Personal Training Forum

compleks · Just Getting Started Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 1

I realise that the forum hasn't been particularly active recently, but hopefully there are still some members checking up occasionally.

I have recently completed my Certificate IV in fitness, which will make me a qualified Personal trainer as soon as I finish and hand in my assignments. I have myself a job lined up PTing at a martial arts/gym/medical center once I am qualified. I don't really know the details of how the setup will work, but I will pretty much be getting clients through the center (the trainers are swamped and not many have time for anymore clients). I'm not sure if I will have to pay rent on the facilities or whatever, but I will basically be working for myself.

Now I don't have a problem with the training side of things, but I realised I really have very little idea on how to manage things like clients, payments, taxes etc? So I was hoping someone might be able to part some of their wisdom and experience on me, or point me in the right direction.
Do I need to apply for an ABN (Australian business number)? What will this do?
What do I do in the way of taxes? Do you declare cash payments? What do you claim in your tax return?
How do you track all the financial aspects of Personal training? Payments, expenses etc...
How do manage client history, appointments, progress etc?
What filing systems do you use? What documents to you track?
What forms do you use? Par-Q, progress, fitness testing, posture analysis, evaluation forms?

Basically any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure I will learn alot of this as I go, trial and error, but I just like to be as prepared as possible so things run smoothly.
Sorry for the long post, but I like to be organized and prepared, but I really am quite lost when it comes to this sort of thing.
Thanks everyone.

PTJustinBowers · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:06 am Post subject:

If the center is up on their stuff, they should either take the taxes out before you're paid or give you a tax form at the end of the year with all of your earnings (known as a 1099 here in the U.S.).

If they do neither, keep track of all of your transactions in a financial book. You can purchase these at lots of stores. Give your customers receipts after payment and keep copies of those receipts. At the end of the year come tax time go see a tax professional to see what you're supposed to do-- they'll lead you in the right direction.

But if your taxes aren't directly taken from you each week I suggest saving a few bucks in a savings account for tax purposes so that it doesn't hit your wallet when it is time to pay.

benfatto nutrition · Just Getting Started Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

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