TACKLING TAX WITH A SMILE

TACKLING TAX WITH A SMILE

JOHN CLARKE, SUCCESS TAX PROFESSIONALS

COVID-19 may have unquestionably ushered in widespread uncertainty in many aspects of our daily lives but, as the old adage is always keen to remind us, one of two constants still remains: taxes.

Navigating the federal tax landscape in Australia can certainly be a precarious process. Many small businesses find themselves overwhelmed by the confusing and overly complicated conditions their tax obligations present and rarely does the taxman or woman find themselves at the top of people’s Christmas card lists.

Thankfully, there are accountants out there that are fully equipped and more than ready to help by offering invaluable expertise and guidance.

One such accounting firm is Success Tax Professionals (STPTAX), a network of over 95 independently owned accounting practices servicing over 50,000 accounting and tax clients each year.

Established in Port Macquarie by John Clarke in June 2020, STPTAX is a unique franchise group where its members work together to provide local services businesses, individuals, retirees and investors which are underpinned with national backup. It currently has a presence in six states across the country and members benefit from on-going branding, marketing, training, systems, services, and quality controls support.

Maximising a client’s tax situation and actually striving to generate financial growth are the objectives that define John’s and STPTAX’s approach. His practice offers a holistic range of services to clients encompassing accounting, tax, tax planning and advice on asset protection and risk management.

A PEOPLE PERSON

With a 30-year career in accountancy and around 20 years involved in tax specific affairs, John and his family moved from Dubbo to Port Macquarie in 2008.

Having been now based in Port Macquarie for 13 years I know the district, I know the people, I know the kind of industries that are involved locally,” John said.

He places a huge emphasis on the community and fostering solid, sustainable relationships and networks, something his affable personality lends itself to favourably.

I really enjoy dealing with people, helping them and their businesses to get a better understanding of how they can improve their profits and their cash flow. And also, helping individuals get the most tax back that they can legally.

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

It will come as no great surprise that the emphasis John places on the importance of good and clear communication is imperative.

“I genuinely regard it as one of my major differentiators,” he commented.

“Communicating effectively is so important. I have welcomed a number of new clients in the past 12 months whose previous accountant was technically providing a very sound service but they were not communicating and keeping them abreast of key developments.”

One such major development unravelling in the past 15 months has, of course, been COVID-19.

“I discovered a number of clients who had not been given any form of advice in relation to what they may have been eligible to under the government’s COVID stimulus package incentive scheme,” said John.

“I’m not saying change [your existing accountant]. But, if you

want to learn a bit more about what I can do or seek a second opinion then I welcome people to pop by for a coffee and a chat.

“I want your business to succeed,” John says. “I want it to generate the profits you need for your dreams - whether it’s a house, holidays, or time with your family.”

Ultimately, tax obligations may well be an inevitable and unavoidable fact of life but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a burden or unpleasant ordeal. With personable experts like John Clarke and the STPTAX network you’re in safe hands and may even come to enjoy the whole process!

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