01 / AUSTRALIAStart with your business and ABN eligibility
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is an 11-digit business identifier. Entitlement depends on your circumstances, including whether you are carrying on or starting an enterprise in Australia.
Check eligibility and the registrations your business needs before applying. An ABN and GST registration are separate matters; having an ABN does not by itself settle your GST obligations.
Australian Government · ABN registration and eligibility ↗02 / AUSTRALIAGST: monitor turnover and check the exceptions
Businesses generally must register when their GST turnover reaches A$75,000. Special rules apply, including taxi and ride-sourcing services regardless of turnover. A different threshold applies to not-for-profit organisations.
Monitor turnover each month. The ATO guidance says to register within 21 days when you identify that you will reach or exceed the registration threshold. Check the current and projected turnover tests for your circumstances with your tax agent.
GST is 10% on most goods and services. Not all sales have GST applied, so the treatment of a particular supply needs a separate check.
03 / AUSTRALIAA sole trader uses an individual tax return
Australian Government guidance for the 2025–26 financial year explains that sole traders lodge an individual tax return including both business and personal income. Partnerships, companies and trusts have different return requirements.
Running a business can require a return even where it made no income. Check the return, tax year and lodgment date that apply to your situation with the ATO or a registered tax agent. This page does not set a single deadline for every business.
business.gov.au · Business tax questions, 2025–26 ↗04 / AUSTRALIABAS is separate from your annual return
A business activity statement (BAS) can report GST, PAYG withholding or instalments and other applicable taxes. Complete the fields relevant to your registrations and reconcile them with your business records.
Your GST reporting cycle may be monthly, quarterly or, where eligible, annual. The ATO’s guidance explains how turnover and registration affect that cycle. Check the lodgment and payment date shown on your BAS and any applicable agent arrangements.
05 / AUSTRALIAKeep the evidence behind your business figures
Most business records must be kept for five years, measured from when they were obtained or the related transaction or action was completed, whichever is later. Some records need to be kept longer.
Retain supporting documents and check the rules for each record type. This is a government recordkeeping requirement, not a statement about EZ@Work’s storage period. Recording an expense does not decide its deductibility.
business.gov.au · Record keeping ↗06 / AUSTRALIAOrganised information for your tax agent
Bring together recorded income, expense documents, payments and questions about business changes. Your registered tax or BAS agent can help determine which rules and reporting routes apply.
EZ@Work provides clients, projects, tasks, time tracking, recorded income and expenses, invoices and financial report exports. Ezri helps with supported product actions; changes require approval and usage depends on your plan.
Business tools and official reportingThis page offers business management tools, not a direct ATO connection, BAS or tax-return lodgment, or automatic tax payments. Official links provide information. Use the relevant ATO service or your registered agent to lodge and pay.
Explore the business tools →Official sources. Clear scope.
Each topic links to Australian Government or ATO learning guidance checked on 28 October 2026. Guidance can change. This is selected general information for sole traders, not a complete tax guide or personalised advice.
It does not calculate your tax, classify deductible expenses or cover all structures, residency situations, superannuation obligations or state and territory requirements. Discuss your position with a qualified professional.