Geoff Gartly CA SMSF

About Geoff Gartly

Geoff Gartly CA is an experienced Australian chartered accountant and business adviser who works with small business owners, families and individuals on practical tax, accounting, structuring and advisory issues. Through Gartly Advisory, he focuses on helping clients understand their numbers, make better business decisions, manage compliance obligations, and plan ahead with confidence. His work often sits at the intersection of tax, business improvement, succession, SMSFs, estate planning and asset protection. Geoff’s style is practical and plain-English: he aims to turn complex financial and tax matters into clear options, so clients can make informed decisions about their business, wealth and future.

Selling Strategies for Selling a Small Manufacturing Business
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Selling Strategies for Selling a Small Manufacturing Business

Accounting & Business Insights, Exit plan, Exit Planning, small business

Selling Strategies for Selling a Small Manufacturing Business

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-27T18:23:54+11:0027/12/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Exit plan, Exit Planning, small business|

Navigating the Exit: A Strategic Guide to Succession Planning for Manufacturing Business Owners As the holiday season winds down in late December 2025 and you reflect on the year gone by, now is an ideal time to consider the future of your manufacturing business and begin planning your exit. Whether you are thinking about selling a manufacturing business in three years or simply want to understand your options, early succession planning is critical. Are you in your mid 50's running a manufacturing business and have no plans on how to retire in the future. Our blog is specific for [...] READ MORE

Tips to Look Out for When Buying a Franchise in Melbourne
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Tips to Look Out for When Buying a Franchise in Melbourne

Accounting & Business Insights, Franchise Advice, Growth Tools for Small Business, News & Updates

Tips to Look Out for When Buying a Franchise in Melbourne

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-22T15:12:49+11:0022/12/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Franchise Advice, Growth Tools for Small Business, News & Updates|Tags: business advice, buying a business, franchise|

Buying a franchise in Melbourne can be an attractive way to step into business ownership. With a large population, strong consumer demand, busy shopping centres, and thriving food and service industries, Melbourne is one of Australia’s most popular cities for franchise business opportunities. However, the Melbourne franchise market is also highly competitive, tightly regulated, and often more expensive than regional locations. Before committing your capital, it’s critical to understand exactly what you are buying and whether the franchise suits your personal circumstances, future needs and investment. Below are the key tips every prospective franchise buyer in should consider before [...] READ MORE

Ready to Retire from Your and sell Manufacturing Business?
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Ready to Retire from Your and sell Manufacturing Business?

Accounting & Business Insights

Ready to Retire from Your and sell Manufacturing Business?

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-14T10:53:26+11:0012/12/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights|Tags: exit, manufacturing, retirement|

Are you a manufacturing business owner in your mid-50s to 70s wondering what the next stage of life looks like? Maybe the idea of slowing down sounds appealing, but the thought of selling your manufacturing business feels overwhelming or even a little scary. You’re not alone—many owners in the manufacturing sector reach this point and aren’t sure where to begin. The good news? A strong manufacturing business exit strategy can help you confidently prepare your business, maximise its value, and step into retirement on your terms. Gartly advisory specialiser as manufacturing accountants and can assist you. Who Are You—And When [...] READ MORE

Buying a franchise – we are here to help you make the right decision
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Buying a franchise – we are here to help you make the right decision

Accounting & Business Insights

Buying a franchise – we are here to help you make the right decision

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-12T16:17:34+11:0005/12/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights|

Buying a franchise can be one of the most exciting steps into business ownership — but also one of the riskiest if you don’t fully understand the numbers behind the brand. Take the time to understand what your signing up for . As a Chartered Accountant who specialises in helping clients who buy into franchises there are a few issues that you should explore before signing up. Let us help you in you when you are buying a franchise Gartly Advisory are accountants who know the franchise sector and can help you on your journey to buying a franchise. [...] READ MORE

Do you have personality to run a caravan park or motel – lessons from Basil
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Do you have personality to run a caravan park or motel – lessons from Basil

Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Caravan Park & Motel Accounting Services

