The ATO publishes benchmark expense ranges for around 100 industries, drawn from more than two million tax returns, and uses them to work out which businesses are worth a closer look. These are the ranges for 10 of the most common, with the specific ATO benchmark each one maps to.
Trades & Services
Total expenses 59%–75% of turnover
ATO ‘Electrical services’ benchmark, 2023-24
Construction
Total expenses 46%–66% of turnover
ATO ‘Carpentry services’ benchmark, 2023-24
Hospitality & Food
Total expenses 81%–90% of turnover
ATO ‘Coffee shops’ benchmark, 2023-24
Retail & Wholesale
Total expenses 78%–88% of turnover
ATO ‘Clothing retailing’ benchmark, 2023-24
Trading Card Store
Total expenses 77%–89% of turnover
ATO ‘Toy and game retailing’ benchmark, 2023-24
Health & Beauty
Total expenses 69%–83% of turnover
ATO ‘Beauty services’ benchmark, 2023-24
Wellness, Beauty & Fitness
Total expenses 69%–83% of turnover
ATO ‘Health and fitness centres’ benchmark, 2023-24
Transport & Delivery
Total expenses 63%–80% of turnover
ATO ‘Road freight transport services’ benchmark, 2023-24
Fruit/Veg & Fresh Delivery
Total expenses 87%–92% of turnover
ATO ‘Fruit and vegetable retailing’ benchmark, 2023-24
Freelancer & Consultant
Total expenses 40%–65% of turnover
ATO ‘Architectural services’ benchmark, 2023-24
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