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How to Run a Gym or Fitness Business in Sydney I Trinity Accounting Practice

The fitness industry in Sydney is booming — from boutique gyms and personal training studios to yoga centres and functional fitness spaces. Whether you’re starting a new gym or growing an established fitness brand, running a profitable operation takes more than just energy and motivation — you need strong financial foundations, clear compliance, and the right support

How to Run a Gym or Fitness Business in Sydney.  Tax, Compliance & Support from Trinity Accounting Practice

Trinity Accounting Practice – Accounting Firm in Beverly Hills
159 Stoney Creek Road Beverly Hills NSW 2209
02 9543 6804
www.trinitygroup.com.au
Weekend & after-hours appointments available
Book now: https://calendly.com/ramy-hanna

The Fitness Industry in Sydney: Opportunities & Obligations

From boutique gyms and PT studios to yoga spaces and wellness centres, Sydney’s fitness scene is booming. But behind every successful studio is strong financial and tax management.

Trinity Accounting Practice supports fitness businesses across Sydney with setup, compliance, BAS, payroll, and tax planning.

Starting a Gym or Fitness Business in Sydney

Choose the Right Business Structure:
• Sole Trader – suitable for PTs and instructors
• Company – ideal for staffed gyms and scalable studios
• Trust – used for asset protection and tax planning
• Partnership – for joint ventures or investor-backed gyms

Register Your Business:
• ABN (Australian Business Number)
• GST registration (if income exceeds $75,000/year)
• Business name and domain
• Council approvals for signage and premises use
• Insurance for public liability and staff safety

Trinity can register and structure your business for optimal growth and compliance.

Licences, Insurance & Legal Requirements

Operating legally in Sydney may require:
• Fitness Australia registration (optional)
• Public liability and workers’ comp insurance
• Council zoning permits
• OneMusic Australia licence (for playing music)
• First aid equipment and health/safety compliance

We can connect you with legal advisors and insurance specialists as needed.

Claimable Expenses for Gyms & Fitness Studios

Equipment & Fit-Out:
• Gym machines and weights
• Resistance bands, mats, lockers
• Ventilation, mirrors, flooring
• TVs, audio systems, lighting

Rent and Utilities:
• Studio or commercial rent
• Electricity, water, gas
• Strata levies and council rates

Technology and Software:
• CRM systems like MindBody or Glofox
• Online payment platforms (Stripe, Square)
• Xero or MYOB for accounting
• Booking and class scheduling apps

Marketing and Branding:
• Website design and SEO
• Social and Google advertising
• Uniforms and branded signage
• Email marketing services

Staff and Training:
• Trainer wages and admin team
• Superannuation contributions
• First aid and upskilling courses
• Payroll tax (if above the state threshold)

Licences and Insurance:
• Public liability and contents insurance
• Music licensing
• Legal subscriptions or contracts

Trinity ensures all allowable deductions are claimed properly.

Managing Cash Flow in Fitness Businesses

Gyms can experience fluctuating income based on seasons or member retention.

Trinity Helps You:
• Automate recurring payments
• Monitor expenses vs income monthly
• Track key metrics like member churn and break-even points
• Forecast for future investment or growth

With Xero and our advisory tools, we keep your cash flow in check.

Payroll, Super & Award Compliance

Common fitness staff roles include:
• Personal trainers
• Group instructors
• Admin and reception staff

You must:
• Follow the Fitness Industry or Miscellaneous Award
• Pay super at 11% quarterly
• Report wages via Single Touch Payroll
• Maintain accurate time and leave records

Trinity manages your full payroll lifecycle, including award interpretation.

BAS, GST & Tax Obligations for Fitness Businesses

BAS Requirements:
• Lodge quarterly if GST-registered
• Declare GST collected on memberships and classes
• Claim GST on business purchases

Tax Returns:
• Sole traders report via personal returns
• Companies taxed at 25% small business rate
• Trusts distribute profit to beneficiaries

Tax Reduction Strategies:
• Prepay business expenses
• Write-off or depreciate equipment
• Top-up super contributions before EOFY
• Choose the correct structure for tax efficiency

How Trinity Helps Sydney Fitness Businesses

We support:
• Gym franchises and independent owners
• Yoga and Pilates instructors
• Personal trainers and wellness practitioners
• Allied health professionals in gyms

Business Setup:
• ABN, GST, and TFN registration
• Structure advice: company or trust
• Insurance and compliance referrals

Bookkeeping & Xero Setup:
• Cloud accounting with gym integrations
• Monthly reconciliation and BAS
• Budget and profitability reporting

Payroll & Super:
• Staff onboarding and STP setup
• Award compliance
• Superannuation lodgement
• Leave tracking

Tax & Advisory:
• Quarterly BAS
• Company or trust tax returns
• Fringe benefits and capital gains advice
• Tax planning and forecast reports

Growth Support:
• Cash flow forecasting
• Expansion strategy and franchising
• Business performance KPIs
• Succession planning and valuations

Tips to Grow a Gym or Fitness Studio in Sydney

Successful gym owners in Sydney often:
• Use trial passes to build memberships
• Run retargeted Facebook and Instagram ads
• Create new income streams (online coaching, retail)
• Partner with physiotherapists or allied health providers
• Build SMS and email marketing funnels
• Track KPIs monthly with accounting software

Trinity helps track ROI and financial metrics tied to each campaign.

Why Fitness Business Owners Trust Trinity

• We’re a local firm that understands Sydney gyms
• We handle compliance so you can focus on clients
• We offer weekend and evening appointments
• We’re Xero Certified Advisors
• We proactively help reduce tax and grow sustainably

Let’s Get Your Gym Business in Shape Financially

Trinity Accounting Practice
159 Stoney Creek Road Beverly Hills NSW 2209
02 9543 6804
www.trinitygroup.com.au
Book now: https://calendly.com/ramy-hanna

Explore More

Learn more about what we offer: https://www.trinitygroup.com.au/services
Discover the industries we specialise in: https://www.trinitygroup.com.au/niches
Read more tax and accounting tips on our blog: https://www.trinitygroup.com.au/explore-learn

Trinity Accounting Practice supports clients with ATO, ASIC, TPB, and ACNC compliance for tax, business, and non-profit sectors.

For more information about tax and compliance, please visit the official ATO website.