Yes, several state-based taxes apply to businesses operating in Melbourne CBD, and your accountant should be across them.

• Payroll tax: If your total Victorian wages exceed $700,000 annually, you may be liable for payroll tax under SRO rules.
• Land tax: Commercial property owners are subject to Victorian land tax, which affects business structures with property assets.
• Duties Act: Business restructures involving share transfers or land-holding entities can trigger stamp duty liabilities.

An experienced CBD accountant will incorporate these into your annual strategy, not just your year-end filings.

The CBD is home to many legal, consulting, and engineering firms that experience rapid growth, fluctuating workloads, and complex partner structures.

A business accountant who specialises in these clients will:

• Help set up and manage unit or discretionary trusts for profit distribution
• Support forecasting and partner draw modelling
• Offer advice on managing FBT obligations for perks like car allowances or CBD parking

They’ll also ensure BAS and superannuation compliance keeps pace with hiring and expansion.

Yes. While many services are now digital, business owners in the CBD still value in-person strategy sessions, especially when discussing growth, tax minimisation, or exit planning.

We regularly meet with clients in their offices, at shared working spaces, or at our Queen Street location. This accessibility supports clearer communication and builds trust in long-term advisory relationships.

Many of Melbourne’s fastest-growing startups are based in the CBD. These businesses need accountants who understand capital raising, early-stage tax concessions, and managing rapid headcount changes.

Your accountant should help you:

• Register and maintain eligibility for ESIC or ESVCLP schemes
• Plan R&D tax incentive claims
• Track investor equity and manage share register updates

CBD accountants familiar with the startup scene can also act as a bridge between founders, lawyers, and VCs.

Definitely. WorkCover compliance is mandatory in Victoria and is often tied to payroll systems and reporting categories. Errors can trigger audits or overpayments.

A local accountant can guide you through initial registration, check your wage classifications, and prepare your annual certification. They’ll also work with your bookkeeper to align payroll data and ensure everything is reported accurately to WorkSafe Victoria.

Restructuring a business, whether for tax efficiency, asset protection, or succession, is common in the CBD, where clients often hold multiple entities or investment vehicles.

A good business accountant will not only advise on structuring options but also manage the transition from a compliance and tax perspective. This includes preparing CGT rollover documentation, updating ASIC records, and coordinating with your legal team.

Because many of these changes involve state-specific duties and timing issues, local knowledge is essential.

Yes, especially in the CBD, where many clients operate across state or international borders. From Victorian land tax to foreign income disclosure, your accountant needs to know how different jurisdictions interact.

We regularly advise clients with:

• Holding companies in other states
• Foreign investments and income streams
• Dual tax residency or expat tax obligations

These situations require proactive structuring and timely reporting to avoid penalties or inefficient outcomes.