Newsletter - February 2026

🗞️ Feb tax updates for sole traders

1. Quarterly BAS is due on Feb 28th (whether you lodge yourself or use a tax agent)

For Rounded users, just check the “Activity Statement” section of your reports. We automatically track GST and calculate all the figures you'll need, so you can simply copy and paste.

👉 If you're new to BAS or unsure, here's our guide on BAS and PAYG for sole traders.

2. Fuel tax credit rates have increased as of Feb 2nd

If you're claiming your petrol, make sure you check out the new breakdown here.

You can also use the ATO's updated fuel tax credit calculator.

🚨 2 months until NAB Bookkeeper shutdown

With NAB Bookkeeper closing in April, we’ve had many sole traders reaching out unsure what happens next, what they need to move, and how to avoid disruption to their business.

If you’re still using NAB Bookkeeper, we’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know here.

To make the move easier, we’ll even bring your NAB Bookkeeper data into Rounded for free.

👋 Rounded users

Know anyone using NAB Bookkeeper looking for an alternative?  Refer them to us and you'll both get 2 months free* once they've signed up to a paid plan 🙌

(That's double our usual referral bonus! And yes, you can refer more than 1 person.)

Just shoot us a message with their name and the email they used to create their account, and we'll apply the credit to both your accounts.

*Ts and Cs apply

💡Knowing these 5 things makes working with an accountant way easier (for everyone)

Whether you have an accountant or are thinking about bringing one on board for 2026, having a good relationship makes running your business feel a whole lot lighter.

We asked Lauren Thiel, Accountant for Creatives and Sole Traders, to share a few honest truths she wishes more sole traders knew about working together:

1. We're not that boring, really.

We're people with hobbies and interests beyond Excel formulae.

We love numbers, but also business and want to help you manage the numbers side of life so you can get back to what you love most.

2. Some is better than none.

It's better to just start, and to just do a little bit, more often.

Having a tool like Rounded makes it a lot easier to keep the books up to date.

3. Tax sucks.

We know. No one enjoys paying it.

Best thing you can do is put money aside in advance, and get a good accountant who will help you lodge it accurately, in time, as with the best result (legally) possible.

4. Every business has cash-flow struggles, time to time.

It's about tracking, being prepared, and acting quickly.

5. Just reach out and ask.

It's not annoying, you're not silly, we want to help!

Need help finding an accountant?

Here's how to choose the right fit for your solo business.

You can also shoot us a message and we can give you some suggestions of sole-trader-friendly accountants.

🗓️ What's on this Feb

Five years ago, we spoke to 3 sole traders who had just wrapped up their first year in business.

We caught up with them to find out what happened next.

In a candid conversation with Sally Bathgate, Honni Hayton, and Jen Robson as we explored the different paths their businesses have taken.

They shared:

• How their client pipelines have changed (and what's actually working for them now)

• The biggest challenges and breakthroughs across Years 2–6

• Jen’s transition from solo freelancer to agency owner

• Why Sally and Honni are sticking to the solo path

• How AI and industry shifts have reshaped the way they work

• What support, resources, and advice paid off long term (and what didn’t)

If you want a realistic picture of what growth looks like for self-employed Aussies beyond the honeymoon period, and practical insights into what it takes to build a business that lasts, check out the recording below:

More helpful resources for sole traders

• How to work out your pricing for the year ahead

• Using ChatGPT as your marketing brain

• The scams solo businesses should watch out for in 2026

• Need extra funding for 2026? Here are the grants you can apply for as a sole trader

New to Rounded, or have questions?

We run an Introduction to Rounded masterclass every Wednesday. Come and join us!

Cover Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash