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13 Years of Freshwater Tax: What I’ve Learned

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.

Tax and Property: Getting It Right from Day One

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.

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Balancing Business and Motherhood: Lessons Learned and My Tips for Success

Running a business is no small feat, especially when you’re also a solo parent.

Over the course of my journey with Freshwater Tax, I’ve learned many invaluable lessons that have not only shaped my business but also helped me balance my personal responsibilities. Here are some insights and tips designed to help other busy business-owners in my situation (of which I know first-hand) there are plenty!

Claiming Motor Vehicle Expenses: Employed vs. Self-Employed

Navigating the intricacies of tax deductions for motor vehicle expenses can get a bit confusing! This is especially the case because the rules can differ slightly depending on if you are an employee versus self-employed. This blog will take you through the different ways in which you can claim your car costs, depending on your specific situation.

The importance of preparing your Trust Distribution Minute BEFORE June 30

What are Annual Distribution Minutes?
Each year, a discretionary trust’s distributable income must be calculated and allocated to beneficiaries according to the trust deed. Trust law mandates that this allocation be determined and documented through trust minutes before June 30th.

Do you REALLY save tax by running your business as in a family trust structure?

Choosing the right structure for your business is vital for its success and sustainability. One option that offers significant advantages is operating as a family trust. You may have heard that small business owners who run their business structure in this structure actually save tax – do they really?

How to make a tax-deductible, charitable donation in Australia

Australia is known for its generous spirit, especially when it comes to supporting charitable causes. One of the most impactful ways to contribute is by donating to Deductible Gift Recipients (DGRs). Not only do these donations support vital causes, but they can also offer tax benefits.

Work from home? Here’s how to claim your tax deductions correctly…

With the rise of remote work, understanding the rules around claiming tax deductions for working from home has become increasingly important. Regardless of if you’re an individual employee or a business owner, knowing what you can claim can help you maximise your deductions and ensure compliance with ATO regulations.

What can I claim as a tax deduction?

One of the most common queries we receive here at Freshwater is: “What Can I Claim in order to maximise my tax return?”

While what you’re allowed to claim as a tax deduction may vary (depending on if your situation / if you’re an employee or a business owner etc) the following principles remain true regardless…

Understanding the difference between Employees & Contractors

Understanding the distinction between Employees & Contractors is a crucial part of managing a business in Australia. Misclassification can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, so it’s really important to understand the key differences and implications of each classification.