growing a business in Australia. The structure you choose affects how much tax you pay, your level of personal liability, your compliance requirements, and how easily you can attract new investors or sell the business.

Common structures include sole trader, partnership, company, and trust — each with its own advantages, risks, and tax implications. Because of this, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants work closely with business owners to assess goals, risk profile, and long-term plans before recommending the most tax-effective structure. In addition, we explain how each option impacts your profit, cash flow, and personal protection so you can make confident, informed decisions.

Whether you’re starting out, expanding, or planning for succession, we’ll ensure your structure supports profitability, safeguards assets, and aligns with your overall business strategy — now and into the future.

Salary packaging, also known as salary sacrificing, is a tax-effective remuneration strategy available to many Australian employees. It allows you to structure your income so that certain approved benefits are paid from your pre-tax earnings rather than from your after-tax salary.

Instead of receiving your entire wage as cash, you can allocate part of your income towards eligible expenses or benefits. Because this reduces your taxable income, it can mean paying less tax while still accessing valuable items and services such as cars, laptops, superannuation contributions, or even mortgage repayments in specific cases.

However, salary packaging arrangements must comply with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) guidelines, and not all employers offer the same options. Common benefits include:

• Extra superannuation contributions above the compulsory amount

• Novated car leases

• Portable electronic devices and work-related expenses

• Living expense benefits for employees in the not-for-profit sector (eligible for Fringe Benefits Tax concessions)

For people working in health, education, or charitable organisations, the potential tax savings can be significant because of the higher allowable limits.

While salary packaging can offer genuine tax advantages, it’s important to consider the effect on your other entitlements — including superannuation, leave loading, and termination payments. In addition, FBT rules may apply to certain packaged benefits, so each arrangement needs to be structured correctly.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants help clients understand, assess, and set up salary packaging strategies that suit their personal circumstances. We’ll ensure your approach is both compliant and effective, giving you confidence that you’re making the most of your income.

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is a separate tax applied to certain non-cash benefits provided by employers to their employees or associates. These benefits can be a valuable part of an employee’s remuneration package. However, they also create specific tax obligations that businesses need to manage carefully.

Common examples of fringe benefits include:

• Allowing an employee to use a company car for personal purposes

• Providing low-interest or interest-free loans

• Reimbursing private expenses such as school fees

• Offering entertainment benefits such as meals, drinks, or event tickets

Because the Fringe Benefits Tax rules can be complex, it’s important to understand how they apply to your business. Incorrect reporting or valuations can lead to unnecessary tax or penalties.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants provide clear, practical FBT advice to help employers meet their obligations and avoid costly mistakes. We calculate the taxable value of benefits provided, prepare FBT returns, and implement strategies to manage or minimise your FBT liability.

In addition, we help you design remuneration packages that remain compliant while maximising tax efficiency — giving you confidence that your FBT obligations are under control.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad-based 10% tax applied to most goods, services, and other items sold or consumed in Australia.
If your business is registered for GST, you’re responsible for collecting this tax from your customers and reporting it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) — usually through your Business Activity Statement (BAS).

Because GST rules can be complex, accurate reporting is essential. In addition, deadlines are strict, so even small errors or delays can result in penalties or cash flow problems.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants help businesses manage their GST and BAS obligations with confidence. We assist with registration, record keeping, compliance, and lodgement — ensuring every return is accurate, timely, and fully compliant.

Our team ensures your GST is correctly calculated, properly documented, and submitted on time, so you can focus on running your business rather than worrying about tax reporting.

Payroll tax is a state and territory-based tax that applies when an employer’s total Australian wages exceed a set threshold.
The thresholds and rates vary between jurisdictions and are reviewed regularly, so it’s important to stay up to date.

Because payroll tax rules differ across states, even small businesses can become liable sooner than expected — especially if they employ staff in multiple locations. In addition, the rates and exemptions often change from year to year, so regular review is essential.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants provide clear payroll tax advice to help employers understand their obligations, register correctly, and avoid penalties. We’ll also help you forecast payroll growth to determine when your business might cross a threshold.

2024–25 Payroll Tax Thresholds and Rates by Jurisdiction

• South Australia: Threshold: $1.5 million annually. Rates: Variable from 0% to 4.95% for wages between $1.5 million and $1.7 million; 4.95% for wages above $1.7 million.

• New South Wales: Threshold: $1.2 million annually. Rate: 5.45%.

• Victoria: Threshold: $900,000 annually (rising to $1 million from 1 July 2025). Rates: 4.85% standard; 1.2125% for regional employers.

• Queensland: Threshold: $1.3 million annually. Rates: 4.75% for employers with wages up to $6.5 million; 4.95% for wages above $6.5 million.

• Western Australia: Threshold: $1 million annually. Rate: 5.5%.

• Tasmania: Thresholds: Up to $1.25 million – 0%; $1.25 million to $2 million – 4%; above $2 million – 6.1%.

• Northern Territory: Threshold: $1.5 million annually. Rate: 5.5%.

