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.

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

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

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

By |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

Who might be impacted by your sale of business

By |2025-04-06T08:57:47+10:0006/04/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Exit plan, Growth Tools for Small Business|Tags: , |

The sale of your business has impacts throughout your business community . The sale is an emotional one too. Your business has been part of your daily life, your community, and possibly your identity. Maybe it’s a local retail shop, a café with regulars who order “the usual,” or a growing online store where you know half your customers by name. So, what happens when you decide to sell? Beyond the dollars and paperwork, there’s a ripple effect—affecting more people (and things) than you might expect in the sale of business. Let’s walk through the behind-the-scenes heroes of your business. [...] READ MORE

ATO interest charges

By |2025-04-05T17:06:50+11:0005/04/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: , |

Soon, you will no longer be able to claim ATO interest charges. Navigating the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) penalty and interest remission policies has become more challenging due to recent updates in their guidelines and policy being adhered to by the new ATO Commissioner. This will add substantially to the cost of the DEBT!Taxpayers seeking relief from penalties and ATO interest charges must now adhere strictly to the conditions outlined by the ATO Understanding ATO Interest Charges The ATO imposes interest charges to encourage timely tax payments and to ensure fairness among taxpayers. The primary types of interest charges include:- [...] READ MORE

Don’t Stop Marketing When Business is Okay

By |2025-09-24T10:43:36+10:0031/03/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights|

Marketing, keep it coming .It’s a common trap for small business owners: things are going well, the phones are ringing, orders are coming in, and your schedule is booked out for weeks. So, you pause your marketing efforts—after all, you don’t need more customers right now, right? Wrong! The truth is that consistent marketing is not something you should only focus on during the quiet times. In fact, stopping your marketing when business is good is one of the fastest ways to hit a dry patch later. The most successful businesses understand that marketing is not just a fix for [...] READ MORE

Tracking Sales Performance for Your Small Business

By |2025-03-26T10:00:36+11:0026/03/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling|Tags: , , |

Every small business should take time each month to celebrate revenue growth and sales performance. It's more than a feel-good moment—acknowledging your progress is a key part of building a long-term growth strategy. If you want to be among the top-performing small businesses in your industry, you need to be actively involved in monitoring and driving sales growth. This means not just looking at your bank balance at the end of the month but digging into the data behind your revenue—what's working, what isn't, and where you can improve. Surprisingly, many small business owners don't know their exact sales performance [...] READ MORE

Does your business team functions like a F1 racing team!

By |2025-03-26T10:03:52+11:0016/03/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Small Business Accounting Services|Tags: |

The Importance of Teamwork in Formula 1 and How It Can Propel Your Business to Success In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, the fusion of speed, precision, and strategy is not just about pushing a car to its limits but orchestrating a team towards victory over a whole race season . This same ethos of teamwork is critical in running a successful business. Here’s how the collaborative spirit of Formula 1 can inspire your small business team to chase a championship of its own—a prosperous and profitable year. The Symbiotic Relationship Between Driver and Team In Formula 1, [...] READ MORE

How To Maximise Profit for Your Business

By |2025-08-28T08:14:49+10:0007/03/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling|Tags: , , |

To maximise profit is not that hard. It would be best if you focused on a few changes in your business. Running a business allows your creativity to thrive. You are in charge and can make decisions that push you out of your comfort zone. Making a profit is one of the most important business operations.One of the best profit leavers is to increase Gross Margin. Look at how your Gross Profit looks . This is Sales less direct costs to provide the product or service. Lets explore Sale 1 - $1000 . - less product cost of say [...] READ MORE

Product development and keeping your products or service new

By |2025-03-05T10:03:25+11:0005/03/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling|Tags: |

  Product development and growth are essential for any business. A product in your business has a lifecycle and a potential use-by date. Keeping it vibrant in the market requires continuous effort, creativity, and passion. Take a moment to evaluate your products; have they been around for a while? As the years go by, even the most popular items you have been selling can lose their sparkle and appeal. That's why it's essential for small business owners to rejuvenate their product offerings bi-annually. My father was the accountant for Hills Industries, and I, too, worked there as a student, [...] READ MORE

Paying a Dividend from my company or Keep the Profits ?

