Small Business Tax Planning

Get expert small business tax planning from Long & Cowan, trusted Chartered Accountants helping Wellington businesses stay compliant and grow confidently.

Tailored Tax Planning for Small Businesses

Long & Cowan offer specialised small business tax planning designed to support the unique needs of local enterprises. As a long-established Wellington firm, they understand the challenges small businesses face in meeting tax obligations while focusing on day-to-day operations. Their tailored services help clients remain compliant, reduce liabilities, and make proactive financial decisions.

Throughout Wellington and nearby areas such as Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Porirua, their accountants provide practical, accurate tax strategies. They guide sole traders, partnerships, and companies in understanding their tax responsibilities, ensuring timely filings and avoiding unnecessary penalties.

With a personal approach, they make sure every client understands their tax position clearly. Whether starting out or scaling up, small business owners receive expert guidance to manage tax obligations efficiently and plan for sustainable growth.

Reliable Support Across All Tax Types

For many business owners, staying current with multiple tax requirements can be overwhelming. Long & Cowan simplify this by offering full support across all major tax types. Their small business tax planning covers income tax, GST, provisional tax, PAYE, and fringe benefit tax.

They ensure every return is submitted on time and in line with current legislation. Their accountants also explain the implications of each tax type, helping clients budget accurately and avoid cash flow surprises.

Across Wellington, they work with clients in retail, construction, hospitality, and professional services. Regardless of the industry, each business receives a structured plan that aligns with its size, growth stage, and future goals.

Through their careful planning, they reduce tax risk while creating space for owners to focus on growth, innovation, and customer service.

Strategic Guidance Beyond Compliance

While tax compliance is critical, Long & Cowan help small businesses move beyond the basics. Their proactive tax planning includes detailed forecasting and scenario analysis, offering clients a clearer view of upcoming obligations.

By mapping out tax responsibilities across the year, they help owners avoid last-minute stress and unexpected payments. Their accountants work closely with clients to identify opportunities for tax efficiency, drawing on deep knowledge of New Zealand’s business tax framework.

In the wider Wellington region, including Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa, their strategies support both early-stage and established businesses. From quarterly planning sessions to end-of-year reviews, they ensure every client receives the insight needed to manage tax with confidence.

Each engagement includes practical recommendations that reflect current performance and future plans, ensuring tax strategies evolve with the business.

Structuring Businesses for Tax Efficiency

How a business is structured can significantly affect its tax profile. Long & Cowan help new and growing businesses choose the right structure from the outset. For existing entities, they offer guidance on restructuring to enhance tax efficiency and asset protection.

As part of their small business tax planning service, they assess whether a sole trader, partnership, company, or trust structure best suits each client’s financial goals. They also provide expert support for restructuring in response to growth, succession, or regulatory change.

Throughout the Wellington business community, they have helped clients restructure to better reflect operational realities and reduce unnecessary tax exposure. Every recommendation is tailored to the business’s risk profile, income levels, and ownership model.

This focus on tax-efficient structuring helps clients build resilient foundations that support long-term financial health.

Partnering with Small Business Owners

One of Long & Cowan’s greatest strengths is their client-first approach. They build lasting relationships based on trust, consistency, and personalised service. Their team takes the time to understand each client’s business, goals, and challenges before offering tailored tax advice.

Many small business owners across Wellington rely on them as more than just accountants. They serve as partners in financial strategy, offering insight at critical points throughout the business lifecycle.

Their flexible communication style ensures support is always available—whether through in-person meetings in central Wellington or remote consultations for clients in outer districts like Johnsonville, Tawa, or Petone.

This partnership approach ensures that small business owners feel confident in their financial decisions and supported throughout every stage of growth.