Tax accountants South Melbourne

Tax advice tailored to your business and personal goals

Liston Newton Advisory is rated 4.8 from 32 reviews
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An award-winning Australian accounting firm

SMSF multi service firm of the year awardSMSF customer service firm of the year awardIfa innovator of the year awardIfa holistic adviser of the year award

A tax strategy for South Melbourne clients that goes beyond compliance

Smart tax advice doesn’t stop at compliance. It sets the foundation for smarter business structures, sustainable savings, and well-informed decision making. At Liston Newton, our tax accountants in South Melbourne offer more than basic advice. We give you the clarity to act with confidence, backed by a strategic approach to tax and financial management.

We specialise in helping small businesses, family groups, high-income earners, and SMSFs find practical ways to improve efficiency, manage risk, and build sustainable financial structures. From forensic accounting and succession planning to superannuation and ASIC compliance, we bring technical depth and strategic insight to every engagement.

Our office is conveniently located on Palmerston Crescent in South Melbourne. If you’re ready to work with a tax advisor who can help you plan ahead and think smarter about your next tax return, we invite you to book an appointment.

Contact us

Call us on

03 9069 2605
Business hours

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm

Parking

On-street parking on Palmerston Crescent

Visit us

Contact us

Call us on

Business hours

Parking

A tax strategy for South Melbourne clients that goes beyond compliance

Smart tax advice doesn’t stop at compliance. It sets the foundation for smarter business structures, sustainable savings, and well-informed decision making. At Liston Newton, our tax accountants in South Melbourne offer more than basic advice. We give you the clarity to act with confidence, backed by a strategic approach to tax and financial management.

We specialise in helping small businesses, family groups, high-income earners, and SMSFs find practical ways to improve efficiency, manage risk, and build sustainable financial structures. From forensic accounting and succession planning to superannuation and ASIC compliance, we bring technical depth and strategic insight to every engagement.

Our office is conveniently located on Palmerston Crescent in South Melbourne. If you’re ready to work with a tax advisor who can help you plan ahead and think smarter about your next tax return, we invite you to book an appointment.

Contact us

Call us on

03 9069 2605
Business hours

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm

Parking

On-street parking on Palmerston Crescent

Strategic taxation services for control and growth

Our South Melbourne tax accountants offer more than just annual compliance. We provide strategic tax advice and hands-on support across tax returns, business structuring, SMSF compliance, ASIC lodgements, succession planning and more. Whether you’re an individual, a small business owner or a growing company, we tailor our services to match your financial goals and give you peace of mind year-round.

When Liston Newton started with ReAqua, they hit the ground running, implementing changes to the business and the automation of the finance function. Their ability to take on feedback and adapt to the requests from key stakeholders has led to the business consistently improving monthly board meetings. We have found Liston Newton to be a great sounding board, and they are always available to brainstorm ideas or answer questions our business has.

Donald Fraser

CEO, Reaqua Solar Pumping

Liston Newton helped us move our accounting over to Xero. Their Accountant managed the set up and training so we felt comfortable with the software. We now have all our processes streamlined which gives us improved visibility of our business performance. This has allowed us to open 2 more stores without a significant increase in administration effort.
Peter Luskan
Pandora
Ready to work with a tax advisor who actually understands your business?
Talk to us

Trusted by individuals and businesses across South Melbourne

We’re not just here at tax time. We’re here to help you build a smarter financial foundation, one that supports growth, reduces risk and keeps you fully informed. Our clients know they can count on us for timely insights, clear explanations, and proactive advice that evolves with their goals.

As registered tax agents and experienced business advisors, we combine the technical expertise of a professional services firm with the practical understanding of people who’ve worked across Australia’s most complex industries. From personal tax returns to corporate structuring, we deliver results you can trust.

What our specialists can support you with

  • Preparing and lodging personal and business tax returns with expert accuracy
  • Structuring new business entities in a tax-effective way
  • Helping SMSFs meet their compliance and reporting obligations
  • Providing strategic tax advice for asset sales, succession, or retirement planning
  • Advising on ASIC and ATO compliance for directors and business owners
  • Offering year-round support for budgeting, forecasting and financial decision-making

Learn more about your business with our comprehensive guides

At Liston Newton Advisory, we take pride in helping business owners get more out of their hard work. Our downloadable guides can give you an in-depth look at strategies and technologies that will help your business grow.

