BAS and bookkeeping for tattoo artists, without the Sunday-night spreadsheet
A tattoo artist’s statement mixes booth or chair rent, large supply orders for needles, ink and sterile consumables, deposits taken weeks before the appointment, and client payments in cash, by card and by transfer. The usual problems are deposits that are not tracked until the work is done, supplies bought on a personal card, and not knowing when turnover is close to the GST registration threshold.
FlowFi reads the statement you already have, sorts supplies from equipment and rent, works out the GST on each, and builds the quarter’s BAS. You check it, copy the labels into ATO Online, and get back to the next design.
General information only, not tax advice. Check your own situation with a registered tax agent or the ATO.
What FlowFi does for tattoo artists
Sorts consumables from equipment
Needles, ink, gloves, barrier film and sterilisation supplies are categorised as running costs. Machines, power supplies and furniture are flagged as equipment for the instant asset write-off or depreciation, with the GST credit worked out.
Handles booth and chair rent
Weekly or monthly rent to a studio owner is picked up as a recurring expense. If the studio is GST-registered, FlowFi shows the credit on each invoice so you can claim it.
Keeps track of deposits
Booking deposits are part of your income. FlowFi shows the deposits it can see on your statement, so you can match them to the sessions they relate to and report them in the right period.
Sends clear invoices
For custom pieces, cover-ups and larger projects, create a tax invoice with your ABN, the work described, the deposit received and the balance due.
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 tattoo artists
Expenses tattoo artists often claim. FlowFi flags these categories as they appear in your statement so you can confirm each one.
- Needles, ink, gloves, transfer paper, barrier film and other consumables
- Booth or chair rent, or a share of studio costs if you run your own space
- Machines, power supplies, autoclave and furniture, written off in the year or depreciated
- Clinical waste and sharps disposal, cleaning and sterilisation supplies
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- Council, state or health registrations and required infection control training
- Design software, a tablet for drawing, portfolio photography and advertising
- Travel and fees for conventions and guest spots, with a clear business purpose
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 tattoo artists ask
Do I need to register for GST as a tattoo artist?
Once your GST turnover reaches or is expected to reach $75,000 in a 12-month period, you must register. Many artists with steady bookings get there sooner than expected. Check the ATO for the current rules, and see our guide on the threshold.
How are deposits treated for tax?
A deposit is generally part of the price, so it is income and can carry GST if you are registered. The timing depends on your accounting method. See our guide on deposits and progress payments.
I rent a chair in a studio. Am I a contractor or an employee?
It depends on the real arrangement, such as who sets prices, who supplies tools and who carries the risk. The ATO looks at the whole relationship, not the label. See our guide on contractor or employee.
Can I claim my own tattoo equipment and a laptop?
Yes for the business share. Equipment used only for work is fully deductible or depreciable. Items used for personal reasons as well are claimed in proportion to business use.
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 between sessions
Upload one bank statement and see supplies, booth rent, deposits and client 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.