Business Details
Expert Tax & Accounting Services for Family-Owned Businesses
Westcourt Consulting was founded by Ross Forrester and Craig Seddon, who built the firm from humble beginnings to become a dedicated partner for family-owned businesses. Our team combines deep technical expertise with a singular focus on helping families in business thrive through tax structuring, accounting, and strategic advisory services. We prioritise financial certainty, wealth preservation, and intergenerational transfer while fostering a culture of love, innovation, and client-centric solutions.With offices in Perth and Melbourne, our commitment to cutting red tape and leveraging global networks like GGI Global ensures tailored support for businesses navigating complex tax landscapes. Our values drive every interaction, ensuring clients receive transparent, proactive advice aligned with their long-term goals.
Services
Tax Structuring
International Taxation
Carbon Accounting
Succession Planning
Cloud Accounting
GST Advisory
Capital Gains Tax
Fringe Benefits Tax
Land Tax
ATO Audit Support
Highlights and features
- We exclusively focus on family-owned businesses, ensuring deep industry-specific expertise.
- Proven specialists in tax structuring and cloud accounting with practical, actionable advice.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or timesheet-driven charges.
- Global reach through GGI Global network for cross-border tax and compliance support.
- Award-winning team with decades of combined experience in family business advisory.
What people say
Expert tax structuring
Proactive compliance support
Tailored advisory services
Global tax expertise
Strong client relationships
Services
Tax Structuring
We design tailored tax structures to minimise liabilities and maximise wealth retention for family businesses. Our strategies address income tax, capital gains tax, estate planning, and asset protection while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. By integrating cloud accounting and global tax networks, we deliver scalable solutions aligned with business growth and succession goals.
International Taxation
Our specialists navigate cross-border tax complexities for businesses expanding overseas or relocating to Australia. Services include transfer pricing, residency planning, and compliance with Australian and international tax laws. Leveraging GGI Globals network, we provide holistic advice on GST/VAT, withholding taxes, and tax-efficient structuring for multinational operations.
Carbon Accounting
We help businesses meet mandatory carbon reporting standards (AASB S1/S2) and supply chain obligations. Our services cover Scope 1-3 emissions tracking, audit-ready documentation, and offset strategies using Trace software. By integrating carbon accounting with financial systems, we reduce administrative burdens and position clients for sustainability-driven opportunities.
Succession Planning
We develop comprehensive plans for transferring business and personal assets across generations. Our approach combines tax-efficient structures, testamentary trusts, and family governance frameworks to preserve wealth and ensure smooth leadership transitions while addressing potential tax liabilities.
ATO Audit Support
We defend clients during ATO audits with meticulous documentation and strategic representation. Our proactive compliance strategies reduce audit risks by aligning tax returns with current legislation and ensuring accurate reporting of GST, FBT, and income tax obligations.
People
Ross Forrester
Director
Co-founder with extensive experience in family business advisory, specialising in tax structuring and succession planning. Leads strategic growth initiatives and client relationships.
Craig Seddon
Director
Co-founder focused on technical tax excellence and global network development. Oversees compliance and international tax advisory services.
Joshua Cannell
Director
Specialises in cloud accounting and business process automation. Drives technology integration to enhance client reporting and efficiency.
Adam Stannett
Director
Expert in capital gains tax and property development structuring. Provides strategic advice on asset protection and tax concessions.
Gavin Van Der Linden
Senior Advisor
Focuses on international tax compliance and cross-border transactions. Supports clients with residency planning and global expansion strategies.
Questions
How do you lodge a tax return in Australia?
Gather records, choose lodgement via myTax or a tax agent, complete income/expenses, lodge with ATO, and pay any owed tax.
What is tax structuring?
Organising financial affairs to minimise tax liability through entity selection, deductions, and strategic planning aligned with business goals.
What are capital gains tax exemptions?
Exemptions include main residences, assets under $10,000, and small business concessions reducing taxable gains.
How does international tax work across countries?
Governed by treaties and local laws to prevent double taxation. Involves transfer pricing, residency rules, and compliance with multiple jurisdictions.
What is goods and services tax (GST)?
A 10% tax on most Australian goods/services. Businesses collect GST and claim credits for GST paid on business inputs.
How can I reduce fringe benefits tax (FBT)?
Use exemptions like work-related items, restructure benefits, or apply salary sacrifice arrangements to lower taxable value.
Reviews (2)
Amber Norrish
Jul 30, 2018
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The team at Westcourt Family Business Accountants go above and beyond, with not only providing a quality service but also in creating real relationships with their customers. It's not just about numbers for these guys, which makes me super proud to recommend their business.
Peter Nevin
Sep 28, 2017
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I have dealt with Ross and Craig on a professional level for some years, and their practicality, level of professionalism and attention to detail is always impressive.
