How long should ABN tradies keep business receipts and records?

What ABN business records should tradies keep?

Most business records need to be kept for 5 years. Keep enough evidence to explain income, GST, business expenses and private-use adjustments.

Last updated: 7 July 2026. General information for Australian tradies. Not personal tax advice.

Income records

Keep invoices issued, payment records, bank deposits, job notes and GST collected if registered. Your annual tax return and BAS should reconcile with these records.

Expense records

Keep supplier invoices, receipts, bank statements, subcontractor payment records, insurance policies, software invoices and finance documents.

Mixed-use evidence

For phone, internet, laptop, vehicle and home office, keep a short calculation showing business-use percentage and why it is reasonable.

Five-year habit

Store digital copies by financial year and category. A clear folder structure can be the difference between a fast tax return and a stressful review.

Where to enter it in TradieCalc

Use the claim risk panel after entering expenses. If the total looks high, add better records before lodging.

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