Do you have personality to run a caravan park or motel – lessons from Basil

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-04T07:16:45+11:0004/12/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Caravan Park & Motel Accounting Services|Tags: business plan, caravan park, customers|

Running a caravan park or motel business in Australia should be a dream business to own. Enjoying sunshine, friendly travellers, outback sunsets, and a lifestyle many people envy. Is it for you, and do you have the personality to deal with customers, good and bad? Those who have ever owned or managed a small accommodation business know the reality can be a lot more Fawlty Towers than a four-star resort. Whether you're considering buying a caravan park, thinking about running a motel, or you're already juggling late check-ins and maintenance emergencies, here's how to build the right attributes—without turning into [...] READ MORE

Managing a Deceased Estate Tax Return and affairs
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Managing a Deceased Estate Tax Return and affairs

Accounting & Business Insights, Estate Planning, Taxation & Tax Advice

Managing a Deceased Estate Tax Return and affairs

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-13T06:28:41+11:0001/12/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Estate Planning, Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: death, deceased estate, tax return|

Lodging a final Deceased Estate Tax Return is one of the essential things to do when managing someone's final affairs. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging time. Beyond grief and sorrow, there are often numerous administrative tasks to navigate. One of these tasks is managing the deceased person's tax return. It can seem daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with the tax system. However, understanding the process can make it less overwhelming. We, as Accountants who specialise in this area, can help.In the Australian context, the taxation obligations of a deceased person don't [...] READ MORE

The Emotional Weight of Selling Your Business: Why Letting Go Takes Time
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The Emotional Weight of Selling Your Business: Why Letting Go Takes Time

Accounting & Business Insights, Exit plan, Exit Planning, Growth Tools for Small Business

The Emotional Weight of Selling Your Business: Why Letting Go Takes Time

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-22T23:19:01+11:0019/11/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Exit plan, Exit Planning, Growth Tools for Small Business|Tags: business owner, emotional journey, sale of business, selling help|

The selling your business for many is an emotional time. As the business owner, the idea of selling your business isn’t just a strategic move — it’s a deeply emotional journey. A business sale is rarely just a commercial transaction. Your business is often a reflection of its owner. It’s the many years of sacrifice, late nights, financial risk, personal growth, and countless decisions that shaped who the owner is today. When the moment comes to sell your business, the process can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes paralysing. Often the emotional barriers are often one of the biggest reasons [...] READ MORE

Find the Right Tax Accountant in Melbourne: Why Gartly Advisory is Trusted for Personal and Business Tax Returns
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Find the Right Tax Accountant in Melbourne: Why Gartly Advisory is Trusted for Personal and Business Tax Returns

Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Taxation & Tax Advice

Find the Right Tax Accountant in Melbourne: Why Gartly Advisory is Trusted for Personal and Business Tax Returns

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-09T23:31:52+11:0013/11/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: melbourne accountant, tax, tax agent|

Chartered Accountants can make a difference when it comes to managing your finances, finding a good tax accountant in Melbourne At Gartly Advisory, we understand that every client’s tax situation is unique. Our experienced team of tax accountants in Melbourne provide tailored advice, ensuring that you not only meet your tax obligations but also maximise your financial potential. Whether you need a personal tax accountant in Melbourne or help with complex business tax returns, we’re here to make tax time stress-free and efficient. Why Choose Gartly Advisory as Your Melbourne Tax Accountant Hiring a Melbourne tax accountant isn’t just [...] READ MORE

Payday Super and small business superannuation
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Payday Super and small business superannuation

Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Superannuation

Payday Super and small business superannuation

By Geoff Gartly|2025-11-11T17:34:48+11:0011/11/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Superannuation|Tags: paydaysuper, sgc, super|

Payday Super Explained for Small Business Employers Payday Super is here and is enshrined in Legislation. For many small businesses, it will result in additional workload to meet ongoing obligations. For example, if you run a busy takeaway, you already know payroll can be one of the trickiest parts of the job as the business owner. But there’s a big change on the horizon that every small business needs to understand: Payday Super. Starting soon, on 1st July 2026, employers will need to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, not quarterly; it could be weekly if that [...] READ MORE

Strategic small business growth.
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Strategic small business growth.

Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling

Strategic small business growth.

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-12T16:22:13+11:0002/11/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling|

Growing Your Business: Understanding What People Really Want The Lessons of Masters and Bunnings Growing a business is more than just opening your doors and hoping customers will come. It’s a strategic process built around understanding what people actually want — and delivering it better than anyone else. It’s been over a decade since Masters Home Improvement shut its doors for good. When Woolworths launched Masters, it set out to challenge Bunnings Warehouse, the undisputed king of hardware in Australia. It was a bold move: take on an entrenched competitor, dominate the DIY and trade market, and become a [...] READ MORE

Selling your caravan park
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Selling your caravan park

Accounting & Business Insights, Exit Planning

Selling your caravan park

By Geoff Gartly|2025-11-01T16:52:23+11:0001/11/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Exit Planning|Tags: caravan parks, exit planning, retirement|

Selling Your Caravan Park needs a robust exit plan that begins now! Selling your caravan park is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your business journey. After years of welcoming travellers, maintaining sites, and watching countless red sunsets, it’s time to begin a new chapter. Whether you’ve run a family-owned caravan park for decades or recently taken over management, caravan park exit planning should be part of your long-term strategy. This process isn’t just about numbers on a page — it’s about legacy, emotion, and opportunity. Selling your caravan park gives you the chance to unlock the capital [...] READ MORE

Managing Family business Disputes
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Managing Family business Disputes

Accounting & Business Insights, Exit Planning

Managing Family business Disputes

By Geoff Gartly|2025-11-01T16:22:29+11:0001/11/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Exit Planning|Tags: disputes, family business, legal|

Family business disputes can lead to a premature exit by a key player. If the dispute is not resolved quickly and effectively, it may lead to a breakdown in communication and a loss of trust among family members. The result is that one or more family members leave the business or sell their shares, potentially leading to a significant change in the ownership structure and management. Ultimately, a change of direction, passion, and in some cases, family members hold long-term personal grudges toward each other. Ultimately, the decision to exit a business due to a family dispute will depend on [...] READ MORE

Ai in Cafe and coffee shops in melbourne
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Ai in Cafe and coffee shops in melbourne

Accounting & Business Insights

Ai in Cafe and coffee shops in melbourne

By Geoff Gartly|2025-12-12T16:29:33+11:0020/10/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights|Tags: ai, barista, cafe, cafe owner, coffee, robots|

How will AI in cafes change my business? Ai in a cafe is here. Running a café is more than just serving coffee — it’s about crafting experiences, creating community, and making moments that keep customers coming back. But in today’s fast-changing world, staying competitive means embracing new technology. Ultimately, the local coffee shop, like every other business, aims to improve the customer experience. AI has begun to change the way we all do business. Embrace it and see where it can assist in both productivity and innovation. One of the biggest innovations reshaping the hospitality landscape is Artificial Intelligence [...] READ MORE

Accountant help – why we are an investment

By Geoff Gartly|2025-10-10T15:27:52+11:0010/10/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, small business|Tags: accoutants, business help|

Is my Accountant help a Cost or an Investment to My Small Business? Your accountant could be one of your best investments when it comes to business advice. Advice such as sales, business growth, and exit planning? While the perception is that Accountants are just there for tax and compliance at Gartly Advisory, we are so much more . As your small business accountant, we passionately help our clients with advice on many aspects of their business.The Common Perception: Accountants is a Cost that needs to be incurred, but not much valueMany business owners see accountants as a necessary compliance [...] READ MORE

GST and Small Business Exporting: What Small Manufacturers Need to Know
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GST and Small Business Exporting: What Small Manufacturers Need to Know

Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling

GST and Small Business Exporting: What Small Manufacturers Need to Know

By Geoff Gartly|2025-10-09T13:56:34+11:0009/10/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling|Tags: exporting, gst, sales|

Expand your small business exporting sales . If you’re a small manufacturer looking to grow beyond Australia, exporting overseas can open up a world of opportunity. But before you start filling overseas orders, it’s worth getting clear on one important thing — how GST works when you export. The Good News — Exports Are Usually GST-Free When you, as a small business exporter and developing a small business exporting sales strategy, these export goods out of Australia, are generally GST-free. That means you don’t charge GST to your overseas customers when you make the sale, as long as the [...] READ MORE

