How to Run a Successful Cleaning Business in Australia – What You Can Claim & How Trinity Accounting Practice Helps Cleaning Companies Thrive

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Running a cleaning business in Australia can be a highly rewarding venture. Whether you're starting a domestic cleaning business, a commercial operation, or offering specialist services like carpet or window cleaning, having the right systems, financial strategy, and support makes all the difference. At Trinity Accounting Practice, we’ve worked with cleaning businesses all over Australia, helping them manage their accounts, claim eligible deductions, reduce tax bills, and grow profitably.

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In this in-depth blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully run a cleaning business in Australia, including:

• ✅ How to start and structure your cleaning business
• ✅ Legal and tax obligations you need to meet
• ✅ What expenses you can claim
• ✅ How to manage your cash flow
• ✅ Marketing and growth tips
• ✅ How Trinity Accounting Practice supports cleaning businesses

1. Starting a Cleaning Business in Australia – The Basics

Step 1: Decide on the Type of Cleaning Service

Cleaning businesses can focus on:

• Residential cleaning (homes, Airbnb turnovers)
• Commercial cleaning (offices, factories, medical centres)
• Industrial cleaning (warehouses, heavy-duty equipment)
• Specialised cleaning (carpet, pressure washing, biohazard, windows)

Step 2: Choose Your Business Structure

Common structures in Australia include:

• Sole Trader – simple and low-cost but not separate legally from you
• Partnership – shared ownership, suitable for family or friends
• Company – offers legal protection and tax flexibility
• Trust – used for asset protection and tax planning

📌 Trinity can help you choose the right structure for long-term growth and tax benefits.

2. Legal Requirements for Cleaning Businesses

Before you begin, you must:

• Register for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Apply for GST registration if your turnover exceeds $75,000
• Get the appropriate insurance (public liability, workers’ comp)
• Ensure you're compliant with fair work laws (if hiring staff)
• Prepare Service Agreements for clients to avoid disputes

3. What Tax Deductions Can Cleaning Businesses Claim?

One of the biggest advantages of working with Trinity Accounting Practice is ensuring you’re claiming every legal tax deduction available. Here are the common deductions for cleaning businesses:

✅ Vehicle and Travel Costs

• Fuel
• Car maintenance
• Insurance
• Lease or loan interest
• Parking fees
• Toll costs
• Logbooks for business vs personal use

✅ Equipment and Tools

• Vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets
• Pressure washers
• Carpet cleaning machines
• Steamers
• Ladders

These can often be depreciated or written off under instant asset write-off rules (where eligible).

✅ Cleaning Supplies

• Detergents
• Disinfectants
• Gloves, masks, PPE
• Microfibre cloths
• Spray bottles and bins

✅ Protective Workwear and Uniforms

• Branded shirts, pants
• Safety boots
• Gloves, eye protection
• Hi-vis vests

✅ Mobile Phone and Internet

• Calls made for business
• Internet if used for scheduling, invoicing, customer communication

✅ Insurance

• Public liability insurance
• Equipment insurance
• Professional indemnity (if needed)
• Workers’ compensation for employees

✅ Marketing Expenses

• Flyers and business cards
• Google Ads and Facebook promotions
• Website design and hosting
• Branding and signage for vehicles

✅ Software and Subscriptions

• Invoicing apps (like Xero or MYOB)
• Booking systems
• CRM tools
• Payment platforms like Stripe or Square

✅ Accounting and Legal Fees

• Tax agent fees
• Business advice
• BAS preparation

👉 Claiming these deductions correctly reduces your taxable income and boosts your bottom line. Trinity ensures nothing gets missed.

4. Managing Cash Flow and Staying on Top of Finances

Cleaning businesses often face cash flow issues, especially when clients pay late or expenses spike unexpectedly. Here's how to stay ahead:

Use a Cloud Accounting System

We recommend Xero or MYOB to manage:

• Invoicing
• Expense tracking
• Payroll
• Superannuation
• BAS and GST

Trinity Accounting Practice is a certified Xero advisor, so we’ll train you and get you set up with everything.

Charge a Deposit

If you’re taking on large or recurring contracts, always charge:

• 20–50% upfront for first-time clients
• Payment on completion or within 7 days

Have a Business Bank Account

Separate business and personal finances to track income and expenses easily.

Keep Digital Records

• Scan all receipts and invoices
• Keep everything for at least 5 years for ATO compliance

5. Hiring and Paying Staff

If you're growing, you'll need to onboard reliable cleaners. You must:

• Register for PAYG withholding
• Pay superannuation
• Provide payslips
• Comply with award rates and Fair Work regulations

Alternatively, you can hire subcontractors — but this must be done correctly to avoid fines. Trinity will guide you on employment classification to stay compliant.

6. Marketing Your Cleaning Business

Marketing is essential to get regular jobs and referrals. Try:

• Local SEO – show up on Google Maps and local searches
• Google Ads – target “cleaner near me” searches
• Facebook Ads – target households or business owners
• Flyers and signage – drop in mailboxes, local stores, libraries
• Referral programs – offer discounts for client referrals

💡 Trinity can connect you with our digital marketing partners if needed.

7. How Trinity Accounting Practice Supports Cleaning Businesses Across Australia

We’ve been helping cleaning business owners since 2003, and we understand your day-to-day challenges:

• Long hours
• Hard manual work
• Paperwork stress
• ATO reporting confusion
• Cash flow pressure

That’s where we step in to help you with everything behind the scenes:

✔️ Bookkeeping

• Set up and manage Xero or MYOB
• Reconcile transactions weekly or monthly
• Send monthly reports so you stay informed

✔️ BAS, GST & Tax Returns

• Lodge accurate BAS on time
• Claim all deductions
• Avoid ATO penalties and interest
• Prepare annual tax returns with full reporting

✔️ Payroll & Super

• Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payroll
• Super contributions lodged via clearing houses
• Annual payment summaries and STP compliance

✔️ Business Growth Advice

• Pricing strategy
• Cash flow projections
• Profit margin analysis
• Break-even planning

✔️ Tax Planning

We help reduce your end-of-year tax by:

• Prepaying expenses
• Structuring income
• Reviewing super contributions
• Setting up trusts or companies (if beneficial)

8. Real Results – How We Helped Cleaning Clients Grow

Many of our cleaning business clients started with:

• No accounting system
• Shoeboxes full of receipts
• Missed GST payments
• High tax bills

Now they enjoy:

✅ Cloud-based accounts with real-time access
✅ Accurate BAS and tax lodgements
✅ Fewer ATO surprises
✅ Strategic advice to expand to new suburbs or service types
✅ Peace of mind knowing Trinity has their back

9. Why Choose Trinity Accounting Practice?

We’re not just accountants — we’re business partners.

👉 We understand what cleaners need: flexibility, clarity, and results.

👉 We offer weekend and after-hours appointments — perfect for business owners who work during the day.

👉 We're trusted by cleaners across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and regional areas.

👉 We're friendly, fast, and straight-talking.

Ready to Take Your Cleaning Business to the Next Level?

Let’s make your cleaning business more efficient, more profitable, and more stress-free.

📍 Visit us at: 159 Stoney Creek Road Beverly Hills NSW 2209
📞 Call us: 02 9543 6804
🌐 Website: www.trinitygroup.com.au
📅 Book your appointment today: https://calendly.com/ramy-hanna

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📌 Trinity Accounting Practice – Helping cleaners clean up their finances since 2003.

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