Freelancer Tax Returns Made Easy – Claim Like a Pro in 2025

You create. You hustle. You invoice. Now let’s get your tax sorted.

Freelancers don’t clock in or out—they run the show. But with great freedom comes… great paperwork (ugh). That’s where GoTax steps in, swinging a giant yellow hammer of simplicity straight through the chaos.

We’ve built an online tax return system so simple, even your forgetful barista could lodge it between coffees. And it’s just $140 for the lot. No accountants. No confusing forms. No wasting your weekend Googling “What the hell is an ABN?”

The 3-Step Freelancer Tax Return System

At GoTax, we don’t overcomplicate it. You only need to focus on three things:

✅ Step 1: Business Basics – Tell Us What You Do

Pop in your ABN and what kind of freelancing you do. Are you a graphic designer? Copywriter? Virtual assistant? Wedding photographer? Dog influencer?
Declare your income—whether it’s one client or a hundred—and let’s start there.

✅ Step 2: Business Expenses – Claim What You Spent to Earn

This is where we flex the tax-deduction muscles. Claim things like:

• Internet, mobile, subscriptions (like Canva or Adobe)

• Marketing and advertising

• Equipment hire

• Insurance

• Professional development or courses

Don’t forget your home office costs if you’re working from the couch (or the cat’s favourite chair).

✅ Step 3: Your “Stuff” – Big Gear = Big Claims

You’ve spent money on things that last—now it’s time to make them count:

• Laptops

• Monitors and hard drives

• Cameras and lighting

• Desks and chairs

• Motor vehicles (yep, even if it’s just for meetings or deliveries)

We'll guide you to claim them properly—instant write-off or depreciation. Less ATO, more refund.

Common Freelancer Tax Deductions

• Software & subscriptions

• Advertising and social media boosts

• Internet and phone

• Business insurance

• Domain and hosting fees

• Home office expenses

• Account-keeping or bookkeeping software

• Professional memberships

Want to find all your possible tax deductions? Try our Deduction Grabber Tool.

Common Tax Traps for Freelancers

• Not including all your income (yes, even the $300 side gig)

• Forgetting to track GST if you’re over the $75,000 threshold

• Not keeping receipts or documentation

• Thinking your coffee run is deductible (spoiler: it’s not unless it’s part of a business trip)

• Claiming personal Netflix or gym as “creative research” (nice try)

What’s Often Overlooked

• Prepaid expenses (like annual software subscriptions)

• Super contributions you make for yourself

• Bank fees on a business account

• Depreciation on gear used for work

• That $49 online course you took to upskill

Tax Return Opportunities You Might Be Missing

• Splitting expenses between personal and business use

• Boosting your refund by making a last-minute super contribution

• Claiming depreciation on assets worth over $300

• Offsetting losses against future income

• Claiming car use if you drive for client meetings or to buy supplies

More Blogs You’ll Want to Read

• The Self-Employed Tax Survival Guide

• GST: When You Must Register and Why

• Home Office Tax Deductions – The Ultimate Breakdown

• Claiming Tools and Equipment – A Freelancer’s Guide

• ABN Tax Return Made Easy

Freelancer Tax FAQs

What’s the freelancer tax return price with GoTax?
$140 flat, no hidden fees.

Do I need an ABN to freelance?
Yes. If you’re earning income from clients, you need one.

Do freelancers pay GST?
Only if you earn over $75,000/year. Below that, it’s optional.

Can I claim home internet?
Yes, if used for work. Just apportion the business use.

How do I claim a laptop?
If it’s under $300, claim it outright. Over $300? You may need to depreciate.

Can I claim courses?
Yes, if they relate directly to your current freelance work.

What about car expenses?
Claimable if used for business purposes—keep a logbook or use cents per km.

What records should I keep?
Receipts, invoices, statements—keep them for 5 years.

Is my co-working space deductible?
Yes, if used for your freelance business.

Can I claim Spotify for work?
Nope. Unless you’re a DJ. Nice try though.

(Ask Super Derek in your return for more.)

Ready to Do Your Freelancer Tax Return?

It’s easy:

• Just $140 flat

• No appointments, no downloads

• Chat to Derek along the way

• Get your maximum refund fast

Start your freelancer tax return now:
 www.gotax.com.au/abn-tax-return

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