This is general information only - not personal tax advice. Every situation differs. A good accountant pays for themselves by keeping you compliant and catching deductions you miss.
Sole traders with an ABN running lawn mowing or garden maintenance businesses typically track expenses that are directly related to earning income. Good records matter more than aggressive claims.
Looking for lawn mowing leads and jobs in your suburb? The subcontractor page covers the $39 network. To appear in the public directory, list your lawn mowing business.
Commonly claimed business expenses
- Fuel and oil for mowers, trimmers, and business vehicle use
- Equipment purchase, repair, and maintenance - mower blades, belts, servicing
- Insurance premiums - public liability, equipment, vehicle
- Phone and internet (business portion)
- Protective gear, uniforms, sun protection
- Accounting, bookkeeping, and software subscriptions
- Advertising and lead generation costs
Vehicle and travel
Business travel between job sites is generally deductible; home-to-first-job rules depend on your structure and base of operations. Logbook method vs cents-per-km - your accountant will recommend based on your kilometres.
Do not guess. A simple app logbook beats reconstructing twelve months from memory at EOFY.
Records are the deduction
Most missed deductions are not obscure rules - they are lost receipts and invoices nobody can find in July. If your income records live in a bank feed and your job records live in your head, EOFY costs you money and a weekend.
Keep invoices, payments, and job history in one system year-round. AppFlow at appflow.com.au records every quote, invoice, and payment as it happens, so handing figures to your accountant is an export rather than an archaeology project - and the subscription itself is a deductible business expense.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim my mower as a tax deduction?+
Business equipment used to earn income is commonly depreciated or written off under instant asset write-off rules subject to thresholds and eligibility. Your accountant applies current ATO rules to your situation.
Do I need to register for GST as a lawn mowing business?+
GST registration is required once turnover exceeds the threshold (check current ATO figures). Many growing businesses register earlier to claim GST on equipment purchases.
Is job management software tax deductible?+
Software subscriptions used to run your business are commonly treated as deductible business expenses. Keep the invoices and confirm classification with your accountant.