Sole Trader Tax Time Checklist (Australia, 2026)
If you lodge your own return, it's generally due by 31 October. Here's what to gather first.
- Total business income for 1 July to 30 June, from invoices and bank statements.
- Business expenses with receipts, split by category.
- Home office and vehicle records (logbook or hours log), if you claim them.
- BAS lodged during the year, if you're registered for GST.
- PAYG instalments paid, if any.
- Your myGov account linked to the ATO.
Next year, make it easier
Log income and expenses monthly and set aside a percentage of each payment for tax. The Sole trader tax tracker page shows tools that do this.
FAQ
When do sole traders lodge their tax return?
Self-lodgers usually lodge by 31 October. If you use a registered tax agent you may have a later date.
Is this tax advice?
No. It's general information. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent.
General information only, not financial or tax advice. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent for your situation.
Try it in an app
Side Hustle Income & Tax Tracker (AU) (A$29, one-off): Track side-hustle income and expenses by Australian financial year, set money aside for tax, and watch the GST turnover threshold.