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Tax guide: Claiming Business Expenses

STEP 3 | Small business tax 101

Maximize Your Deductions to Lower Your Tax Bill

Key takeaways:

Identify and claim eligible business expenses
Leverage industry-specific deductions
Track expenses efficiently with Sole

Running Your Own Business and Deductions

As a sole trader, you can claim deductions on expenses directly related to running your business. These deductions reduce your taxable income, which means you pay less tax. Understanding what counts as a business expense is crucial for maximising your deductions.

What Counts as a Business Expense?

Business expenses are costs incurred in the ordinary course of running your business. These can include office supplies, travel expenses, and marketing costs. For a comprehensive list of deductible expenses, visit the ATO’s guide on deductions you can claim.

What is the Best Way to Track Business Expenses?

Tracking expenses accurately is crucial for maximising your deductions and minimizing your tax bill. Sole makes this easy by allowing you to record and categorize your expenses, attach receipts, and generate reports. This helps ensure you don’t miss any deductions and keeps your financial records in order.

Industry-Specific Deductions

Certain industries have unique deductible expenses. Below are some examples. If your industry is not listed you can find the full list published by the ATO here.

  1. Cleaners

  2. Community Support Workers and Carers

  3. Fitness Professionals

  4. Hairdressers and Beauty Professionals

  5. IT Professionals

  6. Media Professionals

  7. Performing Artists

  8. Recruitment Consultants

  9. Sales and Marketing Professionals

  10. Tradespeople

  11. Real Estate Professionals

  12. Teachers and Education Professionals

More business tax resources

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