BAS and bookkeeping for gardeners and lawn mowing businesses, without the Sunday-night spreadsheet
A mowing round is forty small jobs a fortnight, half paid by transfer that night, some in cash, a few through a franchise or platform that takes its cut first. Spending is two-stroke and diesel every few days, a new mower or blower every year or so, blades and line, green waste tip fees, plants and mulch on-charged to clients, trailer rego, chemicals for the spraying licence, and sunscreen by the litre.
FlowFi reads the bank statement, sorts fuel from equipment from tip fees, flags the equipment purchases for write-off or depreciation, works out the GST, and builds the quarterly BAS. Cash jobs go in with a tap. In winter, the cash-flow forecast shows what the quiet months look like before they arrive.
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
What FlowFi does for gardeners and lawn mowing businesses
Flags mowers and equipment for write-off
Mowers, ride-ons, blowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws are flagged as equipment so you can decide with your accountant whether to write off or depreciate.
Sorts fuel, trailer and ute costs
Servo runs, trailer rego and vehicle servicing are categorised so the business-use percentage can be applied cleanly.
Captures tip fees, plants and franchise fees
Green waste fees, nursery purchases you on-charge and franchise or platform fees are categorised with GST checked on each.
Cash-flow forecast for winter
See the seasonal dip coming from your own history so the BAS and the next equipment purchase are both covered.
Builds the BAS from your statement
Upload the quarter, add cash jobs, review the pre-filled G1, 1A and 1B, and copy them into ATO Online.
How it works
Upload your bank statement
Export a CSV or PDF from your bank (CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ, Macquarie and most others) and drop it into FlowFi. No bank login, ever.
AI sorts every transaction
Income, expenses, equipment and transfers are categorised, GST is worked out on each line and likely deductions are flagged for you to confirm.
Review and lodge your BAS
Check the pre-filled labels, copy them into ATO Online in about five minutes, or export the pack for your accountant. FlowFi does not lodge for you.
Common deductions for gardeners and lawn mowing businesses
Expenses gardeners and lawn mowing businesses often claim. FlowFi flags these categories as they appear in your statement so you can confirm each one.
- Mowers, ride-ons, whipper snippers, blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and pressure washers, written off or depreciated
- Fuel and oil for equipment, blades, line, chains, spark plugs and repairs
- Ute, van and trailer running costs on the business-use portion, and trailer registration
- Green waste and tip fees, and plants, mulch, soil and fertiliser bought for jobs
- Chemical and pesticide licences, spraying equipment and safety training
- Protective gear: boots, chaps, hearing and eye protection, gloves, sun hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Franchise fees, platform and lead fees, scheduling software and public liability insurance
- Phone, quoting apps and a share of your home office for admin
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
Email me the quarterly BAS checklist
The checklist now, then a few short notes on getting your BAS done. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Pricing
Flat monthly pricing. No percentage of your income, no lock-in, cancel any time. Every account starts with 14 days of Pro free, no card needed.
Pro
or $290 a year (two months free). 14-day free trial, no card.
- Unlimited transactions and uploads
- Unlimited invoices with automatic reminders
- Full AI categorisation and deduction flags
- BAS preparation with a copy-guide for ATO Online
- Receipt scanning, mileage and cash-flow forecast
- One-click accountant export
Business
or $590 a year (two months free). For anyone with a bookkeeper or partner in the books.
- Everything in Pro
- Unlimited bank accounts
- Up to 5 users with role-based access
- Advanced AI insights
- AI support and API access
Questions gardeners and lawn mowing businesses ask
Can I claim fuel tax credits on mower fuel?
Possibly. Fuel used in equipment such as mowers, blowers and chainsaws is used off public roads and can be eligible for fuel tax credits if you are registered for GST and for fuel tax credits. Fuel in your ute on the road is not eligible for a light vehicle. The credit is claimed on the BAS; check the ATO’s eligibility tool and keep fuel receipts split by use.
Are franchise fees deductible?
Ongoing franchise fees and royalties are deductible as you pay them. The initial franchise purchase is treated differently, usually as a capital cost, so keep that paperwork for your accountant.
Is the trip from home to the first lawn deductible?
Often yes for a mowing round, because your home is your base, you carry bulky equipment on a trailer that cannot be left at the job, and you go to different addresses each day. Log the kilometres and confirm with your accountant. Travel between jobs is always business.
What about the plants and mulch I buy for a client’s job?
The purchase is an expense with GST you can claim, and the amount you invoice the client is income with GST you collect. Record both sides so nothing is netted off and the BAS matches your invoices.
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
Keep reading
FlowFi for related trades
Books done before the dew dries
Upload one bank statement and see fuel, equipment, tip fees, plants and GST already categorised.
Start 14-day free trial14 days of Pro free. No credit card. Then $29 a month or $290 a year.