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.

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