Business Tax Checklist

Business Tax Return Checklist 2025–26

Use this checklist to gather what we need for your business tax return, whether you are a sole trader, partnership, company or trust.

Having these records ready means a faster, more accurate return, and fewer questions from us or the ATO.

Business details

• Your ABN, TFN and business structure (sole trader, partnership, company or trust)
• Bank statements for all business accounts for the full financial year
• Activity statements (BAS/IAS) lodged during the year, and any ATO correspondence
• Last year's tax return and financial statements (if you are a new client)

Income

• Sales records: invoices issued, point-of-sale reports and online platform payouts
• Government grants or subsidies received
• Interest and any other business income
• Amounts owed to you at 30 June (debtors)

Expenses

• Supplier invoices and receipts for purchases
• Rent or lease agreements and payments
• Vehicles: logbook, fuel, servicing, registration and insurance
• Home-based business: floor area used for the business and running costs
• Insurance, subscriptions, software, advertising and accounting fees
• Loan statements showing interest paid
• Amounts you owe at 30 June (creditors), and any bad debts written off before 30 June

Employees and super

• Single Touch Payroll finalisation for the year
• Super contributions paid for employees, with payment dates (super is only deductible in the year it is paid)
• PAYG withholding, workers compensation and payroll tax records (if applicable)
• Details of any fringe benefits provided to staff

Assets and stock

• Invoices and dates for assets bought or sold during the year (vehicles, equipment, computers)
• Your depreciation schedule or asset register
• Stock on hand at 30 June (a stocktake value)

Companies and trusts

• Loans to or from directors, shareholders or associates (Division 7A)
• Dividends paid and franking account details
• Trust distribution resolutions (generally needed by 30 June)

Keep business records for at least five years. If you're not sure whether something is relevant, bring it along and we'll check.

Common questions

When is my tax return due?

If you lodge yourself, your return is due by 31 October. If you're on a registered tax agent's client list before 31 October, you can generally lodge later, as late as 15 May the following year for many clients.

Can I estimate my refund first?

Yes. Our tax calculator gives you a quick estimate before you lodge.

What if I haven't lodged for a few years?

We regularly lodge overdue returns, often several years at once, and deal with the ATO for you. See late tax returns.