Book keeping

[SimplyMum]

Ok- I think I am ready to start seriously looking at book keeping from home. What do I need to do? Do I need insurance? What's the best way to get work? Where do I start?

[WorkingClassMum]

You might need public liability if people are going to visit your home

Investigate professional indemnity

*IF* you are going to lodge BAS's for people, you'll need to be registered - check with the ATO (http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.asp?doc=/content/66099.htm)

You'll obvioulsy need a working space, computer and bookkeeping/accounting programs - MYOB, Quickbooks and maybe Cash Flow Manager

Self Discipline

Estimate your workspace area as compared to your house area for taxation claims

Keep a diary of your hours for taxation claim of utilities

Check your contents insurance for having other people's records etc in your home

Good Luck - this is why I am employed as a bookkeeper OUT of the home and do minimal bookkeeeping as a contractor

[SimplyMum]

WCM- how are you employed as a contractor out of the home? Do you visit the businesses? How does that work? How did you get started in that?

[WorkingClassMum]

WCM- how are you employed as a contractor out of the home? Do you visit the businesses? How does that work? How did you get started in that?

I have been a bookeeper for 15 years or so

I did a Advanced Diploma of Business - Accounting

I am a contrators sometimes, I am an employee sometimes, and occassionally I work from home.

Where I am a contractor, I no longer lodge the BAS - I forward it to the accountants to do so

I get work through word of mouth and often have more work than I can manage, I always look at Seek for any PT bookkeeping work, but seeing I have been doing it for so long, I often get accoutants referrring other work to me

Every 5 years or so, I'll work for an accounting firm tof 12 months, and then go back out on my own - I don't like tax

These days I mainly concentrate on construction, but that being said I think I've worked in just about every industry there is

[kranky]

Just another point - if you own your own home it's often not worth claiming the office space as a tax deduction (when you sell you'll have to pay it back), just check with your accountant. Luckily I rent so woohoo for me :)