Sole trader accountants who actually get the gig economy

You started this on your own. That doesn’t mean you have to run the tax side alone too. Our sole trader accountants handle your annual tax return, quarterly BAS and GST registration — and tell you straight when it’s time to switch to a company. From $59 a month, no jargon, no surprise fees

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Dedicated accounting and tax support for sole traders​

Sole Trader Advisory is comprehensive support designed specifically for your needs. We handle your tax obligations, maximise your deductions, manage your GST and BAS, and help you make smart decisions about your business structure.

Whether it’s understanding what you can claim, lodging your quarterly returns on time, or knowing when to move from sole trader to company structure, we’ve got you covered.

What does a sole trader accountant do?

Why It Matters

Running a sole trader business means juggling many responsibilities. Proper tax and
compliance support gives you clarity and confidence to focus on what you do best.

Maximise your deductions

Claim everything you're entitled to. We identify deductions you might miss and help you keep more of what you earn.

Get your GST and BAS right

Avoid costly errors and ATO attention. We lodge your returns accurately and on time, every quarter.

Know when to restructure

We help you understand the right time to move from sole trader to company structure based on your income and goals.

Plan for your future

Understand superannuation options, income protection and retirement planning tailored to sole traders.

Should you be a sole trader or a company?

Two structures, two very different tax outcomes. Use this comparison alongside the calculator to model both scenarios on your numbers.

Factor Sole trader Company (Pty Ltd)
Tax rate Marginal: 0–45% + 2% Medicare levy Flat 25% for eligible base rate entities, 30% otherwise
Tax-free threshold $18,200 (same as employees) No tax-free threshold — every dollar taxed
Asset protection Personal assets at risk for business debts Limited liability — personal assets protected (with exceptions like DPN)
Setup cost ABN free; business name ~$44 for 3 yrs ACN ~$610 government fee + accounting setup
Ongoing compliance Annual tax return + BAS if GST-registered ASIC annual review + company tax return + BAS + financial statements
How you get paid Drawings — no PAYG, just take what you need PAYG salary, dividends, or both
Super obligations Voluntary; tax-deductible up to the cap Mandatory Super Guarantee on your salary
When it's better Side hustles, freelancers, low-risk service businesses $80k+ profit, asset-rich, employees, investor-ready

What we offer for Sole Trader Advisory

Annual Tax Return Preparation

We prepare and lodge your annual tax return optimised for sole trader deductions. Maximise your claims and minimise your tax bill.

BAS & GST Management

Quarterly BAS lodgement handled with precision. We ensure accuracy, meet deadlines and keep you compliant with the ATO.

Business Structure Review

Regular assessment of whether sole trader is still the right structure for you. We help you plan for growth and optimise your setup.

Ongoing Advisory Support

A qualified advisor you can call on throughout the year. Get answers to tax questions, advice on deductions, and strategic guidance.

Lawpath's Sole Trader Advisory Guarantee

If we don't identify at least one way to improve your tax position, we'll refund the advisory fee in full.

Choose the right plan for your solo business

Flexible solutions that grow with you, from side project to established business.

Sole Trader Tax Plan with BAS

If you are GST registered, this plan supports your ongoing compliance and tax reporting. We prepare and lodge your BAS, complete your annual tax return and business schedule, and provide review consultations, along with reminders to help you stay compliant year-round.

Sole Trader Tax Plan

Designed for sole traders who are not GST registered.
We prepare and lodge your annual tax return and business schedule, and provide review consultations, along with reminders to help you stay compliant year-round.

Sole Trader Tax Plan with BAS

For sole traders who are GST registered

$132/month*

*With an annual contract. Billed $1584.

Sole Trader Tax Plan

For sole traders who are not GST registered

$59/month*

*With an annual contract. Billed $704.

* The information you provide us in relation to your business affairs must be kept separately from your personal affairs in appropriately maintained digital accounting software. You are responsible for maintaining this file and paying for any associated hosting fees. You must have or obtain cloud accounting software (e.g., Xero) to maintain your business records. Do not mix business and personal expenses in the same bank account. While we understand this may occur in early stages as you establish systems, excessive mixing significantly increases costs and errors. Bookkeeping cleanup will be quoted separately. Other terms and conditions apply.

Meet some of the accountants on our platform

Head of Tax & Accounting

Patrick Sargent

Tax Director

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Accountant

Accountant

Accountant

How it works

STEP 1

Understanding Your Business

We learn how you operate, your income streams, and your financial goals. This helps us tailor advice that fits your situation.

STEP 2

Tailored Support

Your advisor handles tax, BAS, and compliance - personalised to your sole trader setup. We handle the complexity so you don't have to.

STEP 3

Growth Planning

Regular reviews ensure your structure and strategy still fit as your business evolves. We help you plan for growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s not a legal requirement, but a good accountant will find deductions you didn’t know existed, keep you ATO-compliant, and save you time. For most sole traders, the savings outweigh the cost.

If an expense is directly related to earning your business income, you can likely claim it. Common deductions include home office costs, vehicle expenses, tools and equipment, insurance premiums, marketing, and software subscriptions. The golden rules: it must relate to earning income, you need a receipt, and you can only claim the business portion of shared expenses.

Common signs include: your income is consistently in higher tax brackets (companies pay a flat 25% for eligible small businesses), you want to protect personal assets from business liabilities, or you’re looking to bring in investors. A company means more compliance, so get tailored advice before making the switch.

You must register if your business turnover hits $75,000 or more per year ($150,000 for not-for-profits), or if you provide taxi or rideshare services. Below the threshold, it’s voluntary – but being registered lets you claim GST credits on business purchases and can make your business look more established. Once registered, you’ll need to lodge BAS (typically quarterly) and charge 10% GST on your goods and services.

Unlike employees, you’re not legally required to pay super for yourself — but without an employer contributing, your retirement savings won’t grow on their own. The good news: voluntary contributions are generally tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income while building your nest egg. If you hire workers, you are required to pay the Super Guarantee for them at the current rate.

On $100,000 of taxable sole trader income, an Australian resident pays roughly $22,500–$24,500 in income tax plus 2% Medicare levy, depending on deductions and tax offsets. A registered tax agent can identify deductions you may be missing — typical clients save 10–20% on their final bill.

$18,200 for Australian residents — same as for employees. Anything above that is taxed at marginal rates (19%, 32.5%, 37%, 45%) plus 2% Medicare levy. Sole traders also pay PAYG instalments quarterly once they have an ATO history.

Yes. Many Australians run a side business while employed. Your business income is added to your salary income for tax purposes and may push you into a higher bracket. A sole trader accountant can help you manage PAYG instalments to avoid a tax bill shock.

Common misses include: portion of home internet and phone, professional memberships and subscriptions, depreciation on tools and laptops, accountant fees themselves, super contributions (deductible up to the cap), and travel between work sites. A review every year can find 5–15 additional claims.

Get Expert Sole Trade Advice Today!

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