10/02/2025
Steve, an IT guy by day and gaming PC builder by night, turned his hobby into a money-making side hustle. Over two years, he made over $50,000 selling custom rigs online.
His tax strategy?
🤷♂️ "It’s just a hobby, mate."
💰 "Extra cash doesn’t count if it’s for fun, right?"
🕵️♂️ "The ATO won’t notice a few bank transfers… probably."
Steve was living his best untaxed life—until one day, the ATO slid into his inbox with a "Hey, we need to talk" email.
The Twist:
Turns out, the ATO has better tracking skills than Steve’s last Call of Duty squad. After a quick audit, Steve ended up with:
❌ A tax bill bigger than his gaming setup
❌ Penalties for "forgetting" to report income
❌ Interest charges that levelled up faster than his XP
The Lesson:
💡 If you're making money, it’s not just a hobby—it’s a business (and the ATO is watching 👀). Side hustle income IS taxable, whether you’re flipping sneakers, freelancing, or selling on eBay.
⚠️ Don’t let the ATO catch you slipping—let Hills Business Accountants & Advisors help you stay compliant while keeping more money in your pocket!
Call now to connect with business.
