📋 Free checklist

Freelance Setup Checklist

Everything to register, set up, and organise when starting out as a freelancer or sole trader in Australia.

📄Legal & registration6 tasks

Register for an ABN at abr.gov.au (free, ~15 minutes)Decide on your business structure: sole trader vs company (most freelancers start as sole trader)Register a business name if trading under a name other than your own ($44/yr via abr.gov.au)Register for GST if your annual turnover exceeds or is likely to reach $75,000Consider whether you need a business licence for your specific industryRegister as a PAYG instalment payer once your first tax return reflects self-employment income (ATO will prompt you)

🏦Banking & finance6 tasks

Open a dedicated business bank account (keeps personal and business finances separate)Set up a savings account or separate account for tax provisions (set aside 25–35% of income)Choose bookkeeping software: Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks ($20–$35/month)Set up your invoicing template with ABN, payment terms, and bank detailsDecide on payment terms (7, 14, or 30 days) and include on every invoiceCalculate your minimum viable day rate using our Freelance Rate Calculator

🛡️Insurance5 tasks

Professional Indemnity Insurance — required by most corporate clients ($800–$2,500/yr)Public Liability Insurance — needed if you visit clients or have people visit you ($500–$1,500/yr)Income Protection Insurance — strongly recommended; no sick pay as a contractorCheck whether your home and contents policy covers home office equipment (many don't)Obtain a Certificate of Currency for PI insurance — clients will ask for this

⚖️Contracts & legal6 tasks

Create a standard client agreement / service agreement (use a template from LegalVision, LawPath, or a lawyer)Include IP ownership clauses — default law may not assign work to youInclude kill fee / cancellation clause for cancelled projectsSet up a late payment fee clause (standard: 1.5% per month on overdue invoices)Understand your rights under the Unfair Contract Terms legislationDecide whether you want to use NDAs for sensitive client work

🧾Tax & accounting6 tasks

Find a registered tax agent who specialises in self-employed clients ($1,000–$2,500/yr)Understand what expenses are tax-deductible for your businessSet up a system to track and store receipts (Dext, Hubdoc, or a simple folder)Register for quarterly BAS if GST-registered (due 28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul)Understand PAYG instalments — you'll pay tax quarterly once you've lodged your first returnConsider whether to set up a salary sacrifice to super to reduce taxable income

🖥️Operations & tools6 tasks

Set up a professional email address (name@yourdomain.com.au)Create a LinkedIn profile that reflects your freelance offeringSet up a project management tool (Notion, Trello, Asana — many free tiers available)Create a standard onboarding pack for new clients (welcome email, questionnaire, contract)Set your working hours and communication boundaries with clients from day oneDecide on your super fund and start making regular contributions

Related tools & guides

🧾Freelance Rate Calculator 🏗️Setup Cost Calculator 📖Going Freelance Guide 📋Project Costing Calculator