  • Discover tax strategies and business structures available to you
  • Understand and apply new business management technology
  • Get in touch with us for information tailored to your business

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Meet our South Melbourne tax team

Expertise you can trust

Accreditations

Liston Newton is a registered tax agent and CPA accounting firm, with certified expertise across tax, SMSF, superannuation, and business advisory. Our team stays up to date with changing legislation and industry standards to ensure your affairs are managed with rigour and care.

Australia’s most experienced and professional accountants — with industry leading qualifications and accreditations to show for it. Learn more from a specialised business accountant.

Why choose Liston Newton

Setting a new standard in tax and advisory support

Our South Melbourne team doesn’t settle for checkbox compliance. We aim higher, delivering personalised, proactive, and strategic advice that helps you make smarter decisions across the board. Whether you're seeking to protect your assets, grow your business, or simply stop worrying about tax, we hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Every recommendation we make is backed by deep technical understanding and hands-on experience in complex financial situations. We believe in being responsive, accountable, and clear, and we take pride in being the firm that clients trust with their biggest decisions.

We’re proud of the recognition we’ve earned and the outcomes we’ve delivered for clients across Australia. If you want proof of our standards, take a look below:

Our methodology

We will plan every step towards your financial freedom

How we get you set

The first phase is all about establishing the fundamentals of your business and creating a strong foundation to build from. You also need to establish your long-term goals so you have a clear idea of what you're working towards.

  • Plan your goals
  • Structure your business and assets
  • Online accounting
  • People and HR
  • Protect your business and personal risk
  • Business and personal will

How we get you moving

The second phase is about gaining a deeper understanding of your business; how to make it more efficient and experience sustainable growth. This is where you transition from working in your business to working on your business.

  • Understand your numbers
  • Delegate bookkeeping
  • Systematise and automate tasks
  • Minimise tax
  • Forecast cashflow and capital needs
  • Quarterly coaching and accountability

How we get you free

The final phase is when all your hard work really starts to pay off. This is when you start using your profits to build your personal worth to a point that give you financial freedom—the freedom to work only if you want to.

  • Understand wealth creation
  • Investment portfolio
  • Investment property
  • Superannuation
  • Succession and exit planning
  • Your legacy

A South Melbourne success story

Community support in South Melbourne

We care deeply about the people behind the businesses, because we’re locals too. Our South Melbourne team doesn’t just work here, we live here, raise families here, and know what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

That’s why we roll up our sleeves for the causes that matter. Whether it’s offering financial guidance to small business owners doing it tough, showing up for families navigating Type 1 diabetes, or cheering from the sidelines at local footy matches, we’re proud to give back in real and personal ways.

  • Supporting the Cancer Council’s Small Business Advisory Service with financial mentoring
  • Partnering with the Type 1 Foundation to raise awareness and connect with local families
  • Sponsoring grassroots sport in St Kilda, Richmond and surrounding suburbs

We believe community is something you show up for. And we’ll keep showing up.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What tax and accounting support do retail and hospitality businesses in South Melbourne need?

Retail and hospitality are two of the most active sectors in South Melbourne, but they also come with unique tax and accounting pressures. From daily cash flow management to stock control, BAS lodgements, and seasonal staffing, business owners in these sectors need tailored support to remain profitable and compliant.

Working with small business accountants who understand the local retail and hospitality scene ensures that your financial reporting, superannuation advice, and payroll systems are handled efficiently. Our team of accountants offers hands-on support to help clients navigate the complexities of accounting and taxation.

  • Implement cloud accounting solutions that streamline operations and reporting.
  • Stay ahead of changing taxation legislation and GST compliance requirements.
  • Receive budgeting and forecasting advice that reflects local trading conditions.

How can South Melbourne professionals and creatives minimise tax on irregular or project-based income?

Freelancers, contractors, and creative professionals often experience fluctuating income. South Melbourne is home to many architects, designers, consultants, and digital creatives who benefit from working with accountants Melbourne professionals trust for reliable, sector-specific advice.

Our expert tax team helps clients set up tax-effective structures and develop proactive strategies for managing inconsistent cash flow. This includes tracking deductions, lodging on time, and planning for quarterly or annual tax obligations.

