203 25 actually cost me?” It’s hands-down the most common question we get from trustees, and the honest answer is: it depends on who you ask – and, crucially, on how they charge you. Let’s cut through the noise and put some real numbers on the table. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/203/SMSF-October-Blog-Pic-2.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/the-real-cost-of-smsf-setup-and-annual-audits-flat-fee-vs-percentage-pricing/ 2026-10-21 05:18:52 202 14 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/202/Image-3.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/can-you-claim-gst-credits-before-company-incorporation/ 2026-10-19 00:45:00 201 14
For many small business owners, that next stage of growth brings an important question: should you hire your first employee or engage an independent contractor? ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/201/Draft-Pic-2.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/staff/first-employee-vs-contractor-when-should-you-hire/ 2026-10-14 04:36:00 200 19 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/200/Betty-Blog-Image.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/company-car-vs-personal-car-which-is-more-tax-effective/ 2026-09-23 04:30:00 199 19 own business premises inside your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) – then leasing it back to your business. Rent you’d otherwise pay a landlord ends up building your retirement nest egg instead. Genuis!

But – and it’s a big but – the rules changed on 10 August 2026. So before we get to the good stuff, let’s clear up exactly what you can and can’t do now. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/199/point3d-commercial-imaging-ltd-YUeWruccqr4-unsplash.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/how-to-use-an-smsf-to-buy-your-business-premises-in-brisbane-the-2026-compliance-guide/ 2026-09-16 05:32:08 198 14 For Queensland builders, tradies and construction businesses, QBCC financial compliance is about more than completing another annual form. The financial position of a licensed business can affect its ability to continue operating under its contractor licence and take on work. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/198/Ivonne-Blog-Pic-1.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/qbcc-annual-reporting-what-contractors-need-to-know/ 2026-09-01 01:35:52 197 12 Simon Clarke, Director of Setlr Buyers Agents. Simon and his team understand that buying property isn’t just about finding the right home or investment. It’s about having the right advice, local knowledge and support to make a confident, well-informed decision.]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/197/Setlr-Blue.png page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/about/partners-in-business/empire-partner-in-business-feature-setlr-buyers-agents/ 2026-08-25 05:07:10 196 12 Davy Partners, led by Kateena Mills and Aaron Wells. With expertise spanning HR, digital strategy and marketing, their team helps growing businesses put the right people, processes and systems in place to move forward with confidence. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/196/DavyPartners_Primary_duoLight.png page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/about/partners-in-business/empire-partner-in-business-feature-davy-partners/ 2026-08-25 03:44:53 195 25 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/195/SMSF-Blog-Image.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/outgrown-your-accountant-5-steps-to-seamlessly-switch-your-smsf-provider/ 2026-08-25 01:09:00 194 19
For established businesses, proactive tax planning isn’t about scrambling to reduce tax at the last minute. It’s about creating a strategy throughout the year that supports business growth, improves cash flow, and helps owners make better financial decisions. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/194/Blog-Image.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/what-proactive-tax-planning-actually-looks-like-for-an-established-business/ 2026-07-01 02:27:00 193 2 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/193/Aiko-Blog-Image.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/eofy-is-over-5-smart-steps-small-business-owners-should-take-next/ 2026-06-25 05:05:00 192 14 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/192/Team-Empire-Screenshot-from-Video.png page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/small-business/best-accountant-in-brisbane/ 2026-06-02 23:31:04 191 14 So if you’re feeling stretched, uncertain or stuck in reactive mode - you’re not behind. You’re normal. But you can fix it. That’s exactly why we created Empire Launchpad: a structured, numbers-led planning session that helps business owners step back, regain clarity, and build a practical plan that supports both profitability, life and long term planning for your business. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/191/Laura-Blog-Image-1.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/small-business/the-core-challenges-holding-australian-small-businesses-back-and-how-to-fix-them/ 2026-05-21 05:24:13 190 22 Darius Hii, Director of Chat Legal, to learn more about his journey, the work he does, and how he’s helping clients take a proactive approach to legal and tax planning. ]]> page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/about/partners-in-business/chat-legal/ 2026-03-30 05:46:00 189 18 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/189/Bookkeeper-Photo-2-Tash-Blog.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/tax/accountant-vs-bookkeeper/ 2026-03-25 05:14:02 188 25 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/188/SMSF-Photo-Harry-Blog.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/a-simple-guide-to-establishing-an-smsf/ 2026-03-25 05:04:00 187 18 For investors, business owners, and individuals with investment loans, getting this right can make a meaningful difference to your tax position. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/187/Blog-Image.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/tax/understanding-interest-tax-deductibility-in-australia/ 2026-03-11 02:41:46 186 12 Alex Watson, founder of Funded Finance. Alex is someone who truly understands that great lending outcomes aren’t just about rates or approvals — they’re about clarity, communication, and long‑term strategy. We sat down with Alex to learn more about his journey, his business, and what makes Funded Finance different. ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/186/Funded-Finance-Logo_Colour-Linear-Stacked.png page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/about/partners-in-business/empire-partner-in-business-feature-funded-finance/ 2026-03-05 06:25:00 185 12 Partner in Business in this month's newsletter.]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/185/Rothgard-logo-Blue_original.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/about/partners-in-business/empire-partner-in-business-feature-rothgard-financial-partners/ 2026-03-05 06:15:00 184 17 Payday Super yet, now’s the time.
This is one of the most significant changes to employer superannuation obligations in over 30 years and it officially starts on 1 July 2026 (tick tock tick tock, that date will be here before we know it!). ]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/184/Payday-Super-Time-is-Ticking.png page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/superannuation/payday-super-what-you-need-to-know/ 2026-02-22 23:43:00 183 18 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/183/Tina-Blog-FBT-Ute-Image.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/tax/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-fbt-exemption-for-non-electric-vehicles/ 2026-02-03 23:14:00 182 17 major change that affects small businesses across all industries currently using the SBSCH to pay their employees’ super.]]> https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/182/Update-Image-Betty-Blog.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/small-business/sbsch-is-closing-how-small-businesses-can-prepare-for-super-changes/ 2025-12-03 00:41:00 181 18 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/181/Investor-Image-Lenny-Blog.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/tax/debunking-the-cgt-discount-myth-what-investors-need-to-know/ 2025-11-17 00:14:46 180 18 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/180/2025-tax-return.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/tax/income-you-must-report-in-your-2025-tax-return/ 2025-08-19 06:43:28 179 2 https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/media/website_posts/179/curated-lifestyle-OnN-V9O9lSs-unsplash.jpg page https://www.empireaccountants.com.au/blog/advisory/why-your-accountant-should-be-involved-in-your-business-strategy/ 2025-08-04 14:00:00