What records does a business need to keep?
Understand the records small businesses should keep for tax, GST, deductions, payroll, and reporting.
Summary
The ATO says businesses need records to meet tax, superannuation, registration, and reporting obligations. Records also support income, deductions, GST and payroll reporting.
What this means
Business records can include invoices, receipts, bank statements, contracts, payroll records, BAS records, GST records, and calculations used for claims.
Good records help with tax returns, BAS, cash flow, and responding to ATO questions.
Typical actions
- Keep income and sales records.
- Keep expense receipts and invoices.
- Keep GST and BAS records if registered.
- Keep payroll and super records if you have workers.
- Store records securely and consistently.
Official ATO sources
Last checked: 20 June 2026
Record keeping for business
Explains business record-keeping requirements.
Detailed business record-keeping requirements
Explains detailed records businesses may need to keep.
Business deductions
Explains deduction claims that require supporting records.
Related questions
- What business expenses can be claimed?
- What is a BAS?
- What is PAYG withholding?
- When does a business need to register for GST?
Important notice: Tax Clarity is an independent information tool. This page provides general information based on official sources. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, or accounting advice. Tax rules can change, and how they apply depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, speak with a registered tax agent or qualified professional.
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