Build a tax reserve rule that works the moment a payment lands
Turn a realistic payment pattern into a simple reserve rule for tax, GST, and optional super. Start with the calculator, read the guides only if you need more context.
Where each dollar goes at 7-per-100
$4,500/monthly with $18,000 annual expenses, no HELP, no GST registration, private health insurance.
Read only the context you actually need
Use the calculator first. These guides answer the questions that come right after the reserve rule is set.
How much tax to set aside
The reasoning behind the reserve percentage, not just the output.
How to create a tax buffer
Turn the reserve rule into an operating habit, account structure, and review rhythm.
Why separate GST from income
For when the main confusion is whether GST belongs in spendable cash or its own bucket.
Move from reserve rule to the next tool in the workflow
After the reserve rule, the next job is usually BAS detail, annual modelling, or due dates.
Choose the next tool by the decision you are making
Use one of these short routes if the reserve rule is clear but the next operational question still is not.
I need the reserve rule now
Go straight to the calculator when the question is still how much to set aside from each payment.
I need BAS detail next
Switch to BAS once the reserve habit is set and the job becomes GST or PAYG statement detail.
I need due dates next
Open the calendar when timing is the blocker and you need to line the reserve rule up with obligations.
Questions this tool is designed to answer quickly
How much tax should a sole trader set aside in Australia?
There is no single percentage that fits every sole trader. The right reserve rule depends on annual profit, GST registration, HELP debt, Medicare settings, and whether you also want to set money aside for super.
Should I separate GST from income tax?
Yes. GST is not your income. If you are GST registered, treat GST collected as a separate bucket and only rely on the net amount after eligible GST credits from creditable business purchases.
Does this tool replace advice from an accountant or BAS agent?
No. It is an informational planning tool built to simplify set-aside decisions. You should confirm your exact tax, GST, and reporting obligations with a registered tax professional.
Is this a bookkeeping system?
No. It is a reserve-rule app. The point is to create a simple habit for each typical payment pattern, not a full ledger.
Why show dollars per 100 received?
A ratio is easier to apply in real life than a yearly estimate when money hits the account.
Will super always reduce the tax estimate?
No. The calculator only treats personal super as deductible when you choose that setting, and the estimate assumes you will meet the ATO deduction conditions.
Can I share a setup with my accountant?
Yes. The calculator stores state in the URL so the same assumptions can be shared directly.