ABN But No Income — Do I Still Need to Lodge? Holding an ABN doesn’t stop your tax obligations just because you didn’t earn money. If your ABN was active during the year, the tax system still expects a response — especially if you spent money setting up or running your business. Lodging keeps your record clean and ensures nothing is missed. This catches out a lot o
Do I Need GST for My New ABN? GST is one of the most misunderstood parts of starting an ABN, and it causes unnecessary stress for new business owners. The reality is much simpler than most people think. Most new ABN holders do not need GST, especially in their first year. Registering too early often creates paperwork and reporting obligations that provide no benefit. The key is knowing wh
Do I Need to Lodge a Tax Return if I Have an ABN? If you hold an ABN, lodging a tax return is not optional. Whether you earned income, spent money, or simply kept the ABN active during the year, the tax system expects a return to be lodged with a Business Schedule. This applies even if your ABN activity was small, irregular, or didn’t generate a profit. This is one of the most commo
Do I Need an ABN If I Also Have a Job? Having a regular job does not cancel out the need for an ABN. If you earn money under an ABN while also working as an employee, the tax system treats these as two separate income streams. They are reported differently during the year, but they come together at tax time. This is where many side-hustlers get caught out. Why Having a Job Doesn&rsqu
What to Do After Getting an ABN Getting an ABN is easy. Knowing what to do next is where most people slip up. Once your ABN is active, the tax system treats you as running a business — even if it’s just a side hustle or occasional work. That means a few responsibilities apply straight away, whether you’re aware of them or not. The key is understanding the correct order o
Do I Need to Lodge an ABN Tax Return? (The Straight Answer) If you’ve got an ABN, you’ve probably already discovered there’s a lot of confusing, contradictory advice floating around. Some people say you “only lodge if you earned over $18,200.” Others claim you don’t need to lodge “if it’s just a side hustle.” And then there’s always on
What Is an ABN? (And How It Really Works) If you’ve just grabbed yourself an ABN, congratulations — you’ve officially stuck your toe into the small business pool. But before you cannonball in and start earning money, let’s clear up what an ABN actually is, what it isn’t, and what it quietly drags into your life behind the scenes. Because here’s the kicker
Do I Need to Lodge a BAS for My Side Hustle? Only if you’re registered for GST. If you’re not in the GST system, you don’t lodge BAS — ever. Most side hustlers stay under the threshold and never touch a BAS. If you do cross $75,000 or you’re in rideshare, then yes, you’ll lodge quarterly. If that day comes, eCashBooks makes BAS prep painless. For n
What Deductions Can Side Hustlers Claim? Side hustlers can claim a wide range of tax deductions — far more than most people realise. If the expense helps you earn ABN income, it’s usually deductible. Common side hustle deductions include: Home office Phone & internet Tools & equipment Software subscriptions Advertising & market
ABN Tax Deductions Guide — What You Can Claim and How To Get It Right If you’ve got an ABN, congratulations — you’ve just unlocked one of the greatest perks in Australia:business tax deductions. This guide explains exactly what you can claim, why you can claim it, and how to avoid the classic “Oops, I forgot about receipts for six months” problem. If you w