Loading
DanK(Initiate)Initiate
13 Aug 2025

Hello,


I'm a full-time professional working in a process industry. My individual marginal tax is 30%. For the side hustle, I do dropshipping on eBay sourcing products from different platforms. My income from this side hustle for the last financial was some $1,200 (meaning less than $75,000). I have a lot of confusion in declaring this income while filing my individual tax return, GST registration, or any other legal implications. I want to stay compliant with ATO at all times while I'm doing this side hustle. I'm looking for answers to the following questions that I have in my mind.


  1. Do I have to declare this income in my individual tax return?
  2. If yes to question 1, in which section?
  3. I'm guessing I'll be taxed at my marginal tax rate as I'm a sole trader. Is that correct?
  4. There's an option in my eBay seller profile asking my ABN. I haven't provided my ABN over there yet. Should I provide it? Is there any benefit from ATO side?
  5. I read the following statement somewhere.

"Even if your turnover is below the threshold, registering voluntarily can allow you to claim GST credits on business expenses, which can improve cash flow."


My income is below the threshold of $75,000. This apparently mean that I do not have to register for GST. But as suggested by the above statement, should I rather register for GST so that I can claim GST amount for the business expenses that I had to do to get by business running?


Looking forward to help so that I can stay compliant to ATO rules.

Thank you.

146 views
2 replies
146 views
2 replies

All replies

YellowPotato(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
13 Aug 2025

  1. Most likely yes
  2. Business income
  3. Most likely yes, the net profit from the business is added to your taxable income
  4. Ask eBay what they use it for
  5. Registering is up to you. If registered, then from registration date you would be collecting GST on Australian sales and send the collected GST to ATO; refunded on GST paid on your expenses. If you can't tell what countries your sales are made, then assume all sales are from Australia. Example: payments from overseas social media platforms

YEP(Devotee)Devotee
13 Aug 2025

If you want to remain compliant its as easy as asking the ATO for a private ruling. Just lay out all the facts and they will give you a ruling on whether they consider your running an business at this stage and if your not currently running a business they may be able to give you guidance as to the factors to consider for trying to determine in the future if your running a business.


https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/ato-advice-and-guidance/ato-advice-products-rulings/private-rulings

Loading
Are eBay dropshipping earnings (less than A$75,000) taxable? | ATO Community