Sole Trader Tax Return
Sole Trader Tax Returns Made Simple.
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Running your own business as a sole trader? Lodge your tax return online for $229, with your business deductions checked and reviewed by a certified tax agent. Add Property or CGT for +$90 each.
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From $229
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Agent Reviewed
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Direct ATO Pre-Fill
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We pull available personal income and ATO details in automatically alongside your business figures
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One return, from $229.
Sole traders don’t lodge a separate business return. Your business income and expenses go in your individual tax return, prepared online and reviewed by a registered tax agent. Property or CGT can be added for +$90 each.
Business schedule included
+$90 Property or CGT
Agent reviewed
Getting Started
Do You Need to Lodge a Sole Trader Tax Return?
As a sole trader, there is no separate business tax return. Your business income and expenses are reported alongside any other income you earn in the one individual tax return. If you hold an ABN and traded during the year, lodging is generally required, even in a year your business made a loss.
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Running a Business
Business Income & Deductions.
Whether you invoice as a tradie, consultant, creative or rideshare driver, your business income needs to be included in your tax return, and you may have running costs along the way that could be deductible.
Home Office
Running costs for the space you use to work from home.
Vehicle & Travel
Logbook and eligible work related travel costs.
Tools & Equipment
Tools and equipment used to run your business.
Insurance & Fees
Business insurance and professional or membership fees.
Other Expenses
Other eligible business running costs may apply.
Not sure what you can claim? We make it easier to identify deductions you may be entitled to.
GST and BAS
What About GST and BAS?
Registering for GST
If your business turnover reaches $75,000 or more in a financial year, registering for GST is compulsory. Below that threshold, it is optional. Tax Falcon can help you work out where your business sits.
Lodging Your BAS
If you are registered for GST, you will also need to lodge a Business Activity Statement, usually every quarter. This sits alongside your annual tax return and is worth keeping on top of throughout the year.
Cover Everything
Also Own Property or Investments?
Sole trader return is $229. Add Property or CGT for +$90 each.
Own a Rental Property Too?
See how Tax Falcon handles rental income, loan interest and depreciation.
[Link] Property Tax Return
Have Shares or Managed Funds?
See how Tax Falcon handles dividends, distributions and capital gains.
[Link] Investor Tax Return
How It Works
Your Sole Trader Tax Return in 3 Simple Steps.
01
Get Started Online
Create your Tax Falcon account and start your tax return from your phone, tablet or computer.
02
Tell Us About Your Business Year
Answer a few simple questions about your business income, expenses, ABN and GST status.
03
Review & Lodge
Your return is reviewed by a certified tax agent before it’s lodged with the ATO.
Transparent Pricing
How Much Does It Cost?
One flat fee, no surprises. Here’s exactly what you’re paying for.
A$229 +$90 per extra
Simple Pricing
Your sole trader return is $229. Add Property or CGT for +$90 each.
Tax Deductible
The cost of managing your tax affairs can generally be claimed the following year.
Your Tax Summary
PAYG income (if any)
ATO pre-fill
Business income
$68,400
Business expenses
$14,250
Estimated refund
$410
Sign & Lodge Return
This is an example only. Your actual refund or tax payable depends on your income, deductions and personal circumstances.
Why Tax Falcon
Why Choose Tax Falcon?
From $229
One transparent, flat fee for a sole trader tax return.
Direct ATO Pre-Fill
We connect with the ATO to pull your available personal information in automatically.
Certified Tax Agent Review
Every tax return is checked by a certified tax agent before it’s lodged.
Easy Online Process
Complete your tax return anywhere, anytime, from your phone, tablet or computer.
Help With Eligible Deductions
We help you identify the deductions that may apply to your situation.
Maximum Refund Guarantee
We help you claim every eligible deduction so you never miss a dollar.
Before You Start
What Do I Need to Get Started?
Getting your sole trader tax return sorted is easier than you might think. Here’s everything worth having on hand before you begin.
ABN and Business Details
Your Australian Business Number and business structure.
Tax File Number
Used to identify your tax record.
Bank Details
For any refund to be paid.
Income and Expense Records
A summary of your business income and running costs.
Vehicle Logbook
If claiming work related vehicle use.
GST and BAS Records
If registered for GST during the year.
Questions
Sole Trader Tax Return FAQs.
How much does a sole trader tax return cost?
A sole trader tax return with Tax Falcon starts from $229, a flat fee. It covers your business income and expenses in your individual return, with ATO pre-fill and a registered tax agent review. Adding Property or CGT is +$90 each. See Pricing.
Do I need a separate tax return for my business?
No. A sole trader isn’t a separate legal entity, so you report business income and expenses in your own individual tax return. A company, trust or partnership lodges its own return. If you’re unsure which structure you have, check your ABN details.
What can I claim as a sole trader?
You can claim costs directly related to earning business income: tools and equipment, vehicle use, phone and internet, insurance, advertising, accounting fees and a home office. Only claim the business portion and keep records. Car travel can be claimed at 88 cents per km, up to 5,000 km. See Tax deductions guide.
Do I need to register for GST?
You must register once your business turnover reaches $75,000 or more. Rideshare and taxi drivers must register from their first dollar. Below that, registering is optional. Your turnover is your total business income, not your profit.
What if my business made a loss?
A business loss can generally be offset against your other income, such as wages, if your business meets the ATO’s tests for a genuine business. If it doesn’t, the loss is carried forward to offset future business income. Keep your records either way.
What if I also have a rental property or investments?
Report them in the same return. Adding a rental property or capital gains (CGT) is +$90 each on top of your sole trader return. Individuals who held an asset for more than 12 months generally get a 50% CGT discount. See Property Tax Return and Investor Tax Return.
What records do I need to keep?
Keep invoices, receipts, bank statements and a vehicle logbook or kilometre records for 5 years from the date you lodge. Digital copies are fine. Records back up every claim if the ATO asks.
When is the tax return deadline for sole traders?
The usual deadline is 31 October. In 2026 it fell on a Saturday, so Monday 2 November counted as on time. If you’ve missed it, lodge as soon as you can, because late penalties grow the longer you wait. See Tax deadlines and Overdue tax returns.
Do I need an ABN to be a sole trader?
Yes, if you operate a business. Applying for an ABN is free through the Australian Business Register. You need it to invoice clients and to register for GST. Your ABN details are also needed when you lodge your return.
Is my BAS part of my tax return?
No. A BAS is separate from your income tax return. If you’re registered for GST, you report GST and any PAYG instalments on a BAS, usually quarterly. Your tax return reports your income and deductions for the whole year.
Ready to Get Your Sole Trader Tax Return Sorted?
Running a business is enough to juggle without worrying about tax time. From $229, Tax Falcon makes it easy to complete your sole trader tax return online, check your eligible deductions and have it reviewed by a certified tax agent.
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From $229 for a sole trader tax return.