Executive Coach / Life Coach

Tax advice for independent coaches and mentors in Australia.

Allowable Expenses

• Coaching Tools — Assessments, books, and workbooks.
• Marketing — LinkedIn, website, and advertising costs.
• Travel & Meetings — Travel to clients and room hire.
• Home Office — Running costs for your home office.

Tax Tips

• Professional association memberships are deductible.
• Claim for the business portion of your mobile and internet.
• Keep track of all networking event costs.
• If you are a business coach with turnover above $75,000, your coaching services attract GST — ensure invoices clearly show the GST component and lodge quarterly BAS to remit collected GST to the ATO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are coaching certs deductible?

Yes, if they relate to your current coaching business.

Can I claim for client coffee?

Generally no, the ATO considers this entertainment/private.

How do I handle coaching retainer fees — do I declare them as income when received?

Yes. Income is generally assessable in Australia when it is received or when you have a legal entitlement to it — whichever is earlier. Coaching retainers paid upfront are assessable in the income year received, not spread across the months they cover.

Can I deduct the cost of online coaching platforms or scheduling software?

Yes. Subscription costs for scheduling platforms (Calendly, Acuity, CoachVantage), payment processing tools, and video call software used to deliver coaching services are fully deductible business expenses.