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Our Certified Practising Accountants report on the latest accounting news, and address your most common questions relating to accounting, bookkeeping, company tax, individual tax returns, self managed super funds and more.
Tradie
From claiming tools, training and licences, to manging cash flow, GST and business structure, here are practical tax and money tips designed for tradies.
Big Purchases Before EOFY: Smart Move or Risky Decision for Queensland Business Owners?
As 30 June approaches, many business owners start asking the same question: Should I make a large purchase before the end of the financial year? It is a common strategy, often driven by the idea of reducing tax. But without a clear plan, it can just as easily create pressure on cash flow or lead to decisions that do not support the business long term. The real opportunity at EOFY is not simply to spend. It is to make deliberate decisions that strengthen your position going in
3 days ago4 min read
Electrician Tax Deductions Brisbane: What Sparkies Can Claim (2026 Guide)
If you are an electrician in Brisbane, understanding what you can claim on tax is one of the easiest ways to improve your cash flow. Most sparkies we speak to are busy on the tools and only think about tax at the end of the financial year. The problem is that this approach often leads to missed deductions, poor planning and higher tax than necessary. This guide breaks down what electricians in Brisbane can claim, along with how to approach tax more strategically. What Can Ele
5 days ago4 min read
Cash Flow Tips for Builders & Tradies in Queensland
How to manage progress payments, deposits and gaps between jobs Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges facing builders and tradies across Queensland. Even profitable businesses can run into trouble if cash isn’t coming in at the right time. With rising material costs, ongoing labour shortages and payment delays still affecting the construction industry, having a strong cash flow strategy is critical. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical, Queensland specific cash fl
7 days ago3 min read
How Tradies Should Price Jobs Properly and Stay
Pricing jobs properly is one of the biggest challenges for tradies. Too often, jobs are quoted based on what others are charging or what feels about right at the time. The problem is, if your numbers are not clear, you can stay busy without actually making money. If you want to improve cash flow and build a stronger business, your pricing needs to be based on real costs and the right margin. Know Your True Cost Per Job Before you can price any job properly, you need to know w
Apr 103 min read
GST & BAS for Tradies in Queensland: Avoid Costly Mistakes
If you’re a tradie in Queensland, staying on top of GST and BAS is not just about ticking boxes. It affects your cash flow, your pricing, and how much you keep at the end of the job. We work with electricians, builders, plumbers and other trades every day, and the same issues come up repeatedly. Most of them are avoidable with the right setup. Here is what you need to know about GST and BAS for tradies, and where things often go wrong. Do Tradies Need to Register for GST? If
Apr 83 min read
Instant Asset Write-Off in Queensland: What You Can and Can’t Claim
If you’re a small business owner in Queensland, the instant asset write-off can be one of the most effective ways to reduce your tax bill and improve cash flow. But there’s often confusion around what qualifies, especially when it comes to tools, utes and machinery. This can leads to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. What Is the Instant Asset Write-Off? The instant asset write-off allows eligible businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of an asset in the year it
Apr 13 min read
EOFY IS APPROACHING: Here’s a Quick Checklist for Queensland Tradies
With the end of the financial year (EOFY) fast approaching, tradies across Queensland should be getting organised now, to avoid last minute stress and missed tax saving opportunities. Whether you’re on the tools full time or running a growing business, a simple EOFY checklist can help you stay compliant, maximise deductions and improve cash flow. 1. Get Your Receipts in Order Accurate records are the foundation of every good tax return. Make sure you: Collect and organise al
Mar 304 min read
Sole Trader vs Company for Plumbers: What You Need to Know
Tax differences As a sole trader, your profit is taxed at your personal marginal tax rate. A company, on the other hand, is taxed at a fixed rate of around twenty five percent, which becomes more beneficial as your plumbing business earns more. Liability also differs. A sole trader is personally responsible for all business risks, which means your personal assets can be exposed. A company is a separate legal entity, giving you an added layer of protection, especially usefu
Nov 14, 20253 min read
How to Structure Your Business to Win Commercial Clients as a Tradie
Taking on commercial clients can mean more money, more consistent projects and a stronger reputation. But with that comes more paperwork, stricter compliance and a different level of professionalism. Many tradies miss out on these opportunities not because of their skills, but because their business is not structured properly. Without the right foundation, you risk being overlooked for big contracts even if you are the best person for the job. Choose the Right Business St
Oct 24, 20252 min read
Do I Need to Register for GST?
As a tradie running your own business, staying on top of your taxes means understanding that getting it wrong can lead to fines or lost income, but getting it right, means you stay compliant, avoid unnecessary costs and are setting yourself up for growth. There can be a lot of confusion around GST. Some people think it’s optional if you’re just starting out and others worry about registering too early. Let’s clear things up. 1. What Is GST and When Does It Apply GST (Goo
Oct 23, 20252 min read
How to Manage Cash Flow During Slow Months in Construction
In the construction industry, cash flow can be unpredictable. One month you’re flat out, the next, you can have a rainy month and things slow right down. If you’re not prepared, those quiet periods can put serious pressure on your business and eat into your personal finances. Managing cash flow well means you’ll have the funds to cover wages, bills and suppliers even when work slows down for a while. It also gives you peace of mind and keeps your business moving forward.
Oct 8, 20252 min read
Are Tradie Tools a Expense or Asset?
If you are a tradie, your tools are your livelihood. But when it comes to tax time, many are unsure whether a tool is considered an expense or an asset. The classification matters because it affects how you claim deductions, manage cash flow and plan for future upgrades. Some workers think every purchase can be written off right away, but they do not realise that certain tools need to be depreciated over time. Understanding how tools are treated for tax purposes helps you s
Sep 11, 20252 min read
Tradie Tools: Expense or Asset?
If you are a tradie, your tools are your livelihood. But when it comes to tax time, many are unsure whether a tool is considered an...
Sep 5, 20252 min read
Are You Missing Out on Vehicle Deductions? Tradie Edition
If you are a tradie, your vehicle is one of your most valuable tools. Sometimes tradies do not claim all the deductions they are entitled to and can make mistakes that cost them money at tax time. With the rising costs of fuel, maintenance and insurance, getting your vehicle deductions right can make a real difference to your income. A common misunderstanding is that the only thing you can claim is fuel. There is a wide range of expenses you can claim if you keep the right
Sep 1, 20252 min read
Can I Claim Training Costs, Licence Renewals, Safety Courses and Association Fees?
If you're running a business or working for yourself, you’re probably spending money training, certifications or professional memberships. These costs can add up fast. The good news is that many of these expenses can be tax deductible. The not so good news is that it’s easy to get confused about what you can claim. Some people miss out on deductions because they’re unsure, while others accidentally claim things they shouldn’t, which can cause issues with the ATO. Understand
Aug 25, 20252 min read
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