Removalist

Tax tips for self-employed removalists and furniture movers.

Allowable Expenses

• Vehicle Costs — Truck or van running costs and insurance.
• Packing Materials — Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap (if provided by you).
• Equipment — Dollys, ramps, and lift gates.
• Uniforms — Protective clothing and logoed shirts.

Tax Tips

• Keep track of all consumables like tape and padding.
• Professional indemnity and transit insurance are deductible.
• Claim for the business portion of your mobile phone.
• Report all subcontractor removalists in your TPAR by 28 August each year — the ATO uses TPAR data to match income and non-lodgement attracts escalating penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim for transit insurance?

Yes, insurance to protect goods in transit is deductible.

Are my moving blankets deductible?

Yes, they are tools of your trade.

Do I need to register for GST as a removalist?

Yes, if your annual turnover exceeds $75,000. For full-time removalists, this threshold is commonly reached. Once registered, charge GST on your invoices and lodge a Business Activity Statement (BAS) quarterly or monthly to report and pay the collected GST.

Can I deduct the cost of a storage facility used for business equipment?

Yes. If you rent storage space for packing equipment, blankets, straps, or dollies when not in use, the storage facility rental is a deductible business expense — provided the space is used exclusively for business items.