Transitioning from builder to property developer
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Transitioning from builder to property developer

Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Trade & Construction

Transitioning from builder to property developer

By Geoff Gartly|2026-01-13T11:06:35+11:0029/09/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Trade & Construction|Tags: builder, construction, gst, profit, property developer, trade|

If you’re a small builder ready to move beyond client projects and step into the more profitable world of property development, particularly townhouse developments, we’re here to help guide that transition. Property development is not just construction — it’s a business that demands careful planning, strong financial management, and a clear understanding of risk. In this guide, we explore essential strategies for cost control, GST management, and building a development business that doesn’t just survive, but thrives. While demand for townhouses remains strong, rising construction costs, complex regulations, and fierce competition for quality land continue to place pressure on [...] READ MORE

Divorce accountant: helping you to ensure your tax position is right
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Divorce accountant: helping you to ensure your tax position is right

Business & Family Dispute Management, Estate Planning, News & Updates

Divorce accountant: helping you to ensure your tax position is right

By Geoff Gartly|2025-09-26T19:03:27+10:0015/09/2025|Categories: Business & Family Dispute Management, Estate Planning, News & Updates|Tags: cgt consequences of divorce, divorce|

As a Divorce Accountant, we aim to help you get a fair and equitable deal as you work through an emotional time. What You Need to Know When It All Splits Up Divorce and taxes are neither fun nor part of life's matters. With at least one in three marriages ending in divorce — and countless more de facto relationships breaking down — the capital gains tax (CGT) roll-over provisions for relationship breakdowns have become increasingly relevant for Australians navigating separation. At Gartly Advisory, we specialise as Divorce Accountants and help clients navigate divorce tax and business implications of separating [...] READ MORE

Putting Your Home in a Trust
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Putting Your Home in a Trust

Accounting & Business Insights, Business & Family Dispute Management, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Taxation & Tax Advice

Putting Your Home in a Trust

By Geoff Gartly|2025-09-14T09:24:36+10:0014/09/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business & Family Dispute Management, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: cgt exemption, home in a trust|

One asset protection strategy that is often considered is putting your home in a trust. While this may offer some asset protection benefits, it also comes with significant tax consequences, particularly the loss of the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) principal residence exemption. Before you transfer your most valuable asset into a legal structure such as a company or trust, here’s what you need to know about how family trusts work, when they do and don’t protect your home, and why CGT issues can often outweigh the protection benefits. What Is a Family Trust and How Does It Offer Asset Protection? [...] READ MORE

How to buy a Franchise?
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How to buy a Franchise?

Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Franchise Advice, small business, Small Business Accounting Services

How to buy a Franchise?

By Geoff Gartly|2026-01-24T13:39:20+11:0031/08/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Franchise Advice, small business, Small Business Accounting Services|

We are often asked - how to buy a franchise business . If you are thinking about buying a franchise then lets out line what to look for? Before you get to enthused over that shiny logo or start dreaming of matching polos with your name embroidered on them, hit pause button and ask the most important question of all: Why do I want to buy a franchise?Take a moment to ask what attracts you to buying a franchise and what will it bring to me as a business owner? Owning a franchise isn’t for everyone—and it certainly isn’t a [...] READ MORE

Tuning Your Small Business Strategy to be like an F1 Machine
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Tuning Your Small Business Strategy to be like an F1 Machine

Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling

Tuning Your Small Business Strategy to be like an F1 Machine

By Geoff Gartly|2025-09-08T10:17:30+10:0002/07/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling|Tags: f1, revenue targets, sales, small business, small business advice|

Your small business strategy should be - Ready, Set, grow: Start the New Financial Year Like a Pro! July 1 isn't just the start of a new financial year — it’s your fresh start, your green light, your moment on the grid. This is your chance to shake off last year’s engine rattle and tune your business into a lean, mean, revenue-generating machine. Think of yourself as the team principal of your very own Formula 1 outfit. (Or better yet, Brad Pitt in that upcoming F1 movie — calm under pressure, stylish, and slightly dangerous) Here are 5 turbocharged [...] READ MORE

