Technology & IT Businesses
Accounting for Tech Businesses That Move Faster Than Their Paperwork
R&D tax incentives, SaaS revenue recognition, contractor management and business structure — built for technology companies.
Technology and IT businesses face accounting challenges that traditional accountants rarely understand — research and development tax incentives, SaaS revenue recognition, contractor classification under the PSI rules, and international customers with GST implications. ANH Accounting works with IT service providers, software companies, and tech startups across Sydney.
Who we help in technology & it businesses
IT contractors and consultants
PSI assessments, company versus sole trader decisions, TPAR and tax planning for high daily rates.
Software and SaaS companies
Subscription revenue, R&D Tax Incentive claims, GST on overseas customers and investor reporting.
Tech startups and founders
Structure, ESOP, capital raising and founder tax planning from formation.
The accounting challenges technology & it businesses face
We have seen these issues repeatedly — and know exactly how to resolve them.
R&D Tax Incentive
The Australian R&D Tax Incentive provides a 43.5% refundable tax offset for eligible R&D activities for companies with turnover under $20 million. Identifying eligible activities, maintaining compliant R&D records, and lodging the R&D schedule correctly requires specialist knowledge.
Contractor vs employee (IT)
IT contractors are one of the ATO's highest-scrutiny categories. Arrangements that look like contracting may be recharacterised as employment — triggering super, PAYG, and potentially payroll tax liability.
SaaS and digital product revenue
For software-as-a-service businesses, revenue recognition, deferred income, and GST on digital products supplied to overseas customers all require careful treatment.
International customers and GST
If you supply digital products or services to overseas consumers, GST rules for cross-border digital supplies may apply. We assess your situation and ensure compliance.
Free 30-minute strategy session
Get clear advice for your technology & it businesses business
- A registered tax agent reviews your situation
- You leave with at least one practical next step
- No obligation, and we reply within 24 hours
What we do for technology & it businesses
- R&D Tax Incentive registration and claims
- Business structure advice
- Contractor arrangement review
- Annual tax returns
- BAS / IAS lodgment
- Xero bookkeeping
- Tax planning for founders
- ATO correspondence
What you can expect
R&D tax offset claimed correctly and on time
Contractor arrangements documented and defensible
Business structure optimised for the company's growth stage
GST on international digital sales correctly managed
Why technology & it businesses choose ANH Accounting
Start with a free 30-minute session
We review your situation, identify savings opportunities, and outline exactly what we can do for your technology & it businesses business — no charge, no obligation.
After hours & weekend appointments available
Rated 5.0 on Google from 36 reviews
What clients say about working with ANH Accounting
Khaled was incredibly professional and prompt in assisting us with our ASIC paperwork. His efficiency and attention to detail made the process seamless. This is the kind of exceptional service everyone desires. Thank you, ANH Accounting, and a special thanks to Khaled!
I recently had the pleasure of working with ANH, and I can confidently say it was a fantastic experience! The quality of service was outstanding, with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence evident in every interaction. I appreciated their transparency throughout the process, making it easy to stay informed and involved.
Khaled was my accountant, very professional and gets the job done quickly. 5 Stars all day.
Common questions from technology & it businesses
What is the R&D Tax Incentive and does my IT company qualify?
The R&D Tax Incentive provides a 43.5% refundable tax offset (for companies with annual turnover under $20 million) or a 38.5% non-refundable offset for larger companies. Eligible activities must involve experimental activities whose outcome cannot be known in advance based on current knowledge. Software development that involves genuinely novel technical problems may qualify. We assess your activities, help you register with AusIndustry, and prepare the R&D schedule in your tax return.
Do I charge GST on software or digital services sold overseas?
Generally, GST does not apply to services supplied to overseas business customers (B2B). However, digital products and services supplied to overseas consumers (B2C) may be subject to the GST rules for cross-border digital supplies if you are registered for GST and the supply is connected with Australia. We assess your customer base and supply arrangements and advise on the correct GST treatment.
Should a tech startup use a company or trust structure?
Most tech startups that intend to raise capital or have co-founders should use a company structure from the outset. This provides the clearest equity structure for investor rounds, the 25% corporate tax rate, and liability separation. A trust is generally less suitable for investment-backed startups. We advise on structure at the formation stage to avoid costly restructuring later.
What is personal services income, and how does it affect IT contractors?
Personal services income (PSI) is income mainly earned from your personal skills, which is typical for IT contractors working through their own company. If you do not pass the results test or another PSI test, you cannot split that income and your company may be taxed as if you were an individual. We assess your contracts and structure to confirm where you stand.
Do IT contractors need to lodge a TPAR?
Businesses that pay contractors for IT services may need to report those payments to the ATO in a Taxable Payments Annual Report, due 28 August. Whether it applies depends on how much of your business is IT. We check your reporting obligations.
How are employee share options (ESOP) taxed in Australia?
Employee share scheme benefits are generally taxed when you receive them or when options are exercised, unless a start-up concession applies. Eligibility depends on company turnover, age and holding period. We review your ESOP documents and model the tax before you accept or exercise.
What does a SaaS accountant do differently?
A SaaS accountant handles subscription revenue recognition, deferred income, R&D claims, GST on overseas customers and investor-ready reporting. Standard bookkeeping does not cover these. We set up reporting that fits recurring revenue models.
Is my IT consulting arrangement a contractor or employee relationship?
The ATO looks at the real working relationship, including control, tools, risk and exclusivity, not just the contract. A wrong call can trigger super, PAYG and payroll tax liabilities. We review your arrangement and document it properly.
Related accounting specialisations
General information only, last reviewed October 2026. Tax rules and thresholds change, so confirm your situation with ANH Accounting (Registered Tax Agent RN 26258346) before acting.
Ready to get your accounting handled properly?
Book a free 30-minute session with ANH Accounting. We'll review your current situation, find opportunities, and tell you exactly what we can do for your technology & it businesses business.
Registered Tax Agent RN 26258346 · IPA · IFA · CPA · CA · Xero Certified · Est. 2018