Your overall task is to advise a client or clients on how to

 

structure their business – either as a sole trader, partnership, joint venture,

 

or company. You do not have to consider all four of these in your advice

 

– which ones are relevant will depend on the clients’ circumstances. You

 

should not consider trusts, as they are used primarily to minimise tax, and

 

tax law is not part of this course. (Assume that the clients instruct you

 

that they’ve had bad past experience with trusts, because of the extra

 

administration and accountancy fees that trusts create, and they don’t

 

want to do that again). You should generally avoid any substantial advice

 

on tax, although you can make some basic comments. The tax

 

implications of business structures are a lot more complicated than

 

websites (such as the ATO) suggest, and since tax is not part of this

 

course, it is best to avoid it.

 

In order to provide this advice you need to perform these 4 sub-tasks:-

 

1. Draw up a list of questions to ask your client so as to gather the

 

information and instructions necessary for you to advise.

 

2. Write down your clients’ answers to the questions, including any

 

follow-up queries to clarify the answers.

 

3. Research the law relevant to your advice.

 

4. Write an advice directed to the clients’ situation, including a

 

recommendation on the best form of business structure for their needs.