What’s the best business structure for me?
Starting or growing a business comes with a long list of decisions—but one of the most important is often overlooked:
“Which business structure is right for me?”
At McMillans, we know that choosing the right structure from the beginning can have a significant impact on your success, your tax outcomes, and your risk exposure. It’s not just a legal formality—it’s a strategic move.
Why does my business structure matter?
Your business structure determines:
How much tax you pay and when it's due
Your personal liability and exposure to business risks
How easy it is to bring in new owners or investors
How you raise finance
How smooth your eventual exit will be
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right structure depends on your goals, the size and type of your business, and your future plans.
Common business structures in Australia
Each structure has its pros and cons:
What should I consider before choosing a structure?
At McMillans, we work through your goals and priorities to recommend the most suitable structure. Key factors we’ll explore include:
Effective tax rate – to help minimise tax legally
Eligibility for Capital Gains Tax concessions
How to separate personal wealth from business risk
Ease of bringing in future partners or shareholders
Funding needs – what sources and terms will suit your goals?
Exit planning – including sale, succession, or retirement
How changing government policies may affect your industry
It’s not just about tax
Sometimes the structure that saves you the most tax isn't the best commercial option. That’s why we look at the whole picture—weighing up risk, flexibility, funding, and future growth so you can make an informed, confident decision.
Need to review an existing structure?
Even if your business is already up and running, your structure may need to change as you grow. We can help you review your current setup and identify opportunities to:
Protect assets
Simplify succession or investment
Adjust to new business partners or funding needs
Let’s set you up for success
Whether you're starting from scratch or ready to scale, talk to McMillans about choosing (or reviewing) the structure that gives your business the best chance to grow, thrive, and weather the unexpected.