Don’t let Trump’s tariffs ruin your business

By Geoff Gartly|2025-06-05T09:17:07+10:0004/06/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, News & Updates, small business|

Trumps Tarriffs are making big waves in 2025 Just when you thought 2025 couldn’t get any weirder—Donald Trump is back in the White House. Again. Armed with a fresh spray tan and a tariff plan almost as big as his ego he's dropped the economic equivalent of a brick into the global swimming pool. And while the cannonball was aimed at China, the splash could hit your Aussie small business just as we already have high interest rates and high living costs. So, should you panic? Maybe just a little but be strategic You should get smart, review your numbers, [...] READ MORE

Ormond Small Business
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Ormond Small Business

Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling

Ormond Small Business

By Geoff Gartly|2025-06-04T06:05:42+10:0004/06/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling|

Ormond Small business is the hub of our town, nestled just 12 kilometers southeast of Melbourne's CBD, Ormond is a vibrant suburb that seamlessly blends residential charm with a thriving Ormond small business community. With its rich history, diverse enterprises, and strong community spirit, Ormond offers a unique landscape for small business and locals alike. A Snapshot of Ormond Situated within the City of Glen Eira, Ormond is home to approximately 8,328 residents. The suburb boasts a mix of architectural styles, from Victorian and Edwardian homes to modern developments, reflecting its evolution over time. Key amenities include the Ormond railway [...] READ MORE

Divorce and my business :Protecting Your Small Business During Divorce
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Divorce and my business :Protecting Your Small Business During Divorce

Accounting & Business Insights, Business & Family Dispute Management, Estate Planning, Exit Planning

Divorce and my business :Protecting Your Small Business During Divorce

By Geoff Gartly|2025-09-26T17:03:05+10:0025/05/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business & Family Dispute Management, Estate Planning, Exit Planning|Tags: business owner, divorce, financial plan|

Divorce and my business are the number one questions that we often get asked. What happens, and how can we manage the damage when going through a divorce? We are here to help, as divorce can be hard, emotional and full of financial traps. When your ex-partner is also tied into your small business, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. At Gartly Advisory, we understand that the end of a relationship isn’t just personal—it’s business. And it's where you may have questions on how divorce and my business will end up. Whether your partner was a co-owner, silent [...] READ MORE

Why You Need to Pay Yourself a Wage as a Business Owner
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Why You Need to Pay Yourself a Wage as a Business Owner

Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Superannuation, Taxation & Tax Advice

Why You Need to Pay Yourself a Wage as a Business Owner

By Geoff Gartly|2025-11-20T10:42:07+11:0008/05/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Superannuation, Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: business owner, drawings, wages|

For small business owners, wages and an understanding of how to pay themselves help both their personal finances and stability, as well as the long-term health of the business. Determining an appropriate wage involves balancing profitability, cash flow, and tax efficiency while ensuring the owner is fairly compensated for their time and effort. Many small business owners struggle with whether to take a salary, drawings, or dividends, each with different tax and business sustainability implications. A well-structured owner’s wage strategy can also improve superannuation contributions and support future wealth planning. As a new business owner, you’re already accustomed to [...] READ MORE

Caravan Park Planning expanding accomodation
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Caravan Park Planning expanding accomodation

Accounting & Business Insights, Growth Tools for Small Business

Caravan Park Planning expanding accomodation

By Geoff Gartly|2025-04-21T13:10:57+10:0021/04/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Growth Tools for Small Business|

Caravan Park Planning: Is It Worth Adding New Cabins? When it comes to caravan park planning, timing is everything. If you manage a regional caravan park, you’ve probably noticed how shifts in local growth and tourism trends can really impact your business. Let's take a moment and analyse the decision many face—whether or not to invest in four new cabins for my park. So, is it worth it? let's explore the dilemma that one of our clients decided to undertake. The Investment in New Cabins Our clients decided that they would like to sell off 2 older cabins and purchase [...] READ MORE