Loading
_dixie(Newbie)Newbie
23 June 2021

Hi there i just need some clarification, I have been trying to do my research as i am looking at going from a current hobby to trying my hand at making a small profit (will not get close to the tax free threshold i dont imagine) and came across something that said it was not compulsory for a sole trader to have an ABN unless their income is +75,000 and then also need to register for GST is this correct?.

My question is if i do not have an ABN as yet and am presumably "trading" what are my obligations in reguards to needing to lodge/or when to lodge a tax return?, and depending on the answer to that wouldnt i need an ABN to lodge?.

5,003 views
2 replies
5,003 views
2 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

BlakeATO(Community Support)Community Support
24 June 2021

Hi @dixie

Not quite.

If you're running an enterprise or business, you'll need an ABN, whether your turnover is one sale worth $100 or one million. You should review your eligibility for an ABN.

If your turnover (not net income) is $75k or above, you'll need to then also register for GST. If you do ride-sharing, you'll need to register no matter your turnover. When we talk about your turnover, we mean your sales before any expenses.

If you run a business, you must lodge a tax return. It doesn't matter how many sales you had. You'll need to lodge.

If you run a business but aren't registered for GST, you'll only need to lodge your tax return as usual. If you're lodging yourself, it's due by 31 October of the following financial year. If you use a registered agent, it may be as late as May of the following year.

You can find out about your ABN entitlement on the ABR, and working out your GST turnover, and due dates for your tax return on our website.

All replies

Most helpful reply

BlakeATO(Community Support)Community Support
24 June 2021

Hi @dixie

Not quite.

If you're running an enterprise or business, you'll need an ABN, whether your turnover is one sale worth $100 or one million. You should review your eligibility for an ABN.

If your turnover (not net income) is $75k or above, you'll need to then also register for GST. If you do ride-sharing, you'll need to register no matter your turnover. When we talk about your turnover, we mean your sales before any expenses.

If you run a business, you must lodge a tax return. It doesn't matter how many sales you had. You'll need to lodge.

If you run a business but aren't registered for GST, you'll only need to lodge your tax return as usual. If you're lodging yourself, it's due by 31 October of the following financial year. If you use a registered agent, it may be as late as May of the following year.

You can find out about your ABN entitlement on the ABR, and working out your GST turnover, and due dates for your tax return on our website.

Featured articles

Setting up an ATO payment plan

5 Nov 2025 · 6 min read time

Tax tips for managing your side hustle

22 Apr 2024 · 6 min read time

Working for a food delivery app

15 Apr 2026 · 4 min read time

Top liked users

  1. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    372 likes

  2. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    361 likes

  3. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    179 likes

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    172 likes

  5. Peter_Clyne

    (Superuser)

    99 likes

Top contributors

  1. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    1408contributions

  2. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    1351contributions

  3. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    652contributions

  4. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    473contributions

  5. YEP

    (Devotee)

    280contributions

Loading
Am i required to or can i lodge a tax return without an ABN | ATO Community