Running your business as a sole trader means “you’re the owner, operator, and sole person responsible for everything, from managing debts and tax obligations to keeping financial records.” When tax time comes, the complexity of deductions, GST, record-keeping, and deadlines can be stressful. Many sole traders lose hours and end up paying very high accounting fees just to get it right.
You want to stay focused on growing your business, not getting stuck in paperwork or worrying about mistakes. Expensive accountant bills eat into your profits, and errors could cost more. Aupod offers affordable tax return services for sole traders in Australia that are ATO-compliant with the most competitive pricing plan.
Why Sole Traders Struggle at Tax Time?
A sole trader is in charge of everything: earning income, tracking expenses, lodging returns, and meeting legal tax obligations. That means keeping good records, registering for GST when required, meeting deadlines, and understanding what is allowed.
Many sole traders get stressed by these responsibilities, which is why having reliable help that is also providing budget-friendly tax return services for sole traders in Australia makes a big difference.
- You must report all your business income yourself, calculate every deduction, and comply with ATO rules. There is no tax withheld for sole traders.
- Under Australian law, you must keep accurate business records (income, expenses, receipts, invoices, bank statements, etc.), and retain them for at least five years after lodging your tax return.
- If your business turnover exceeds AUD 75,000 in 12 months, you’re required to register for GST and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) regularly (monthly, quarterly, or annually) as per your obligations.
- Meet lodgement deadlines, that is, 31 October each year for sole traders lodging without a registered tax agent; missing this can lead to Failure to Lodge penalties, interest, or other consequences.
Sole Trader Deductions Australia
Sole traders in Australia can significantly reduce their taxable income by claiming a range of legitimate deductions under the “Business and professional items” schedule.
To claim deductions, it is important to make sure the expenses are directly related to earning business income, have valid records, and apportion split-use (business vs personal) appropriately. Some of the most common deductible expenses include:
Home-office Costs
Utility bills, phone/internet, depreciation of equipment, and occupancy expenses if you run a business from home.
Motor Vehicle and Travel Expenses
Using either the logbook method or the cents-per-kilometer method for business-use trips.
Tools and Software Expenses
Computers, mobile phones, and other devices are essential for business operations.
Professional Training Fee
Professional fees, training, memberships, and insurance costs for accountants, legal support, industry courses, or policies that protect your business.
Maximize Your Refund with Our Affordable Tax Return Services for Australian Sole Traders
Aupod services are built around simplicity and affordability, solving the small business tax return problems in Australia. Our mission is to make affordable tax return services easily accessible for sole traders in Australia, providing professional tax support without the hefty price tag. With our starting fee starting as low as $19 for an Individual tax return, you can have your tax return prepared and lodged by the best registered tax agent, backed by ATO compliance standards.
There are no hidden charges for basic returns, and you know upfront exactly what you’ll pay. What makes our service different is the combination of
- low cost
- professional expertise
- complete transparency
Aupod’s Affordable Tax Return Services for Sole Traders in Australia
Even at our base rate, our service covers everything a sole trader needs for a compliant and accurate tax return. Here’s what you get:
| Benefits | Explanation |
| ATO-Compliant Lodgement | Tax return is prepared and submitted in accordance with ATO rules. |
| Registered Tax Agent | Work with fully registered professionals for the tax return lodgments to meet legal requirements. |
| Claim All Eligible Deductions | Claim all work-related deductions following the ATO’s rules. |
| Simple Online Process | Lodge from anywhere in Australia without needing in-person appointments; uploads and reviews are handled digitally. |
| Refund Maximisation | Our tax agents identify all legitimate claims, properly apportion mixed-use costs, and help you claim the biggest allowable refund under the law. |
Key Points!
Being a sole trader means you handle everything, income, expenses, bookkeeping, and tax obligations, with no employer withholding your tax. The Australian Taxation Office requires sole traders to lodge annual tax returns, keep accurate records for at least five years, register for GST once turnover exceeds AUD 75,000, and meet strict lodgement deadlines. Missing these obligations leads to penalties or missed deductions. Aupod understands this burden. That’s why we offer professional, ATO-compliant, affordable tax return services for sole traders in Australia.
“Book your sole trader tax return with Aupod today and experience the smarter way to lodge.”
FAQs
Do you have to lodge a tax return as a sole trader in Australia?
Yes! If you operate as a sole trader, you are obligated to lodge an individual tax return each financial year, even if your income is below the tax-free threshold.
How to complete a tax return as a sole trader?
Collect records of all income and expenses, then use the ATO’s myTax or work with an Aupod registered tax agent. Report business income & deductions under the “Business & professional items” schedule in your individual return.
How much for a tax return for a sole trader?
Sole traders in Australia typically spend hundreds of dollars on a tax return. The complexity of the business dictates the service fee, but Aupod brings in an affordable solution with the competitive pricing plan.
Is it better to be a sole trader or Pty Ltd?
Sole traders are cheaper and simpler to run, with fewer legal formalities and lower setup costs. Pty Ltd companies offer limited liability protection and potential tax advantages, but come with more regulations, costs, and administrative requirements.
How to pay tax as a sole trader in Australia?
You pay tax on your business profits after deductions via your personal tax return. If required, you make Pay As You Go (PAYG) installments during the year. Also, if turnover exceeds AUD 75,000, register for GST and lodge BAS.
