Thread: ODD JOB BUSINESS

Get yourself an ABN from the Tax Office and establish yourself as a sole trader... there's a heap of info on the ATO website and the Dept of Fair Trading or whatever it's called where you live. You'll probably need some sort of public liability insurance. You need also to set yourself up for GST...which means periodic returns BAS... statements (PITA!) So you'll need a decent spreadsheet or at least a simple business system to keep tabs on expenses etc... local Real Estate Agents with a good rental business can be sources of regular work for odd jobs/repairs (so I'm told!)
Good luck with it

Originally Posted by Hoges

Get yourself an ABN from the Tax Office and establish yourself as a sole trader... there's a heap of info on the ATO website and the Dept of Fair Trading or whatever it's called where you live. You'll probably need some sort of public liability insurance. You need also to set yourself up for GST...which means periodic returns BAS... statements (PITA!) So you'll need a decent spreadsheet or at least a simple business system to keep tabs on expenses etc... local Real Estate Agents with a good rental business can be sources of regular work for odd jobs/repairs (so I'm told!)
Good luck with it

You do not need to register for GST and do BAS if your turnover is less than 75k p/a

Originally Posted by rovercare

You do not need to register for GST and do BAS if your turnover is less than 75k p/a

True, but some companies will not deal with you unless you are registered, eg impossible to get invoices processed unless you supply a valid tax invoice etc.

Some 20 or so years ago I tried to start a similar business, but was stopped by the NSW Govt (in my case) because I had no "Trade" behind me at all. The fact I could do many "handy man" type jobs with ease and confidence, through experience meant nothing.
In the end they allowed me to do work on commercial properties only, and then was not allowed to earn more than I think $500 a job, and I cant remember if there was a limit per month/year as well.
Insurance was another obstacle, was a farce how much I had to pay.
In the end I gave it a miss, just too many hassles etc. Very disappointing episode in my life, but that's the way it goes.
Things may be a little different now I would hope.

Good luck with your venture.

Originally Posted by Ferret

True, but some companies will not deal with you unless you are registered, eg impossible to get invoices processed unless you supply a valid tax invoice etc.

It just means they add you in the GST free component of their BAS, but I could see how some simply don't bother for the extra administration

I think its worthwhile for the benefits anyhow

Mate, go for it. Get an ABN, and register etc etc.... it really isn't such a hassle when your small and starting out, most likley the Public Liability Ins. will be your biggest expense but no option unfortunatley.... there is some good info on the ATO site as well as invoicing and spreadsheet solutions....I used them years ago when I took a break from the trade and went Lawn mowing

Thanks all. I have an ABN so now I have to sort insurances. Jim

My Dad in his 70's started a small handyman business SE Melbourne, never advertised and is run of his feet from word of mouth. Proper trades dont want to deal with the small stuff.

Originally Posted by Ferret

True, but some companies will not deal with you unless you are registered, eg impossible to get invoices processed unless you supply a valid tax invoice etc.

You don't need to be registred for GST to provide valid tax invoice. I'm not.
I have a sole trader business, as long as you have industry credentials ( eg White Card etc ) and appropriate insurances it is no probs, done plenty of work for big companies, but not worth the hassle doing their induction courses & all the paperwork, they are the slowest to pay.
I get most of my work from Google, if I let my Google adwords account run down the phone stops & I can go on holidays, add $100 and the phone starts ringing again.