Prepare for your appointment

Sole trader tax return checklist

For clients operating a business under their own ABN. You may also need items from the individual checklist, we'll let you know at your appointment.

Thank you for booking with us! Not all items will apply to your business, bring what you have and we'll guide you through the rest. The more complete your records, the faster and more accurate your return.

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1. Business incomeAll income earned under your ABN

  • Income summaryTotal income from sales, services or fees for the year
  • Sales invoices or recordsCopies or summaries of invoices issued
  • Bank statementsAll accounts used for business transactions
  • Cash or EFTPOS receiptsRecord of non-invoiced sales

2. Business expensesDetailed records of all costs

  • Advertising & marketing costs
  • Bank feesOn business accounts
  • Motor vehicle expensesLogbook or cents/km, fuel, registration, insurance (business portion)
  • Office expensesSupplies, stationery, internet
  • Phone & utilitiesBusiness-use portion
  • Subcontractor paymentsInclude ABNs and total amounts paid
  • Tools, equipment & materials
  • Software subscriptions & licences
  • Accounting or legal fees
  • Work travel expensesAirfares, accommodation, meals for business travel
  • Home office usePortion of rent, electricity etc. if working from home
  • Business insurancePublic liability, professional indemnity etc.

3. Assets & stockIf applicable to your business

  • Asset purchasesComputers, vehicles, equipment purchased during the year
  • Loan or finance documentsRelated to business purchases
  • Stock on handClosing stock value as at 30 June, if you hold inventory
  • Work in progressUnbilled but completed work at year-end

4. Payroll & superIf you have employees or pay yourself super

  • Payroll recordsWages, PAYG withholding, superannuation, if you employ staff
  • Superannuation contributionsFor yourself and any employees
  • BAS lodgementsCopies of all BAS lodged during the year

5. The basicsFirst appointment only for some items

  • Photo IDDriver's licence or passport, first appointment only
  • Tax file number (TFN)First appointment only, we keep it on file after that
  • Bank account detailsBSB and account number for your refund
  • Private health insurance statementFrom your health fund
  • Last year's tax returnOnly needed if you haven't been to us before

⚠️ Lodging before 15 July? ATO pre-fill information may be incomplete before 15 July. Always bring your own records so we can cross-check and ensure nothing is missed.