How to track business expenses - NAB

Why tracking business expenses matters for small businesses

  • Understand your cash flow: See exactly how much you earn and spend each month.

  • Maximise tax deductions: Claim legitimate expenses like travel, phone bills and software subscriptions.

  • Stay compliant: Make GST and BAS lodgements easier with accurate records.

Practical steps for tracking business expenses

Open a dedicated business bank account

Separate business and personal transactions to simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation. NAB’s business transaction accounts make this easy.

Choose the right tracking method

Record every expense

Log all purchases, even small subscriptions and cash payments.

Categorise expenses by type

Group costs into categories like travel, supplies, insurance and utilities for better reporting.

Keep digital receipts

Store receipts securely. NAB’s mobile app offers receipt management features to help you stay organised.

Reconcile monthly

Match your records against bank statements to catch errors early.

Common expense tracking mistakes to avoid

  • Mixing business and personal expenses.

  • Ignoring small cash payments.

  • Waiting until tax time to organise records.

How NAB makes expense tracking easier

A NAB business transaction account offers features designed to simplify expense management:

  • Direct integration with major accounting platforms for automated transaction feeds.
  • Downloadable statements and smart filters to find transactions quickly.
  • Secure multi-user access, so your bookkeeper or accountant can view records without hassle.

Compare business bank accounts to find the right one for you.

Other useful business tips and resources

Do I need a separate business bank account?

Find out why it’s a good idea to keep your business and personal banking separate.

How to set up as a sole trader

Learn how to set up and register as a sole trader.

Understanding bank accounts for sole traders

The benefits of business bank accounts for sole traders

Get in touch

Request a call back

Let us help with your business banking needs. Request a call back to chat with one of our business bankers.

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Contact us

Explore our business banking contact information and get support with a wide range of products, services and topics. 

View all business banking contacts

Visit a NAB branch

Our business bankers are located all around Australia.

Find a NAB business banking centre

Important information