Accountant for Physiotherapists: Industry Analysis and Advice
Quantum House is an accountant for physiotherapists, from sole practitioners to multi-clinic groups. In the video below, our team summarises IBISWorld’s 2024 report on physiotherapy services in Australia. It covers how the industry has performed, what is driving demand and the risks practice owners face.
Tax and compliance issues for physiotherapy practices
Physiotherapy looks simple from the outside. However, a practice combines health-specific GST rules, employment awards and, often, contractor arrangements. Each needs care.
- GST: physiotherapy is one of the listed health services that can be GST-free. The provider must be a recognised professional, and the service must be generally accepted in the profession as necessary for appropriate treatment. The ATO explains the conditions in its guide to GST-free health services. By contrast, goods sold by the clinic follow separate GST rules and may be taxable.
- Awards: employed physiotherapists and support staff are generally covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. As a result, rosters and pay rates need regular review.
- Contractors: many clinics engage physiotherapists as contractors. Even so, contractors who are paid mainly for their labour can be eligible for super guarantee, currently at 12%.
- Payroll tax: in NSW, payments to contractor practitioners can fall within the relevant contract rules. Revenue NSW sets out the position and the available exemptions in its guidance for medical and healthcare providers.
- Super timing: from 1 July 2026, Payday Super requires contributions to reach the fund within 7 business days of payday.
Why physiotherapists choose a specialist accountant
A specialist accountant for physiotherapists does more than prepare the year-end return. First, we check that your structure suits the way income flows between practitioners and the practice. Then we review contractor agreements for super and payroll tax exposure before a state revenue office does.
We also compare your results with the ATO’s small business benchmarks for physiotherapy services. For example, a clinic with high labour costs against turnover may be under-charging or over-staffed. In addition, our business performance evaluation turns those ratios into a plan for the next year.
How Quantum House supports allied health businesses
- Bookkeeping, BAS and tax returns through our Sydney accounting services.
- Structuring advice when you add a clinic, a partner or a new service line.
- Cash flow forecasting and fractional CFO support through our outsourced CFO services.
- Practice advice for doctors and specialists alongside allied health, as described on our medical practice accounting page.
If you would like an accountant for physiotherapists who understands both the clinical and the commercial side, contact our Sydney team.