How To Start A Bookkeeping Business

Everybody wants to start a bookkeeping business correctly.

How do you know the right ways and the wrong ways to start your bookkeeping business? That’s a question we are often asked. There are basic criteria to start any business – whether its a bookeeping business or any other small business.

Can I start my bookkeeping business without ABN?

[ Disclaimer: we are not tax agents / accountants / lawyers so cannot give advise in such matters] – The Australian Taxation Office has information regarding business start-up, and legal requirements. The following is an extract from the ATO website:

Not everyone is entitled to an Australian business number (ABN).

Companies registered under the Corporations Law and business entities carrying on an enterprise in Australia are entitled to an ABN.

Employees and hobbyists are not entitled to an ABN as they are not carrying on an enterprise.

Self-funded retirees do not need an ABN. They continue to use their tax file number when reporting their annual income to the Tax Office.
Is the ABN compulsory?

Applying for an ABN is not compulsory. However, if you are required to register for GST, you will need to apply for an ABN as well.

All businesses with a GST turnover of $75, 000 or more must register for GST and will need an ABN to do this. This can be done on the same form. Organisations with a lower annual turnover may choose to register.

Why might my enterprise need an ABN?

You need an ABN and GST registration in order to claim GST credits for any GST you have paid for goods and/or services you have used in your business.

If you are supplying goods or services, you will need to be able to quote an ABN so that others businesses do not withhold tax at the top marginal rate when they pay you.

How does the ABN affect relations between businesses?

Businesses registered for GST are required to issue tax invoices that quote their ABN. Under pay as you go taxation, businesses receiving an invoice are required to withhold tax from their payments for goods and services if an ABN is not quoted.
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