By |2026-01-12T10:16:14+11:0001/03/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Small Business Accounting Services|Tags: , , |

‍Paying a dividend from my company is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make about how to use your profits. Should you pay yourself a dividend, reinvest the money in the company, or do both? It's a question that many business owners struggle with, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. We argue that paying a dividend is an effective way to reward shareholders. Others believe that reinvesting profits is the key to long-term growth and success. Lets explore the pros and cons of both options, so you can make an informed decision that's right for your business. Understanding [...] READ MORE

Superannuation Contributions and deadlines

By |2025-02-21T11:35:42+11:0021/02/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights|

It is important to understand the timing of superannuation contributions and when and how they are recorded in the Fund. One of the most common ways an SMSF grows its capital is through contributions made by its members. As you age, fund members focus more on boosting super as this attractive investment vehicle is built and established for your retirement. These contributions can be in contributed by cash, electronic transfers, or other financial instruments. Understanding when a contribution is considered to be made is essential for SMSF trustees to ensure compliance with superannuation laws and tax obligations. This is especially [...] READ MORE

Transferring XRP to your SMSF

By |2025-01-23T07:54:28+11:0023/01/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund)|Tags: , , |

With Trump's era now in full swing, crypto  such as XRP is enjoying growth. We have had a few queries lately about moving the client's crypto from their own name into a family trust or SMSFTransferring cryptocurrency, such as XRP, into your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) can be a strategic way to align your digital assets with your retirement goals and manage capital gains. However, it requires careful compliance with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulations and documentation. Here's how to approach the process in a compliant and seamless manner.The first step is to ensure that your SMSF’s trust deed allows [...] READ MORE

Running a B n b using Your SMSF

By |2025-01-08T16:39:24+11:0008/01/2025|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Estate Planning, small business, SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund), Trade & Construction|

Many ask if it is possible running a B n B using your SMSF? The allure of a coastal property. The sound of waves crashing, stunning sunsets, and the potential for lucrative rental income and capital growth. These are all good reasons to invest in coastal real estate. If you have a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), you might wonder whether such an investment could fit within your retirement strategy. The short answer is yes, but with a few critical hurdles to navigate. The Vision vs. The Rules Picture this: a charming beach house listed as an Air BnB, earning a [...] READ MORE

5 Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

By |2024-12-31T17:25:16+11:0031/12/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business & Accounting Insights|Tags: , , |

If you habitually set New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of the year and then abandon them a few days later, now is your chance to try something different. Imagine how your life could improve if you followed through on your resolutions until you achieved your goals! Change Your Thinking It's very possible to overcome your habit of giving up on New Year's resolutions with a few basic tips. Above all else, avoid regarding your resolutions as something to aspire to and then forgetting them when they no longer seem pertinent or interesting. New Year's resolutions can be extremely enriching [...] READ MORE

Carry Forward Concessional Contributions Tax Planning Strategies for 2025

By |2024-12-31T10:20:16+11:0031/12/2024|Categories: Estate Planning, Small Business Accounting Services, SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund), Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: , |

Carry Forward Concessional Contributions can assist in your tax planning strategy for 2025 . As a small business owner, navigating the tax landscape can save money and help you grow your financial future. One area worth exploring is carry-forward concessional contributions. This tax strategy enables you to boost your retirement savings while potentially reducing your tax liability, especially for those in their 50s who have not had sufficient cash flow to contribute in the past. We also use the strategy for those one of big tax bills, such as capital gains, that can sometimes help dilute your tax bill. What [...] READ MORE

Investing in Cryptocurrency by my SMSF

By |2024-12-07T12:35:51+11:0007/12/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Estate Planning, SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund)|Tags: , , , , |

Investing in Cryptocurrency by my SMSF is becoming an attractive option for many. With the growing interest in cryptocurrency as an asset class, many SMSF (Self-Managed Superannuation Fund) trustees are exploring the potential of digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to diversify their portfolios. While Crypto can be an exciting investment, managing it within an SMSF has unique challenges and compliance requirements. Cryptocurrency investments in an SMSF environment raise issues such as trust deed considerations, compliance, storage methods like cold wallets, and how to sell crypto assets effectively. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, these insights [...] READ MORE

Can I run my business as a partnership

By |2025-09-30T19:25:03+10:0018/11/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: , , |

Running a business as a Partnership or as a sole trader, you need to tread carefully. These simple entities are popular, as they are easy to set up. They are also simple to manage and have fewer complications than a company or a family trust, making reporting easy to prepare. However, partnerships are most suited to businesses operated by family members, individuals or those working on a small scale. Partners in crime - mates don't always make good business partners It's worth noting that a partnership can be formed between individuals, trusts, or companies. A sole trader is just you. [...] READ MORE

Starting the Caravan Park Exit Planning 5 Essential Preparations Before Going to Market

By |2024-11-17T20:31:17+11:0017/11/2024|Categories: Business & Accounting Insights, Exit plan, Growth Tools for Small Business|Tags: , |

