End of Financial Year Checklist for Australian Trade Businesses (2026)
30 June is coming. For most trade business owners, that means a scramble to get records together, find receipts that went into the glovebox, and figure out what they can actually claim. The tradies who handle EOFY calmly are the ones who've been organised throughout the year — and who start their EOFY review in April, not June. Here's what needs to be done.
Before 30 June: Things That Must Happen This Financial Year
Review Your Deductible Expenses
The ATO allows trade businesses to deduct legitimate business expenses. The most commonly missed deductions for tradies:
- Tools and equipment — Purchased in FY2025-26 and used for business. Under the instant asset write-off scheme (check current thresholds with your accountant), eligible assets may be fully deductible in the year of purchase.
- Vehicle expenses — Logbook method (requires a 12-week logbook showing business vs personal use) or cents-per-kilometre method. If you haven't kept a logbook, start one now.
- Protective clothing and safety gear — Work boots, hi-vis vests, safety glasses, gloves, hard hats. Personal items are not deductible.
- Licences and trade registrations — Renewal of your trade licence, white card, or industry membership fees.
- Training and professional development — Courses, trade shows, or industry certifications relevant to your current work.
- Home office expenses — If you use part of your home for business administration.
- Software subscriptions — Accounting software, job management tools, CRM subscriptions (including Kabooyaa) are deductible business expenses.
Prepay Deductible Expenses
If you're expecting a profitable year, consider prepaying upcoming business expenses before 30 June. Insurance premiums, software subscriptions, and training course fees paid before 30 June are deductible in this financial year — reducing your taxable income this year rather than next.
Write Off Bad Debts
If you have outstanding invoices from customers who genuinely aren't going to pay, write them off before 30 June. A bad debt that is written off in the financial year can be claimed as a deduction in that year. Don't carry bad debts into the new financial year unnecessarily.
Stock and Inventory Count
If you carry materials or inventory, conduct a stocktake before 30 June. Your closing stock value affects your taxable income — a reduction in stock value is reflected in your cost of goods sold.
Payroll and Super: Critical EOFY Obligations
STP (Single Touch Payroll) Finalisation
If you have employees, you must finalise your STP data by 14 July. This triggers the issue of income statements to employees through myGov. Your payroll software (Xero, MYOB) handles this — but don't leave it until the last week of July.
Superannuation Guarantee
The minimum super guarantee rate for FY2025-26 is 11.5%. Super must be paid quarterly, with the Q4 payment due 28 July for the April–June quarter. For super to be tax-deductible in this financial year, it must be received by the super fund before 30 June — not just sent. Check payment processing times with your fund.
Review Your Own Superannuation
If you're self-employed, personal super contributions are tax-deductible (subject to the concessional contributions cap of $30,000 in FY2025-26, including any employer contributions). Making a personal contribution before 30 June can significantly reduce your taxable income — talk to your accountant about whether this makes sense for your situation.
Record-Keeping: What to Organise Now
- All business-related receipts for the financial year — reconcile with your bank statements
- Invoices issued and received — ensure all are in your accounting software
- Bank and credit card statements for all business accounts
- Vehicle logbook (if using the logbook method)
- Any loan or finance statements for business equipment
- Your BAS submissions for all quarters of the year
If your records are a mess, the best investment you can make in the next six weeks is time with a bookkeeper. A bookkeeper who gets your records sorted before your accountant starts work on your return saves you in accounting fees — accountants charge significantly more per hour than bookkeepers to do the same data entry work.
Technology Purchases to Make Before 30 June
If you've been thinking about investing in new tools, equipment, or software for your business, EOFY is often the right time — provided the purchase is genuinely needed and the deduction makes sense for your tax position.
This includes CRM and business software subscriptions. A Kabooyaa subscription is a legitimate business software expense, fully deductible as an operating cost. If you've been considering it, starting before 30 June captures this year's deduction.
Book a free demo at kabooyaa.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
What can Australian tradies claim as tax deductions at EOFY?
Tools and equipment, vehicle expenses (logbook or cents per km method), protective clothing, trade licences and registrations, training and professional development, software subscriptions, and home office expenses where applicable. Confirm specific items with your accountant.
When must Australian employers pay Q4 superannuation?
The Q4 super guarantee payment (April–June quarter) is due by 28 July. For super to be deductible in the current financial year, it must be received by the super fund before 30 June — processing times vary, so pay early.
What is the super guarantee rate in Australia in 2026?
The superannuation guarantee rate for FY2025-26 is 11.5% of ordinary time earnings. This is scheduled to increase to 12% in FY2026-27.
Can sole trader tradies claim personal super contributions as a deduction?
Yes — self-employed tradies can claim personal super contributions as a deduction, subject to the concessional contributions cap of $30,000. This is one of the most effective tax planning strategies for sole traders with a profitable year.
Are CRM and software subscriptions tax deductible for tradies?
Yes — software subscriptions used for business purposes (including CRM, job management, and accounting software) are fully deductible operating expenses for Australian trade businesses.