The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June. For 2026, the key taxes affecting small businesses and individuals include Goods and Services Tax (GST), income tax, and fringe benefits tax. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) expects digital reporting and real-time data — making it essential to stay updated.
GST is a broad‑based consumption tax of 10% on most goods, services, and other items sold or consumed in Australia. If your business has an annual turnover of $75,000 or more ($150,000 for non‑profit organisations), you must register for GST. You can also voluntarily register if turnover is below the threshold.
Once registered, you:
Your BAS is how you report and pay GST, PAYG instalments, and other taxes. You’ll typically lodge either monthly, quarterly, or annually. Key sections include:
2026 due dates: Quarterly BAS are generally due 28 days after the quarter ends. Monthly BAS are due by the 21st of the following month. Use ATO online services or registered tax agents to stay on time.
Reducing taxable income through legitimate deductions is key. Common deductions for small businesses include:
| Expense type | Details / examples |
|---|---|
| Operating costs | Rent, utilities, office supplies, insurance, bank fees. |
| Vehicle & travel | Car expenses (logbook or cents‑per‑km method), accommodation, meals. |
| Home office | Portion of electricity, internet, phone, depreciation of furniture. |
| Marketing & advertising | Website costs, social media ads, printed materials. |
| Employee costs | Wages, superannuation, training, and fringe benefits. |
| Professional services | Accountant, bookkeeper, legal advice. |
Instant asset write‑off (2026): The threshold is expected to remain around $20,000–$30,000 for assets acquired and installed ready for use. Always check the latest ATO announcements.
| Entity type | Tax rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole trader / Partnership | Individual marginal rates (0–45%) | Income is taxed at personal rates plus Medicare levy. |
| Company (base rate entity) | 25% | If aggregated turnover < $50 million and ≤80% base rate entity income. |
| Company (other) | 30% | Standard company tax rate. |
| Trust | Generally flow‑through | Beneficiaries pay tax on distributions. |
Don’t forget the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income) and possibly the Medicare levy surcharge for high‑income earners without private hospital cover.
Not all sales include GST. Common GST‑free items: basic food, education, medical services, exports. Input‑taxed sales (like residential rent or financial supplies) mean you don’t charge GST, but you also cannot claim GST credits on related expenses.
Use TotalCalcHub’s free calculators to estimate GST, BAS instalments, and tax owed. Visit our Tax hub for more guides. The ATO website also provides small business seminars, the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House, and the Business Registration Service.
This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a registered tax agent for your specific circumstances.
Every guide is fact‑checked and updated for 2026.
We incorporate latest rates, thresholds, and rulings.
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