How to do your tax return as an independent support worker
A step-by-step guide to the sole-trader tax return for independent NDIS support workers: business schedule, declaring income, deductions, PAYG, deadlines and records.
How a sole trader's tax return is different
The business schedule: reporting your sole-trader income
Declare all your income — every dollar
Claim your deductions
PAYG instalments once you're established
GST — only if you're registered
Deadlines and lodging
Records the ATO expects you to keep
Frequently asked questions
How do I report my support-work income on my tax return?
As a sole trader you report it in the business schedule of your individual tax return, using your usual tax file number — there's no separate business return. You enter your total business income and deductible expenses, and the return calculates your net profit, which is added to any other income and taxed at the…
Do I have to declare cash payments from clients?
Yes. You must declare all income from your support work regardless of how it was paid — plan-manager payments, self-managed participant payments, and cash all count. Don't assume anyone reports it for you the way an employer does. Your invoice records and bookkeeping are the source of truth for your total business…
What is PAYG and will I have to pay it?
PAYG instalments are pre-payments of your expected income tax, spread across the year. In your first year you usually pay tax in one hit when you lodge; once you're earning steady business income the ATO typically enters you into PAYG instalments. It's not an extra tax — the instalments are credited against your final…
When is my tax return due?
The financial year ends 30 June. If you lodge yourself, the usual deadline is 31 October. If you use a registered tax agent, you generally get a later deadline — provided you're on their books before 31 October. Missing the deadline can bring penalties and interest, so diarise it and set money aside for any tax owing.
What records do I need to keep for my tax return?
Keep your sent and paid invoices, receipts for every expense you claim, your car logbook, bank statements, and your record of income received — generally for five years from lodging. Keeping them as you go, in digital folders by financial year, makes your return a quick summary and keeps you audit-ready if the ATO…
Do I need to register for GST as a support worker?
Only once your turnover reaches the GST registration threshold, though you can register earlier by choice. Many independents stay under it and aren't registered, and some NDIS supports are GST-free, which affects how GST applies. GST is separate from income tax. Check the current threshold and rules on the ATO website…