BAS and bookkeeping for handymen, without the Sunday-night spreadsheet
A handyman’s bank statement is a long list of hardware store runs, fuel stops, a few big tool purchases, payments from customers in cash and by bank transfer, and the odd licence or insurance bill. The usual problems are small jobs paid in cash that never reach the books, materials bought for one customer and mixed with ones for another, and not knowing when the $75,000 GST line is close.
FlowFi reads the statement you already have, sorts the materials from the tools and the fuel, works out the GST on each, and builds the quarter’s BAS. You check it, copy the labels into ATO Online, and get on to the next job.
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
What FlowFi does for handymen
Separates materials from tools
Bunnings and trade supplier receipts are sorted into materials for a job or tools and equipment. Larger tool purchases are flagged for the instant asset write-off or depreciation, with the GST credit worked out.
Reminds you about cash jobs
Cash income is assessable like any other income. FlowFi shows the deposits it can see and prompts you to add the jobs you were paid for in cash, so your sales are complete before the BAS.
Handles ute and fuel costs
Keep a logbook for the business share of a vehicle, or log trips to apply the cents-per-kilometre rate. Fuel and tolls are captured in either case.
Sends clear invoices
Create a tax invoice with your ABN, the job description and the GST worked out, so customers can pay and you have a record for each job.
Builds your BAS from the bank statement
Upload the quarter, review the pre-filled G1, 1A and 1B, and copy the labels into ATO Online. FlowFi also shows how close your turnover is to the registration threshold.
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 handymen
Expenses handymen often claim. FlowFi flags these categories as they appear in your statement so you can confirm each one.
- Materials bought for customer jobs, with a tax invoice for the GST credit
- Power tools, hand tools, ladders and other equipment, written off in the year or depreciated
- Fuel, tolls, parking and vehicle running costs for the business share of the ute or van
- Public liability insurance and tools-in-transit cover
- Licences, white card renewal and other required tickets and training
- Work clothes with a logo, boots and protective equipment such as gloves and glasses
- Phone, internet and advertising costs, including a website and online listings
- Accounting, software and bank fees, and a share of home office costs for admin work
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 handymen ask
When do I need to register for GST as a handyman?
When your GST turnover reaches or is expected to reach $75,000 in a 12-month period. Many handymen can register earlier if they want to claim credits on materials. See the ATO for the current rules, and our guide on the threshold.
Do I need a licence for handyman work?
It depends on the state and the work. Many states limit handyman work by job value or by trade, and plumbing, electrical and some building work require a licence whatever the value. Check your state regulator before quoting, because working outside the limit can affect your insurance as well.
What if I buy materials and the customer pays me back?
If you buy materials and charge the customer for them, the sale is part of your income and the purchase is an expense, both with GST if you are registered. If the customer pays the supplier directly, it is not your income or expense, so keep the paperwork to show which applies.
Do I need to report cash payments?
Yes. Cash is income like any other and goes in your sales. Keep a receipt book or invoice copies so you can match jobs to income at tax time.
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
Keep reading
FlowFi for related trades
Do the books before the next job
Upload one bank statement and see materials, tools, fuel and customer payments already categorised with the GST worked out.
Start 14-day free trial14 days of Pro free. No credit card. Then $29 a month or $290 a year.