Running a business in Perth comes with exciting opportunities, but also complex tax obligations. While your accountant handles the basics, there are money-saving strategies many won’t share unless you ask. In this guide, we’ll reveal insider tips to help you maximize deductions, avoid ATO audits, and keep more profit in your pocket.
1. Overlooked Deductions That Could Save You Thousands
Most Perth businesses miss these legitimate deductions:
Home Office Expenses
If you work from home even occasionally, you can claim:
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A portion of rent/mortgage interest (calculated by floor area)
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Electricity and internet bills (time-based calculation)
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Office equipment like chairs and monitorsz
Vehicle Costs
Many business owners don’t realize they can claim:
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Travel between job sites (not just from home to office)
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Toll roads and parking fees for business trips
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A portion of car loans/lease payments
Staff and Training
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First aid courses for employees
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Industry-specific training programs
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Christmas party costs (within ATO limits)
Small Business Instant Asset Write-Off
While the rules change frequently, you can often immediately deduct:
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Equipment under $300
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Computers and tools
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Office furniture
Pro Tip: Use the ATO’s myDeductions app throughout the year to track these expenses easily.
2. How the ATO Targets Perth Businesses
The ATO uses sophisticated data-matching to flag suspicious activity. Here’s what triggers audits:
Industry Benchmarks
The ATO compares your deductions to similar Perth businesses. If your:
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Deductions are 20% higher than competitors
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Profit margins are unusually low
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Lifestyle doesn’t match reported income
You’ll likely get scrutinized.
Common Red Flags
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Claiming 100% work use for a vehicle also used personally
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Sudden spikes in deductions without income increases
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Repeated losses year after year
Digital Paper Trail
Since 2025, the ATO can access:
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Bank transaction data
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Property records
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Online sales platforms
Always keep digital copies of receipts for at least 5 years.
3. Legal Tax Reduction Strategies
Timing Is Everything
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Delay income: Issue invoices after June 30 to defer tax
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Prepay expenses: Pay next year’s rent, insurance, or subscriptions now
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Bring forward deductions: Make necessary purchases before year-end
Superannuation Smart Moves
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Make concessional contributions before June 30
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Consider spouse contributions if eligible
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Salary sacrifice arrangements can reduce taxable income
Trust Structures
For businesses earning $200k+, a:
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Family trust could distribute income to lower-tax family members
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Company structure might offer tax rate advantages
Warning: Always get professional advice before changing structures.
4. Perth-Specific Opportunities
WA Payroll Tax Concessions
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The threshold increased to $1 million in 2025
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Regional businesses get additional discounts
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Grouping rules can help multiple entities
Energy Efficiency Incentives
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Instant write-offs for solar installations
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Deductions for energy-efficient equipment
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WA government rebates for certain upgrades
Mining Service Deductions
If you service the resources sector:
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Special depreciation rules apply
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Travel to remote sites has unique claims
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Camp accommodation costs may be deductible
5. When to Upgrade Your Accountant
Signs You Need a Better Advisor
Your current accountant:
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Only contacts you at tax time
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Doesn’t explain your options
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Hasn’t discussed recent ATO changes
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Charges suspiciously low fees
What a Good Perth Accountant Offers
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Quarterly tax planning meetings
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Industry-specific knowledge
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Proactive advice about new laws
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Digital tools for real-time tracking
Finding the Right Match
Look for:
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Registered tax agents with CA/CPA qualifications
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Experience with businesses your size
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Local Perth office for face-to-face meetings
6. Year-Round Tax Planning Checklist
Every Quarter
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Review profit/loss statements
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Compare to industry benchmarks
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Meet with your accountant
Before June 30
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Make super contributions
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Write off bad debts
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Order necessary equipment
After June 30
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Complete records within 30 days
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File BAS statements on time
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Plan for next financial year
Final Thoughts
Smart tax management isn’t about dodgy schemes – it’s understanding the rules and applying them strategically. By implementing these tips, most Perth businesses can legally reduce their tax burden by 10-20%.
The key is starting early. Don’t wait until May to think about tax – make it part of your regular business planning.