is mystery shopping a job (not hobby) while on Newstart?

 Author: KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support

17 May 2026

Hi @Fio71,

Whether mystery shopping is a business or hobby depends on your intention and how you're operating. A business is an activity you do with the intention to make a profit, carried out in a repeated and organised way. A hobby is something you do for fun.

From what you've described, you're planning to do as many mystery shopping assignments as you can with the goal of earning income until you find work. This suggests you're operating with profit intention in a regular way, which means it's likely a business rather than a hobby.

For your Centrelink requirements, you'll need to contact Services Australia directly. They're a separate agency to us and can provide specific guidance on how to report this income while receiving Newstart and whether a Statement of Supply is required.

For tax purposes, income from mystery shopping is taxable income in Australia. You'll need to declare this income in your tax return under 'other income'. You can work out if you're operating as a business by checking out our guide on are you in business.

Contact Services Australia about your Newstart reporting obligations and keep track of all payments you receive from mystery shopping for your tax return. You can also check out our guide to work out if you need business registrations like an ABN.

Reply0 likes

• Report as inappropriate