Australia Contractor Tax Calculator
Calculate Australian contractor/sole trader tax including income tax, Medicare levy, GST obligations, and deductible expenses for 2026-27.
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Australia Rates and Rules
Tax Brackets
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Total invoiced amount (ex-GST)
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Calculate Australian contractor and sole trader tax obligations for 2025-26. Contractors pay income tax on net profit (revenue minus deductible expenses). GST registration mandatory above A$75,000 turnover. No employer super contributions; must self-contribute. Lodge BAS quarterly for GST. Quarterly PAYG installments if required by ATO.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jul 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.
Formula
Contractors pay tax on their net business income (gross minus deductible expenses). GST registration is required if turnover exceeds $75,000.
Australia FAQs
When must an Australian contractor register for GST?
GST registration is mandatory when annual turnover reaches A$75,000 (A$150,000 for non-profits). Voluntary registration below this threshold allows you to claim input tax credits on business purchases. You must file quarterly BAS (Business Activity Statements).
Do contractors pay their own super?
Sole traders and independent contractors must arrange their own super contributions. These are tax-deductible up to the A$30,000 concessional cap. Some contractors engaged through labour hire or principally for labour may have super paid by the engaging business.
What expenses can contractors deduct?
Home office (fixed rate A$0.67/hour or actual costs), vehicle (logbook or cents-per-km), equipment, software, professional development, insurance, accounting fees, phone and internet (business portion), and depreciation on assets. Keep all records for 5 years.
How do contractors pay tax?
Lodge an annual tax return by 31 October (or later via tax agent). The ATO may require quarterly PAYG installments if your tax liability exceeds A$4,000. BAS for GST is filed quarterly (or monthly for larger businesses).
Is it better to be a contractor or employee?
Contractors typically charge 20-40% more than equivalent employee rates to cover: no super (12%), no paid leave (4 weeks annual + 10 days personal), no workers comp, and business costs. A$70,000 salary role is roughly equivalent to A$95,000-$100,000 as a contractor.
What is the ABN and do I need one?
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is required for all contractors and sole traders. Apply free through the Australian Business Register (ABR). Without an ABN, clients must withhold 47% from your payments under the no-ABN withholding rules.
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