For many medical and allied health clinics, December brings a natural slowdown. With fewer appointments and staff taking well-earned breaks, the end of the calendar year offers something valuable: time.
This quiet period is an ideal opportunity to take a step back from daily operations and prepare your clinic for a stronger, more profitable year ahead.
From structural reviews to cash flow forecasting, using this downtime strategically can help your practice start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and control.
Here’s how practice owners can make the most of the holiday season:
The holiday period often provides a rare pause for clinic owners. While patients are on holiday and staff rosters are lighter, you finally have breathing space to work on your business instead of in it.
Here’s how you can make that time count:
As your practice grows, your existing structure may no longer serve your financial or legal needs. December is an excellent time to review your setup (whether you operate as a sole trader, company, or through a family or service trust).
Ask yourself:
Note for Victorian clinics: With recent scrutiny on contractor arrangements (payroll tax), now is also the time to review your compliance. You can refer to the State Revenue Office Victoria for the latest rulings on relevant contracts.
Accurate forecasting gives your clinic the power to plan, not react. Review your 2025 year-to-date performance and project your 2026 income, factoring in potential growth areas, staffing changes, and patient trends.
Consider the following:
A detailed income and expense forecast can help you identify when cash flow might tighten, and how to prepare for it.
If you’ve been putting off essential upgrades or maintenance, the quiet season is an ideal time to plan them. Small businesses may still be able to take advantage of the Instant Asset Write-Off (currently a $20,000 threshold for the 2024–25 income year).
These strategic purchases not only improve operational efficiency but can also deliver tax benefits when timed correctly.
Strong cash flow is the heartbeat of every practice. Use your downtime to review patient payment processes, billing systems, and outstanding invoices.
A proactive approach now can prevent financial stress when business ramps up again in the new year.
With staff taking holidays or adjusting their schedules, it’s a good time to review payroll compliance and leave entitlements.
Make sure you:
This not only ensures compliance but also fosters a supportive workplace culture going into 2026.
Common deductions include professional development costs, medical equipment, software, uniforms, motor vehicle expenses, and superannuation contributions. Always check eligibility with your advisor to ensure compliance.
It depends on your cash flow and whether your clinic will benefit from the instant asset write-off or other tax incentives available for the 2024–25 financial year.
Ideally, every 12–18 months or whenever there are significant changes in income, ownership, or regulatory updates. Regular reviews ensure your structure remains both efficient and protective.
Maintain a cash reserve, automate billing and reminders, and forecast upcoming expenses early. Many clinics also use slow periods to renegotiate supplier terms.
Yes. Holiday pay, sick leave, and other employee entitlements are deductible when paid, as long as they comply with Fair Work and ATO requirements.
The quieter weeks of December offer a golden opportunity for medical and allied health clinic owners to plan strategically. A few proactive steps now (like reviewing your tax structure, forecasting 2026 income, and planning equipment purchases) can make a big difference to your clinic’s long-term financial health.
At Rubiix Business Accountants, we specialise in helping medical professionals structure, plan, and grow their businesses with confidence.
Book your free 30-minute consultation today and start 2026 with a clear plan for success.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a qualified adviser for personalised guidance.