For sole traders, contractors & ABN earners
Running an ABN? Don't overpay tax because nobody told you what you could claim.
Sole trader tax is where most people leave money on the table. The right Townsville accountant knows what tradies, contractors, freelancers, FIFO workers, and rideshare drivers can legitimately claim — and they'll structure your return to keep more in your pocket without crossing any ATO lines.
Who we match here
Anyone earning income on an ABN — full-time or on the side.
The sole trader bracket covers a huge slice of Townsville. If any of these describe you, this is your category:
Tradies
Sparkies, plumbers, builders, painters, mechanics — anyone subbie-ing on jobs.
Contractors
IT contractors, consultants, project managers, allied health professionals.
Freelancers
Designers, writers, photographers, marketers — solo creative work.
Rideshare & delivery
Uber, DiDi, Ola, Uber Eats, Menulog, DoorDash drivers.
Online sellers
eBay, Etsy, Shopify, Amazon FBA, dropshippers, OnlyFans.
Side hustles
After-hours income alongside your day job — anything ABN-based.
What's handled
Everything an ABN earner needs from their accountant.
ABN income reporting
Income from invoicing, subcontracting, platforms, and PAYG combined into one accurate return.
Deduction maximisation
Vehicle, tools, phone, home office, protective gear, training — everything you can legitimately claim.
GST registration
Should you register? When? How to lodge BAS once you do? Decided properly, not guessed.
PAYG instalments
The ATO will start asking for quarterly PAYG once you start earning real money. Managed so you don't get hit with a surprise.
Super contributions
Sole traders have to organise their own super. Personal contributions can be tax-deductible if done right.
Should you incorporate?
At what income level does it make sense to set up a company or trust? Real advice based on your numbers.
Common mistakes
The five things sole traders get wrong every year.
Not setting aside tax money
PAYG income has tax withheld automatically. ABN income doesn't. Many sole traders spend the money and panic when the bill arrives. A good accountant sets you up with a tax-savings account from day one.
Missing the $300 instant write-off rules
Tools, equipment, and software under $300 (or under $20,000 in some years for small business) can often be deducted immediately. People forget to claim or claim wrong.
Logbook for the car — or not
You can use cents/km (capped at 5,000km) or a logbook (no cap). For most tradies and FIFO workers a logbook is significantly better, but you need 12 weeks of records.
Mixing personal and business expenses
A separate business bank account isn't legally required but it saves your accountant hours and reduces your fee. It also keeps the ATO happy if you ever get audited.
Crossing the GST threshold without noticing
Hit $75k turnover and you have 21 days to register for GST. Miss that and you owe GST on past sales without having charged it.
Stop guessing what you can claim.
Take the 90-second quiz. We'll connect you with a Townsville accountant who works with sole traders every day.