• Australian Capital Territory: Threshold: $2 million annually. Rate: 6.85%.

Thresholds and rates may change, so always confirm current figures before making decisions.

To discuss how payroll tax may affect your business, call Indigo Financial on (08) 8212 8585 for personalised advice.

Estate planning is about much more than simply having a will. It’s about having a clear, legally sound plan to protect your assets and make sure your wishes are carried out — both during your lifetime and after you’re gone.

A well-considered estate plan helps ensure that your loved ones are cared for and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also reduces the risk of unnecessary stress, uncertainty, or disputes for your family.

In addition, a strong plan outlines how decisions about your health, finances, and personal care should be made if you’re ever unable to make them yourself.

Typical components of an effective estate plan may include:

• A legally valid will

• Superannuation death benefit nominations

• Testamentary trusts for family protection and tax effectiveness

• Powers of Attorney (for financial and legal decisions)

• Enduring Guardianship (for medical and personal decisions)

• Advanced care directives outlining your future healthcare wishes

At Indigo Financial, we work closely with trusted legal and estate planning professionals in Adelaide to help ensure your plan reflects your personal wishes. Our goal is to provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for you and your family.

A review or audit from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can happen at any time — and being prepared makes all the difference.

An ATO audit is an official examination of your financial affairs to determine whether you’ve met your obligations under tax or superannuation law. The ATO may check whether you’ve declared all assessable income, correctly claimed deductions and offsets, and complied with reporting and record-keeping requirements.

These reviews can vary in complexity. In some cases, you might receive a simple phone call or letter asking for clarification. However, a full audit may involve in-depth analysis or even a site visit from ATO officers. You may also be required to provide detailed financial records and supporting documents.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants help you stay audit-ready by maintaining clear, compliant financial records and proactively managing your tax affairs. In addition, if an audit or review does occur, we provide full ATO audit assistance — communicating with the ATO on your behalf, preparing all documentation, and guiding you through every step of the process.

Because preparation brings peace of mind, we focus on keeping you confident, compliant, and ready — no matter when the ATO calls.

Business benchmarking is a powerful way to see how your business is performing compared to others in your industry. It helps you understand what’s working well — and where there’s room for improvement.

By comparing key financial and operational data against industry benchmarks, you gain valuable insights into profitability, productivity, expenses, and cashflow performance. Because the process is data-driven, it gives you a clear roadmap to improve results and stay competitive.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants use business benchmarking tools to help clients identify strengths, address weaknesses, and set achievable growth targets. In addition, benchmarking highlights where efficiencies can be improved and profits increased — often revealing opportunities that aren’t immediately obvious.

It’s a simple yet powerful way to measure progress, improve performance, and build long-term business value.

Property transactions can have significant tax implications — whether you’re buying, selling, developing, or investing. Because each situation is different, getting the right advice early can save time, money, and stress.

Every property deal involves important financial considerations, including Capital Gains Tax (CGT), GST, stamp duty, ownership structure, and loan setup. However, with proper planning, these factors can be managed effectively to support your long-term financial and investment goals.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants provide expert property tax advice and guidance on all types of property transactions. We help you understand the tax and compliance requirements, manage cash flow and finance implications, and ensure each transaction is structured correctly from the start.

Whether it’s your first property purchase or part of a growing investment portfolio, we’ll help you minimise tax exposure, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.

Asset protection is about safeguarding the wealth you’ve worked hard to build. It ensures that what you’ve created is protected from unexpected risks and challenges — both in business and in life.

Unexpected events can happen at any time — from legal action and business disputes to financial difficulties or creditor claims. Without the right structures in place, your personal and business assets could be exposed.

At Indigo Financial, our Adelaide accountants help you design smart asset protection strategies to secure your wealth now and into the future. This may include establishing the right business structures, creating or reviewing trusts, separating personal and business assets, or assessing your insurance coverage.

In addition, we regularly review existing arrangements to make sure they remain effective as your circumstances evolve. Our goal is to give you a strong financial foundation that shields your assets from unnecessary risk and provides lasting peace of mind.

At Indigo Financial, we understand that accurate, efficient bookkeeping is the foundation of every successful business. It provides the clarity and control you need to make confident decisions and manage your finances effectively.

Our bookkeeping services are designed to give business owners confidence, visibility, and peace of mind — while freeing up valuable time to focus on running the business. Because accuracy matters, we make sure every transaction is correctly recorded and every report tells the full story.

We tailor each solution to suit the needs of your business. Using the latest technology — including Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks — we streamline financial processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely insights.

Our bookkeeping services include:

• Financial record maintenance

• Accounts payable and receivable management

• Bank reconciliations

• Payroll processing and compliance

• BAS and IAS preparation and lodgement

• Financial reporting to support better business decisions

In addition, we take a proactive approach to help you stay organised, compliant, and in control. With industry expertise and a commitment to personal service, Indigo Financial’s Adelaide and Broken Hill bookkeeping team ensures your numbers are accurate, up to date, and working for you.