Australian Tax Guide for Tradies & Contractors 2026
As a tradie or contractor in Australia, you pay a lot of tax — but you can also claim a lot back. This guide covers everything: deductions, BAS, GST, PAYG, and free calculators to help you estimate your tax.
What Tradies Can Claim on Tax
- 🚗 Vehicle expenses — Up to 5,000km using cents-per-km method
- 🛠️ Tools & equipment — Tools under $300 instantly deductible
- 📱 Phone & internet — Work-use percentage of your bills
- 👕 Protective clothing — Hi-vis, steel-cap boots, sunscreen
- 🏠 Home office — Fixed rate 67c per hour worked from home
- 📚 Training & licenses — White card, trade tickets, courses
GST for Contractors
If you earn over $75,000 per year, you must register for GST. Once registered, you charge 10% GST on invoices and can claim GST credits on business purchases.
Use our GST Calculator to see exactly how much GST is in any price.
PAYG Tax Withheld
If you're an employee or pay employees, use our PAYG Tax Calculator to calculate how much tax should be withheld from wages.
Income Tax Calculator for Tradies
Estimate your tax refund or bill with our Income Tax Calculator. Enter your income, deductions, and see what you'll actually pay.
Quick Reference: 2025-26 Tax Rates
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | 0% (tax-free threshold) |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16% |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | 30% |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | 37% |
| $190,001+ | 45% |
BAS Lodgement Dates 2026
- Quarter 3 (Jan-Mar): Due 28 April 2026
- Quarter 4 (Apr-Jun): Due 28 July 2026