How to Report Multiple Income Streams in One Tax Return

If you earn money from more than one source — for example a PAYG job, freelance work under an ABN, or income from platforms like Uber or Airtasker — you must declare all income in one individual tax return, but in the correct sections. Salary and wages go under employment income, while ABN or platform earnings are reported in the Small Business Schedule. Mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes the ATO sees. The key is understanding how each income stream is classified and keeping clean records so everything is reported accurately and consistently.

Reporting Multiple Income Streams: What the ATO Actually Expects

More Australians than ever are earning income from multiple sources. You might have:

• A regular PAYG job

• Freelance or contract work under an ABN

• Platform income from Uber, rideshare, delivery, or online marketplaces

The good news?
You don’t lodge multiple tax returns.
The bad news?
If you put income in the wrong place, the ATO notices.

Why Mixed Income Returns Cause Problems

The ATO doesn’t just look at how much you earned — it looks at:

• Who paid you

• How you were paid

• Whether tax was withheld

• Whether an ABN was used

Common mistakes include:

• Declaring ABN income as salary and wages

• Combining PAYG income with business income

• Forgetting platform income because “it’s already reported”

• Claiming deductions against the wrong income type

These errors often trigger:

• Delays

• Amendments

• ATO follow-up letters

Where Each Income Type Goes

Here’s the simple rule:

Salary or wages (PAYG):

• Goes in the employment income section

• Uses income statements or payment summaries

ABN or business income:

• Goes in the Small Business Schedule

• Includes freelance, contract, and platform earnings

Platform income (Uber, Airtasker, etc.):

• Usually ABN income

• Must be declared even if the platform reports it to the ATO

Each stream is assessed separately, then combined to calculate your final tax outcome.

Record Keeping Is Non-Negotiable

When income comes from multiple sources, sloppy records are what get people into trouble.

You should keep:

• Income statements and summaries

• Platform earnings reports

• Invoices issued under your ABN

• Expense records that clearly relate to business income

Using a simple system like eCashBooks makes this much easier, especially when income is earned on the go and across different platforms.

The GoTax Advantage

How to Report Multiple Income Streams in One Tax Return

GoTax is built for individuals with business-style income, not just simple PAYG returns.

The system:

• Separates income types automatically

• Guides you through the Small Business Schedule

• Helps ensure income and deductions are matched correctly

That means fewer mistakes, less stress, and no guessing.

Bottom Line

If you earn money from more than one source, the ATO expects clarity, not creativity.
Declare everything, put it in the right place, and keep proper records.

If that sounds painful — GoTax handles it for you.

More questions? Just ask Derek .