Caravan Park exit planning starts early. After many years as owners of the local caravan park, you've decided to move on and sell your caravan park. This transition is about selling a property and handing over a thriving community hub that has grown under your care. Preparing for this change requires careful exit planning and strategic actions to ensure a smooth transition and potentially enhance the value of your park. Here’s a detailed roadmap for what you should consider doing 12 months before listing your property for sale. Take a Comprehensive Look at Your Property as part of your Caravan [...] READ MORE

Building a business not reliant on its owner and holidays

By |2024-11-06T08:35:07+11:0006/11/2024|Categories: Business & Accounting Insights, Exit plan, Growth Tools for Small Business|

The small business owners holidays. Does it happen? Taking a holiday can seem like a luxury they simply can't afford or think they can't have! However, did you know regular breaks are important for personal health and well-being and crucial for business building? That is building a business that isn't overly reliant on one person. Here's why embracing holidays and time off is essential for creating a more autonomous, resilient business: Plan your next holiday and see your business fly! Taking time off forces small business owners to delegate tasks and empower their employees. Why you are having a break [...] READ MORE

The fear of selling a business and letting go! Jason and Angie’s Tale of Selling Their Business After 25 Years

By |2024-10-31T22:07:09+11:0031/10/2024|Categories: Exit plan|

It's real: the fear of selling a business. After dedicating a quarter-century to their beloved local café, Jason and Angie Martin made the tough decision to sell. Their café was a go-to café in a regional seaside town they had lovingly nurtured from its inception. To them, the café was more than a business—it was an integral part of their identity. They built it, they worked it, and they loved the fun times it brought. Yet, as they yearned for a slower pace of life and more family time, they faced the inevitable: it was time to retire. Our story [...] READ MORE

How to Enhance your business Value before Selling: The Ultimate Checklist

By |2024-10-30T21:17:44+11:0030/10/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Business Growth & Scaling, Exit Planning|

Business owners who enhance your business value before selling put themself in the optimised position for success . But they also face their most significant financial decisions of their business career before going to market for sale. we know that a well-prepared business can sell for 3-5 times more value than one rushed to market. A complete selling checklist helps owners maximise their business value and attract qualified buyers. The more time you spend enhancing your business value the better result you will get. Business owners can learn valuable steps to boost their business value before selling or putting their [...] READ MORE

Trust vs Company

By |2025-08-24T16:39:09+10:0010/10/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, small business, Small Business Accounting Services, Taxation & Tax Advice|Tags: , , , |

A Trust vs Company is a decision many business startups need to consider when determining their trading vehicle. Choosing the right business structure is crucial to impacting your business operations, taxation, liability, and future growth. Family Trusts and Companies (typically Proprietary Limited or Pty Ltd companies) are two popular structures. We stress that Family Trusts are for family affairs, but suitable for non-family ownership where two non-related partners enter into a business. Trust vs Company: Each entity type has advantages and considerations, and don't be surprised if the best structure is one of each. Here's a comprehensive overview to help [...] READ MORE

Early access to smsf superannuation when facing business stress

By |2024-09-25T13:00:43+10:0024/09/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Exit Planning, Small Business Accounting Services, SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund)|Tags: , |

It might be tempting as a business owner to take early access to smsf and superannuation.  As the economy gets tough for many small business owners, keeping the doors open can feel like a tightrope between survival and financial disaster. With this in mind business owners who also run their own SMSF are faced with these pressures, and it's tempting to access these funds. This may lead some to consider early access to smsf superannuation using the benefits of their Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF) to keep their small business going.However, before considering this, you must grasp the serious legal and [...] READ MORE

How to set a tradie charge out rate

By |2024-10-05T14:14:02+10:0008/09/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Small Business Accounting Services, Trade & Construction|Tags: , |

How do I calculate and set my tradie charge out rate? Your charge out rate can influence if you make a profit or a loss in your trade business. There are traps to be aware of when setting your rate. Be careful not to underprice, but do not overprice unless your strategy is high-end! It's hard to get the balance right. Reviewing your charge out regularly is also important to maintain profitability. Here a couple of industry charge out fallacies Charge out rates are all the customer worries about when engaging with your services I should set the same [...] READ MORE

Negotiating an ATO Payment Plan

By |2025-09-17T16:51:15+10:0014/08/2024|Categories: Accounting & Business Insights, Taxation & Tax Advice|

ATO Payment plan for tax debt and Defaulting on tax payment plans If you have an ATO debt you can’t pay upfront, you can arrange an ATO payment plan for tax debt. This is an agreement between you and the ATO where you agree to pay off your tax debt over time in instalments. In return, the ATO agrees not to use its debt collection powers against you. Obtaining an ATO payment plan for tax debt payment arrangement with the ATO is one thing. However, you need to keep the tax plan for tax debt payment arrangement on track [...] READ MORE

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