Tax and GST for Support Coordinators: What You Actually Owe
Support coordinator tax and GST explained: why most NDIS coordination is GST-free, when you must register, and the deductions and deadlines that matter.
Is support coordination GST-free?
When you still must register for GST
Why register when you charge no GST at all
Business structure and how income tax works
PAYG instalments: paying tax before the return
Deductions a support coordinator can claim
The 90-day claim window and your invoicing discipline
Records, invoices and the ATO five-year rule
Common mistakes and tricky edge cases
Your own superannuation
A worked example
Frequently asked questions
Do support coordinators charge GST?
Generally no. Support coordination delivered to a participant who has an NDIS plan, under a written service agreement, is a GST-free supply, so you do not add GST to those invoices. GST may apply to non-NDIS work such as consulting or business-to-business subcontracting.
Do I have to register for GST if my income is GST-free?
Yes, if your GST turnover exceeds $75,000. GST-free supplies still count toward the registration threshold, so a coordinator over the limit must register even though they charge no GST. Registration also lets you claim GST credits on business expenses.
What can a support coordinator claim as a tax deduction?
Expenses connected to earning your coordination income: professional indemnity and public liability insurance, DIA membership, worker screening checks, software, professional development, accounting fees, and the work-use portion of your car, phone and home office. Keep receipts for five years.
How much tax should I set aside as a sole trader coordinator?
There is no fixed rule, but many coordinators reserve 25-30% of profit in a separate account, then reconcile against their actual PAYG instalments and year-end bill. Because no tax is withheld for you, setting money aside as payments arrive prevents a first-year debt shock.
Does the 90-day claim window affect my tax?
Indirectly but significantly. From 1 December 2026 you have 90 days from the date of service to claim, or the revenue is lost. Prompt fortnightly invoicing protects income that would otherwise be forfeited, keeping your billable work actually billable.