Average small business tax refund tops $5k: Tax tips and traps for business owners filing their tax return

Key facts:

• New CommBank data shows on average, small business owners received a tax return of around $5,000 for financial year 2024.
• The number of refunds processed between July and September in 2024 are 75 per cent higher than the average number processed in the prior three quarters.
• Mining contractors, electricians, plumbers, manufacturers, small agribusinesses, and wholesale traders can expect to get the highest tax returns this year. 

According to the data, based on funds deposited into small business customer accounts by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), states with the highest average tax refunds are ACT and Queensland ($5,700), followed by Victoria ($5,300), NSW ($4,900) and WA ($4,800).

Interestingly, electricians and plumbing businesses top the list for average tax returns in NSW and TAS, mining contractors unsurprisingly for WA, and education and communication services for VIC, while small agriculture businesses top the average tax return in Queensland.

Mixed emotions as tax time rolls around

Nestled on the Gold Coast, Reveling is redefining luxury travel with a focus on immersive, small-group and private experiences across Australia and Africa. Co-founded by a team of passionate adventurers, the company is powered by a growing collective of guides, hosts, artisans, and creatives who share a love for meaningful connection through travel.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people connect deeply with nature and community,” said Drew Campbell, co-founder of Reveling.

Since its inception, Reveling has carved out a niche in the high-end travel space, offering curated experiences that blend authenticity with elegance. But behind the scenes of dreamy destinations and bespoke itineraries lies the reality of running a small business - especially during tax time.

“Honestly, it’s a bit of both stress and excitement,” Mr Campbell admits.

“It’s a good checkpoint to assess how we’re tracking and tidy up any loose ends, but it can also feel like a crunch period - especially if things aren’t perfectly organised or if ATO payments are due. That can be heavy for small businesses.”

To stay on top of the admin load, a little bit of organisation and delegation can go a long way.

“We lean heavily on good systems, regular bookkeeping, and trusted advisors - and try not to leave things to the last minute. Having clarity on the financials all year round makes tax time a lot less daunting,” Mr Campbell said.

EGM Small Business Banking CBA comments on the link between tax time and scams

“We know tax time can be both a relief and a stress point for small business owners,” said Rebecca Warren, Executive General Manager, Small Business Banking at Commonwealth Bank. 

“While many are looking forward to a refund, it’s also a time when cash flow pressures, ATO debt and scam risks can weigh heavily, not to mention the everyday stresses of running a business while navigating economic uncertainty.”

As CommBank data shows most small business owners are preparing their tax returns this quarter, they’re also planning inventory and marketing activity for the busy months ahead which will include several spending events, starting with Father’s Day in September. 

“Small business owners are juggling even more responsibilities this quarter, which means this is a good time for scammers to target people who simply don’t have time to stop, check and reject payment requests that may seem out of place,” Ms Warren added.

According to Ms Warren, it’s a good time to refresh on tax time know-how, and the latest scam trends.

Tax-time tips to stay financially fit

CBA encourages small businesses to take a proactive approach to tax time. Here are four practical tips to help:

1. Separate business and personal finances: Keeping accounts separate makes it easier to track expenses and prepare for tax time.
2. Digitise receipts and records: Use accounting software or apps to store receipts and invoices, reducing paperwork and improving accuracy. This will help keep track of key metrics, such as revenue, expenses, cashflow and profit.
3. Review your deductions: Understand what you can claim and seek advice from a registered tax agent, accountant or adviser if unsure.
4. Plan for the year ahead: Use this year’s return to forecast and budget for the year ahead, including setting aside funds for future tax obligations.

Scam warning: Stay alert

Tax time also brings a spike in scam activity. Criminals often impersonate Government agencies such as the ATO or myGov, using emails, texts or phone calls to steal personal information or money.

Small businesses are urged to:

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls requesting personal or financial information.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments.
• Verify any communication by contacting the ATO directly via official channels.

“Scammers take advantage of the busy tax season to target small businesses when they’re most distracted,” Ms Warren said. “We urge all small business owners to stay alert and stop, check and reject any payment request that doesn’t look quite right.”

Commonwealth Bank remains committed to helping protect Australian businesses and communities from the threat of scams. 

From this month, CommBank will be rolling out in-branch seminars, ‘Achieving More in ‘Business , with a specific focus on educating small businesses on the latest scam trends, and how to protect their business from scam and fraud.

Australian small businesses can also sign up for Cyber Wardens, a free online course designed to upskill business owners and their staff on cyber safety, launched in partnership between the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia, CommBank and Telstra..

Supporting small businesses through uncertainty

CBA acknowledges the ongoing challenges facing small businesses - from economic uncertainty to ATO debt and cash flow constraints at this time of year as reserves dry up.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need more support than ever,” said Ms Warren.

“We’re committed to helping them navigate tax time and beyond, not just with banking solutions, but with tools, insights and personalised support.”

For small businesses facing ATO debt, it’s important to know they’re not alone and that there is support available. Last year the Australian Banking Association (ABA) collaborated with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), CPA Australia (CPA), and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to create a factsheet to help small business customers navigate any challenges in making repayments, including contacting their bank.

About the data: Based on ATO tax refund transaction data on small business banking customer accounts analysed between July 2023 and June 2025. Small business is defined as a business with turnover of less than $10 million and total credit outstanding of less than $3 million.

Go to CBA Newsroom for the latest news and announcements from Commonwealth Bank.