  • Choose the right business structure to support your long-term goals.
  • Receive personalised advice that considers your unique niche and income profile.
  • Access a solution-focused approach that helps you keep more of what you earn.

What should South Melbourne small business owners consider when choosing cloud accounting solutions?

For small businesses operating in a fast-paced environment like South Melbourne, cloud accounting software is essential. It allows for real-time tracking, easier collaboration with your accountant, and accurate data for financial decision-making.

Our small business accountants recommend platforms that are user-friendly, scalable, and tailored to your industry. We guide you through the entire set-up process and ensure your bookkeeping, invoicing, and reporting systems work efficiently from day one.

  • Select cloud accounting solutions that integrate with your point-of-sale or inventory systems.
  • Ensure your accounting software supports both compliance and performance monitoring.
  • Receive ongoing support from our team of accountants to ensure optimal use.

How does business succession planning work for family-owned businesses in the inner south?

Many long-standing South Melbourne businesses are family-owned and preparing for transition. Whether you're planning for retirement, bringing in the next generation, or considering a sale, business succession planning is vital.

Our accountants provide comprehensive support for succession strategies, helping you protect your legacy and prepare your business for a smooth transfer of ownership. We understand the emotional and financial stakes involved in these decisions.

  • Structure the acquisition process to minimise tax liabilities.
  • Develop succession plans that include estate planning and business accounting.
  • Address shareholder agreements, valuations, and future governance needs.

What tax advice is most important for South Melbourne residents with investment properties?

South Melbourne's inner-city location makes it a prime area for investment properties. Owners benefit from understanding which deductions they can claim, how to structure ownership, and how to plan for capital gains tax.

We offer tax advice tailored to property investors, whether you own a single apartment or a diversified portfolio. Our South Melbourne tax accounting services help Australians navigate a complex regulatory environment and maximise their tax refund.

  • Identify deductible expenses such as loan interest, maintenance, and depreciation.
  • Understand how property ownership affects income tax and long-term financial planning.
  • Work with tax accountants who can model scenarios based on market changes.

How do tax accountants support high-earning individuals working across regional and metro locations?

Some of our South Melbourne clients work regionally or manage business interests across Victoria. This can complicate your tax situation, particularly if you have multiple income streams, travel-related deductions, or superannuation and estate planning needs.

Our team of accountants brings experience in business structures that suit professionals with diverse responsibilities. We help clients across multiple locations align their financial strategies and stay compliant.

  • Review your tax position regularly to ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
  • Access strategic planning that supports your personal goals and cash flow needs.
  • Simplify reporting and compliance using tools that work no matter which location works best.

What should South Melbourne startups know about business set-up, tax structure, and compliance?

Startups in South Melbourne are part of a vibrant and ambitious business community. Getting the structure right from day one sets you up for success and reduces the risk of costly compliance issues down the track.

We help startups choose the right business entity, register with the ATO, and create a financial strategy aligned with your growth goals. Our South Melbourne business accountants can help you with compliance, budgeting and forecasting, and superannuation guidance.

  • Choose the ideal structure, whether sole trader, partnership, company, or trust.
  • Understand your ongoing tax and reporting obligations.
  • Work with accountants who provide personal attention and help you grow with confidence.

How do expert tax accountants help South Melbourne clients prepare for an ATO audit?

An ATO audit can happen to any business or individual. For South Melbourne clients, working with a tax accountant early ensures that your records are accurate and your financial statements are defensible.

Our expert tax services include audit preparation, compliance reviews, and proactive checks to help you avoid red flags. We help clients maintain confidence and control throughout the process.

  • Conduct a pre-audit health check to identify any issues before the ATO does.
  • Ensure your documentation and accounting systems meet all regulatory standards.
  • Receive professional representation and communication support during the audit process.

We believe in technology, not in magic

Recent developments in ‘artificial intelligence’ have been, frankly, astounding. At first glance, extraordinary new AI tools seem capable of human-level creativity, from writing to photography and video creation. Many tools even claim to be able to boost business productivity with an AI-generated strategy. But anything that seems too good to be true probably is, especially in the hype-fueled tech world.

Liston Newton believes in technology. We gladly and regularly integrate new technologies into our operations. But we also believe that delivering results is more important to our clients than the appearance of techno-progressivism. Partner with us, and we’ll deliver personalised strategies, not confidently-worded babble.\