BAS and bookkeeping for interpreters and translators, without the Sunday-night spreadsheet
A freelance interpreter or translator’s bank statement mixes payments from agencies, courts and hospitals, a few overseas clients paying in foreign currency, a NAATI credential renewal, translation software, a headset, and fuel or train fares to assignments across the city. The tax questions follow the same pattern: which agencies pay you as a contractor, which income is GST-free because the client is overseas, and which trips between jobs count as business travel.
FlowFi reads the statement you already have, sorts the income by payer, categorises the costs, works out the GST on each line, and builds the quarter’s BAS. You check it, copy the labels into ATO Online, and get back to the next booking.
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
What FlowFi does for interpreters and translators
Keeps agency and direct clients separate
Payments from agencies, government bodies and private clients land under the payer’s name, so you can see who owes you and match each deposit to an invoice before it goes into G1.
Flags overseas clients
Work for a client outside Australia, used outside Australia, is often GST-free. FlowFi keeps those payments visible so they are reported correctly, and flags the ones to confirm with your accountant.
Sorts software and equipment
CAT tools, dictionaries, subscriptions, headsets and a second screen are categorised with the GST worked out, and larger items are marked for the instant write-off or depreciation.
Tracks travel between assignments
Log trips between assignments and FlowFi applies the current cents-per-kilometre rate, or keep the records for the logbook method. Public transport fares and parking at assignments are captured as well.
Builds your BAS from the bank statement
Upload the quarter, review the pre-filled G1, 1A and 1B, check the payer totals against your invoices, and copy the labels 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 interpreters and translators
Expenses interpreters and translators often claim. FlowFi flags these categories as they appear in your statement so you can confirm each one.
- NAATI credential and recertification fees, and professional association memberships
- Translation software, CAT tools, dictionaries, subscriptions and glossaries
- Headsets, microphones, a second screen, a laptop and other equipment, written off in the year or depreciated
- Courses and professional development that maintain or extend your current skills
- Travel between assignments, parking, tolls and public transport fares during the working day
- Professional indemnity insurance and income protection premiums
- A share of phone, internet and home office costs when you work on translations from home
- Bank and platform fees and the cost of foreign currency conversion on overseas payments
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 interpreters and translators ask
Do I charge GST on interpreting for an overseas client?
Often not. A service supplied to a client outside Australia who uses it outside Australia is usually GST-free, but exceptions exist, such as work done for an Australian branch or an interpreting job performed in Australia for a visiting party. Check the ATO guidance and keep records of who the client is. These supplies still count toward the $75,000 registration threshold.
Is the trip from home to my first assignment deductible?
Usually not. Travel from home to a regular workplace is private commuting. Travel between assignments in the same day is generally business travel, and trips from home to a temporary or itinerant job can qualify in some patterns. If your work is mostly assignments at different places, ask your accountant how the rules apply to you.
Do the agencies take tax out of what they pay me?
If you have an ABN and invoice them as a contractor, they generally pay in full and you handle your own tax. If an agency treats you as an employee, it should withhold tax and pay super. The right classification depends on the arrangement. See the ATO’s guidance on employees and contractors.
How do I handle payments in foreign currency?
Convert each payment to Australian dollars at the rate on the day you receive it, or use a consistent method the ATO accepts, and keep the record of the rate. Bank fees and conversion costs are deductible business expenses.
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
Keep reading
FlowFi for related trades
Finish the books between assignments
Upload one bank statement and see agency payments, overseas clients, software and travel 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.