Self-employment

As well as enjoying the benefits of self-employment, you'll need to take care with money matters. Find out how to make the right start.

Manage your cash flow

Many self-employed people earn a good living. But even if your overall annual income is strong, the flow of money is not always regular. It can be weeks or even months between income payments.

To help with your cash flow, only make larger purchases once you've paid yourself and covered regular bills. Keep some money aside for the unexpected.

Being self-employed means you won't have the benefit of paid holidays or sick leave. It's up to you to put money aside. Regularly saving a little extra will help you manage during quiet periods, as well as funding a well-deserved break.

See business.gov.au for tips on managing your business finances.

Separate your wages and business money

Make a clear division between 'your money' and what belongs to the business. Pay yourself a wage, and keep separate bank accounts so that business spending doesn't get mixed up with your own.

This makes it clear what the business has earned and paid out. It's also easier to see the financial state (the 'profit and loss') of the business at any time.

Think about tax early

It's important to think about tax throughout the year, not only at tax time. Get advice from an accountant and plan for what's coming. See choosing an accountant for tips.

Income tax

If you're self-employed, you need to pay your own income tax.

Put money aside as you earn it, rather than waiting to receive a big tax bill. Open a savings account and transfer a percentage each time you get paid. Make this account for tax payments only, and off limits for other spending.

If your business grows, the Australian Taxation Office may require you to pay income tax in quarterly instalments. This is known as pay as you go (PAYG). Get an idea of how much you might have to pay with their PAYG instalment calculator.

Goods and services tax (GST)

Businesses that earn over $75,000 per year must register for GST. Once you've registered, you must lodge a regular Business Activity Statement (BAS) to report how much GST your business has collected and is claiming. This may be quarterly or annually.

Tax deductions

You may be able to claim some of your business costs against your income, meaning you pay less tax. Speak to your accountant, and keep all your receipts in case you need them.

Make your super count

Superannuation may not be at the top of your list when you're starting out by yourself. But it's important to think about it early. Super is a tax-efficient way of saving money to live on when you stop working.

Since you won't get regular super contributions from an employer, it's up to you to make them yourself. As well as investing for your future, adding to your super can reduce the tax on your current income. You may also be eligible for the government super co-contribution.

To find out more, see super for self-employed people.

Protect your income — and your business

Without sick leave, getting sick or injured can mean financial difficulties. Income protection insurance can help you pay your bills if you can't work.

If you have a super fund, find out whether they offer income protection insurance as part of the package.

If you’re moving from employee to self-employed, check if this affects the insurance cover through your super. Insurance terms and conditions vary from fund to fund.

Consider other types of insurance that can protect you and your business. Like public liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. See business.gov.au for information about insurance for business.

Know your legal requirements

Setting yourself up properly - legally and financially - is key when you start a small business. The guide to starting a small business from business.gov.au can help you understand what to consider.

If you own and run your business as a director under a company structure, you will need to apply for a director ID.

Get help if you need it

If you're struggling with money, there is free and confidential support available.

Financial counselling

Call the Small Business Debt Helpline on 1800 413 828. Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Or call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. Or live chat, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 8:00pm.

Emotional support

Call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36, 24 hours a day. Or live chat, 24 hours a day.

Or use Beyond Blue's free NewAccess for Small Business Owners mental health coaching program.

Nathan stays on top of a variable income

Nathan runs his own business as a landscaper.

Nathan's income and expenses go up and down through the year. At first, he found this hard to manage. So he added up his monthly expenses to work out an amount to pay himself each month.

Next, he worked out his monthly cash flow by looking at what he earned across the whole year, then dividing it by 12 to get a monthly average. This tells him whether he's earned extra or not.

When Nathan earns more than usual, he now puts the extra into savings to get him through the leaner months. This means he has funds to cover unexpected business costs, such as an urgent repair.