When I started Freshwater, I wasn’t thinking about building a firm in the way I do now. There was no clear plan around systems, client selection, pricing strategy or long-term sustainability. Like most people starting out, I simply wanted to create something that worked. I wanted to generate income, have some flexibility, and build something that felt like my own.
ATO debt is something I’m having more and more conversations about at the moment, and what’s becoming really clear is that the way businesses have managed it in the past simply doesn’t stack up in today’s environment.
There’s always been a level of comfort around ATO debt. Unlike a bank chasing you, it doesn’t feel as urgent as a supplier, and for a long time, it was something that could be managed fairly easily in the background. What I’m seeing now, however, is that this mindset is starting to catch people out.
When I started my business, I had a clear goal: to build something that gave me more control over my time, more flexibility, and a better life for my family. I wanted to work with great people, earn a decent income, and run things on my terms.
What I didn’t expect was just how quickly a business can take over your life if you’re not careful.
If you want a better tax outcome (and fewer surprises), you need more than a few rushed deductions and a last-minute dash to lodge. You need structure. You need visibility. And you need to stop leaving everything until the end of the financial year, when most of your options have already vanished!
With the end of the financial year (EOFY) 2025 approaching, I’ve been reflecting on how far Freshwater Taxation has come since its launch back in 2012. What began as a solo venture has grown into an award-winning firm I’m proud of — though it’s been far from easy. Being a single mum, raising two young girls, and running a busy accounting firm (in one of the busiest industries you could choose!) has stretched me in ways I never imagined. There’s been joy, exhaustion, growth, tears, and plenty of late nights. But there have also been hard-won lessons that I know will resonate with anyone trying to balance business, parenting, and life.
Investing in property is about more than just picking the right house in the right suburb. To truly maximise your returns and avoid costly mistakes, you need to understand how property ownership works from a tax and legal perspective. The choices you make at the beginning—like whose name goes on the title, how you handle expenses, and what you can claim—can have long-term impacts on your wealth and cash flow. In this blog post, we break down the key things every smart investor should consider before signing on the dotted line.
As we approach the end of the 2025 financial year, now is the time to be proactive with tax planning, especially with a federal election around the corner and potential future policy changes ahead.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to consider before 30 June 2025:
This morning, I had the absolute honour of speaking at the Bayview Golf Club about one of my favourite topics: the common traps small business owners fall into — and how to avoid them. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a few years and are feeling burnt out, these lessons are golden.
When you hear the words “tax planning,” you might assume it’s only relevant for the wealthy or large companies. In reality, tax planning is one of the most powerful tools available to small business owners, sole traders, and individuals with investments or multiple income streams.
When done properly, it can help you legally reduce the amount of tax you pay, avoid unwelcome surprises at tax time, and plan ahead with confidence.
The 2025–26 Federal Budget was handed down on 25 March, and with an election on the horizon, it’s no surprise this one is heavy on headlines and light on deeper reform. There’s something in it for most Australians — but there’s also a lot it doesn’t address, particularly for small business owners.
This week, I had the honour of speaking on the main stage at the Accounting & Business Expo 2025 in Sydney, where I shared the journey of Freshwater Taxation along with common mistakes that small business owners can easily make. I also discussed how these mistakes can be fixed, and – most importantly- how to avoid them altogether.
Important Note: During our peak season from July to October, we prioritise maintaining our signature high-quality service. As a result, we may not always be able to take on new clients, however we’re happy to add you to our waitlist.