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How to Avoid FBT on a Company Car (Without the Headache)

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How to Avoid FBT on a Company Car : If you’ve ever looked into giving yourself or an employee a company car, you’ve probably stumbled across three dreaded letters: FBT – Fringe Benefits Tax. It’s one of those tax rules that can trip up even the most well-meaning business owner. But the good news? There are a few smart, legit ways to avoid or reduce FBT on your company car – without ending up in hot water with the ATO. Let’s break it down. Wait – What Is FBT Anyway? FBT is a tax that applies when an employer provides a non-cash benefit to an employee – like the personal use of a company vehicle. If you (or your team) are using the business car to commute, run errands, or head to the beach on the weekend – that’s private use. And that’s where the tax kicks in. But not all car use is treated the same. With the right setup, you can avoid paying more than you need to. 1. Stick to Work-Only Use The simplest way to steer clear of FBT? Don’t use the car privately. That means: The car stays o...
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Types of Business Structures in Australia – What You Need to Know

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 Starting a business is exciting – but before you dive into branding, websites, and invoices, there’s one boring-but-crucial decision to make: what type of business structure should you choose? It’s more than a formality. Your business structure shapes everything – from how much tax you pay to how much risk you take on. And while it’s not set in stone forever, getting it right from day one can save you stress (and money) down the line. Let’s break down the four main types of business structures Aussie small businesses use – and the pros and cons of each. 1. Sole Trader – The Classic Start-Up Move The sole trader setup is the go-to for many first-time business owners. It’s simple, cheap, and gets you trading fast. Why it works: Quick to register and easy to manage You’re in complete control of decisions Minimal reporting requirements The catch? You and the business are the same legal entity – so if something goes wrong, your personal assets (like your car or hous...
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Location: Suite 26/68 Victor Cres, Narre Warren VIC 3805, Australia
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What Does CA Mean? And Why Should You Care?

 If you’ve ever received an email from an accountant or scrolled through LinkedIn and seen “CA” next to someone’s name, you might’ve thought, “Is that just for show?” Spoiler: It’s not. In fact, those two little letters – CA – mean a whole lot in the world of accounting and business advice. Let’s unpack what “CA” actually stands for , why it matters, and how it can impact your business. First Things First – What Does CA Stand For? CA stands for Chartered Accountant , a professional designation given to accounting experts who’ve been through some pretty intense training. In Australia, CAs are members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) – a professional body that holds its members to high standards in terms of education, ethics, and experience. To get the CA title, an accountant needs to: Complete a relevant university degree Join the CA Program (a serious postgrad commitment) Gain at least three years of mentored work experience Continue learning even after...
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Location: Suite 26/68 Victor Cres, Narre Warren VIC 3805, Australia
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Centrelink Parental Leave: What Every Aussie Family (and Employer) Needs to Know

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 Parental leave is a life-saver—literally giving you time and space to bond with your new bub without sacrificing income completely. But when Centrelink’s involved? Well, let’s just say it’s not always a smooth ride. Whether you’re expecting, adopting, or managing a growing team, understanding parental leave through Centrelink is essential. So, let’s clear up the confusion and answer the real questions people are asking, Future Advisory-style—clear, friendly, and a little bit cheeky when needed. What Does Centrelink Actually Offer? Centrelink runs the Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme , giving eligible working parents access to government-funded income support when they take time off work to care for a newborn or recently adopted child. Here’s the lowdown: 20 weeks (or 100 days) of paid leave at the national minimum wage (currently $882.75 per week before tax). Available to both parents , with flexible options to split the leave. You can spread the leave across two...
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Payroll Tax Got You Stressed? Here's How PTX Express and Future Advisory Can Help

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 Ever get that sinking feeling when another acronym lands in your inbox—ATO, BAS, PAYG, and now... PTX? If you're running a business, you're probably juggling everything from hiring and paying staff to keeping the books in check. And then, just when you think you've got it sorted, payroll tax comes knocking. Don’t stress—we’ve got your back. Let’s unpack payroll tax in plain English, explore how  PTX Express  makes compliance easier, and show how we at Future Advisory can help you stay ahead of the game. Payroll Tax in a Nutshell Payroll tax  is a state government tax on wages paid by businesses over a certain threshold. It’s calculated based on your total wage bill—including salaries, superannuation, commissions, bonuses, and even payments to some contractors. Each state sets its own thresholds and rates. For example: Victoria : Threshold = $700,000, Rate = 4.85% Regional Vic : Lower rate of 1.2125% applies NSW, QLD, SA, etc. : All with different rules Sound confusi...
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Why Bookkeeping for Tradies Isn’t Just Admin—It’s a Business Power Move

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 Ask any tradie what they love about their job, and you'll probably hear: "Being on the tools," "Working outdoors," or "Running my own show." You probably won’t hear: “I just love reconciling bank transactions on a Friday night.” Fair enough. But here’s the kicker: getting your books sorted isn’t just about staying on the ATO’s good side—it’s about building a profitable, scalable, and stress-free business. In other words, bookkeeping for tradies is less about admin, and more about strategy. Let’s break down why your numbers matter more than you think—and how tradies who take control of their bookkeeping set themselves up to win. Think Bigger: What Good Bookkeeping Actually Does Too often, bookkeeping gets lumped in with “the boring stuff.” But smart tradies know it’s the foundation of every good decision. Here’s what quality bookkeeping actually gives you: Visibility – Know exactly how much money you made this week, month, or quarter. Cont...
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Own a Café, Bar or Restaurant in Richmond? Here’s the Accountant Who Gets Hospitality

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 Running a hospitality business in Richmond? Then you know it’s not all espresso martinis and happy hour vibes. Behind the scenes, it’s staff rosters, supplier bills, ATO deadlines, and praying the POS doesn’t crash on a Saturday night. At Future Advisory, we work with hospitality legends across Richmond who want their accounting to work for them—not just report what already happened. Whether you run a laneway café, a rooftop bar, or a high-turnover restaurant, we help you simplify your finances and take control of your business. The Hospitality Hustle (And Why It’s So Complex) The hospitality game is fast, stressful, and brutally competitive. You’re juggling: Casual and part-time staff on rotating rosters A million receipts for food, booze, and equipment Multiple payment systems and suppliers Constantly changing cash flow depending on weather, events, or game nights And then there’s compliance—super, BAS, GST, payroll tax... the list doesn’t end. If your curre...
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Location: Suite 26/68 Victor Cres, Narre Warren VIC 3805, Australia
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