Compact Accounting

14/10/2026

Employee or Contractor? Getting the Classification Right

Hiring someone as a contractor is not as simple as getting an ABN or signing an agreement.

This article looks at some of the practical questions businesses should consider, including:
- control of the work
- delegation
- super obligations
- payroll tax
- workers compensation

Read the full article here:

Employee or contractor? Learn the key indicators, Fair Work tests, superannuation obligations and common traps Australian businesses should consider.

30/09/2026

Running a caravan park can involve a surprising number of moving parts.

Tourist stays, permanent residents, cabins, site fees, utilities, booking platforms and park assets do not always receive the same accounting or GST treatment.

We’ve put together a practical overview of some of the key questions caravan park operators should consider.

Read more:

Caravan parks can involve different GST, accounting, asset and cash-flow treatments. Explore key questions for Australian caravan park operators.

16/09/2026

Thinking about property through an SMSF?

An SMSF can own property, but the rules become more complicated once borrowing, related parties or private use enter the picture.

Recent changes have also narrowed the circumstances in which a new SMSF borrowing arrangement can be used to acquire real property.

We’ve put together a practical overview of the key rules, risks and questions to consider before proceeding.

Read more:

Can an SMSF buy property? Understand the key borrowing rules, related-party issues, liquidity risks and questions to consider before you proceed.

03/09/2026

AI is becoming part of everyday business, including accounting.

It can help explain accounting concepts, organise information, prepare better questions and make financial reports easier to understand. But a confident answer is not always a complete answer.

Our latest Resource looks at where AI can genuinely help small business owners with accounting, where extra care is needed, and why context and professional judgment still matter.

Discover where AI can help with small business accounting, how to check its answers, and when professional judgment and advice still matter.

01/09/2026

Thinking about buying your next vehicle through the business?

It can be a sensible option in the right circumstances, but ownership, private use, GST, FBT, finance and cash flow all need to be considered together.

We’ve outlined some of the key questions to work through before signing the contract.

Buying a vehicle through your business? Compare business use, structure, GST, FBT, finance, records and cash flow before signing the contract.

20/08/2026

Thinking about changing accountants but unsure what actually happens?

For many people, the idea of moving firms feels more difficult than the process itself.

Our latest Resource explains:

when a change may be worth considering;
when a conversation with your existing accountant may solve the issue;
how the professional handover usually works;
what records and information may be required; and
what to consider when choosing a new adviser.

Changing accountants is not necessarily a criticism of the previous relationship. Sometimes your circumstances have simply changed.

Read the full guide here:

Thinking about changing accountants? Learn when a change may make sense, how the handover works, what records are needed and what to expect from your new accountant.

04/08/2026

Thinking about buying an investment property?

The property itself is only one part of the decision.

Before signing a contract, it is worth checking the proposed ownership, total purchase and holding costs, cash flow, taxation consequences, risks and the advice you may need.

Our latest article sets out 7 practical questions to ask before buying an investment property, whether you are considering residential property, commercial premises or a property connected with your business.

Read the article here: https://www.compactaccounting.com.au/questions-before-buying-an-investment-property/

General information only. Obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances before committing to a purchase.

Thinking of buying an investment property? These seven practical questions can help you assess ownership, cash flow, tax, risk and the advice needed before signing a contract.

29/07/2026

Using company money privately?

A company is legally separate from its owners, so money taken for personal use needs to be properly identified, documented and treated.

Our latest Resource explains common Division 7A issues involving director loans, private expenses, shareholder benefits and trust arrangements, together with practical habits that can help prevent larger problems.

Read the full article:

https://www.compactaccounting.com.au/using-company-money-privately-division-7a/

Using company money privately can trigger Division 7A. Learn how director loans, personal expenses, shareholder benefits and complying loans are treated.

19/07/2026

Why is your accountant asking for your driver’s licence?

If you’ve recently been asked to provide identification, you’re certainly not alone.

We’ve created a practical guide explaining why these requirements exist, when they apply and what they mean for you.

If you’ve been wondering why your accountant suddenly needs identification, this article should answer many of your questions.

👇 Read the full guide:

https://www.compactaccounting.com.au/why-is-my-accountant-asking-for-my-driver-licence/

15/07/2026

Building Compact Accounting has involved far more than taxation and compliance. It has been an opportunity to develop systems, refine processes and create a practice centred on practical advice, long-term relationships and helping clients make informed decisions.