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15 Small Business Tax Deductions You Shouldn’t Miss Before EOFY

Every deduction you claim before the end of the financial year (EOFY) can directly reduce your tax bill. However, identifying what you can claim requires clarity and attention to detail. As per the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), you can claim business-related expenses linked to generating income with proper records. In this context, this article presents 15 important small business tax deductions that you can claim and when to hire a small business accountant to make such claims.

An Overview of Tax Deductions

Before claiming deductions, it is important to follow the core principles of the ATO company tax returns. You can make claims related to tax deductions if you meet the following conditions:

  • The expense is directly connected to earning your business income
  • Only the business-use portion is claimed
  • Proper maintenance of receipts, invoices, and logbooks

15 Small Business Tax Deductions Checklist Australia

Small business tax deductions help reduce taxable income by allowing eligible business expenses to be claimed against earnings. To understand how this business tax planning works, here are 15 small business tax deductions you should have a look at:

1. Operating Expenses

Every business begins with routine costs that keep daily operations moving without interruption. The ongoing expenses of your business activities enable your operations, while most expenses qualify for deduction within the current financial period.

Here are some of the common day-to-day expenses you can make tax claims for:

  • Office supplies such as stationery, printing materials, and consumables 
  • Rent, electricity, water, and internet are connected to business activities 
  • Business-related mobile and telephone usage 
  • Maintenance of your workspace 

2. Employee Wages and Super Contributions

As operations grow, the next significant area of expenditure to be monitored is staffing. Amount paid to employees can be recognised as valuable deductions.

To understand what falls under this category, consider the following:

  • Salaries, wages, and overtime payments 
  • Superannuation contributions paid by the due date 
  • Bonuses and commissions tied to performance 
  • Payroll tax, where applicable

To manage such complex business finances, you may also take assistance from a tax accountant Perth. These professionals have in-depth knowledge about business finances.

3. Instant Asset Write-Off

Investment in physical assets supports how the work gets done. Under certain provisions, eligible purchases may qualify for immediate deduction in the first year they are used.

Some commonly claimed assets under eligible tax write offs for small business Australia include:

  • Tools, machinery, and operational equipment 
  • Computers, laptops, and digital devices 
  • Office furniture, such as desks and chairs 
  • Point-of-sale systems and payment hardware 

4. Depreciating Assets

Not all assets qualify for upfront claims, which raises the question of what happens to longer-term purchases. In those instances, the costs are spread over the effective life of the asset to show its ongoing contribution to the business.

Here are examples of assets that are allowed as ATO deductions for business:

  • Business vehicles 
  • Office furniture and fit-outs 
  • Large machinery or specialised tools 
  • IT infrastructure, such as servers 
  • Equipment used over extended periods 

5. Home-Based Business Expenses

For some businesses, the scope of work also includes residential spaces. When a business owner is working from home, some of the household expenses can be claimed for business purposes.

Some of the common tax deductions Australia for home business include:

  • Electricity used during working hours 
  • Internet expenses for business activities 
  • Office furniture and equipment 
  • Cleaning costs for the designated workspace 
  • Occupancy costs (in limited circumstances) 

6. Motor Vehicle Expenses

For businesses with regular travel needs, vehicle-related costs naturally become part of your overall spending. The business-use portion of these expenses can be calculated and claimed using accepted methods.

Here are the types of vehicle expenses you can claim at the time of annual BAS lodgement:

  • Fuel, oil, and servicing 
  • Insurance and registration 
  • Loan or lease interest (business portion only) 
  • Repairs and maintenance 
  • Depreciation of the vehicle 

7. Business Travel Costs

Business trips may include additional expenses that need to be monitored. If the main reason for travel is business-related, these expenses can normally be claimed as a tax deduction.

These may include:

  • Flights and other transport costs 
  • Accommodation for overnight stays 
  • Meals while travelling for business 
  • Taxi, rideshare, or car hire expenses 
  • Conferences and professional events 

8. Marketing and Advertising

As your business grows, the need to promote your products or services becomes essential. Expenses related to marketing activities are usually applicable for tax deduction.

Some of the common tax-deductible marketing expenses include:

  • Online advertising across digital platforms 
  • Website development, hosting, and maintenance 
  • Printed promotional materials 
  • Branding and design services 
  • Sponsorships or promotional campaigns 

9. Professional Services

Professional advice in business operations is often needed in business management. Expenses on professional services are usually tax-deductible, provided that they are associated with business activities.

In this context, you can make claims for the following services under sole trader tax returns:

  • Accounting and bookkeeping services 
  • Legal advice and contract drafting 
  • Tax agent services 
  • Business consulting and advisory 
  • Financial advice related to operations 

10. Insurance Premiums

As the business grows, so does the need to protect the business from potential risks. Some of the common insurance premiums you can claim as tax deductions with the help of a tax planner include:

  • Public liability insurance 
  • Professional indemnity cover 
  • Business interruption insurance 
  • Equipment and asset insurance 
  • Workers’ compensation policies

11. Loan Interest and Bank Fees

If your business is financed using external funding, the associated costs should be taken into consideration. Interest and bank charges associated with running a business are generally claimable as a tax deduction.

Expenses that can be claimed include:

  • Interest on business loans 
  • Bank account fees 
  • Loan establishment fees 
  • Overdraft interest 
  • Credit card fees (business portion) 

12. Repairs and Maintenance

Regular upkeep ensures that your business assets remain functional. Costs incurred to maintain or restore these assets are typically deductible in the year they occur.

Here are some products you can claim for tax deductions:

  • Equipment repairs 
  • Office maintenance 
  • Replacing worn components 
  • Property upkeep 
  • Minor restoration work 

13. Prepaid Expenses

Planning expenses in advance can also influence how deductions are applied within a financial year. Eligible prepaid costs may be claimed earlier, depending on the conditions.

These may include:

  • Software subscriptions 
  • Rent paid in advance 
  • Service agreements under 12 months 
  • Membership fees 

14. Startup Costs

The expenses made when setting up the business are also claimable as tax deductions. The start-up expenses list of tax deductions for small businesses includes:

    • Business registration fees 
    • Legal and accounting setup 
    • Branding and marketing 
    • Market research 
    • Administrative costs
    • Cloud Bookkeeping

15. Digital Tools and Software

Online technologies comprise a significant portion of business activities. Such expenses as the cost of digital tools are usually tax-deductible.

You can take a tax deduction for using:

  • Accounting software 
  • Project management platforms 
  • Communication tools 
  • Cybersecurity services 
  • Cloud storage solutions 

Smart EOFY Moves to Maximise Your Deductions

As the financial year ends, it is important to look into your expenses and records to make sure every detail is well recorded. To be ready and prepared, you may take into account the following EOFY tax tips for small businesses:

  • Check all revenues and expenditures before the financial year is over.
  • Make sure that all invoices are sent and payments are properly documented.
  • Prepay those expenses that will suit your business.
  • Review the purchase of assets to check if they qualify for immediate write-off.
  • Reconcile all bank accounts and verify records of all transactions.
  • Prepare all receipts, invoices and other pertinent records.
  • Make sure that all the superannuation payments are processed before the due date.
  • Consult a qualified GST accountant for proper reporting.

Also read: Cash Flow Management Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know

Final Thoughts

Before the tax deadline, taking the time to review this 15 EOFY checklist for small business Australia can significantly improve your financial outcome. Every qualified claim works to decrease your taxable income. A well-documented approach ensures nothing is overlooked. With the help of matching your expenses under the ATO rules and professional advice, you can close the financial year with greater confidence, accuracy, and efficiency.

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