ATO benchmarks for panel beaters
Panel beaters repair accident and hail damage to vehicles, with work paid by insurers or directly by vehicle owners, and spend on parts, paint, workshop rent, equipment and skilled staff.
General information
Total expenses as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 to $150,000 | 2023-24 | 46% | 67% |
| $50,000 to $150,000 | 2022-23 | 49% | 68% |
| $150,001 to $300,000 | 2023-24 | 51% | 73% |
| $150,001 to $300,000 | 2022-23 | 56% | 75% |
| More than $300,000 | 2023-24 | 73% | 86% |
| More than $300,000 | 2022-23 | 75% | 88% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What sits behind these figures in the books
- The main day-to-day expenses are replacement panels and parts, paint and refinishing materials, spray booth power, workshop rent, equipment upkeep, insurance and staff costs.
- Parts and paint for each repair are recorded against that vehicle's job, so supplier bills match the invoice sent to the insurer or the owner.
- Spray booths, frame straightening machines and welders are recorded as equipment purchases, kept apart from the consumables and servicing that keep the workshop running.
Sources
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2023-24 financial year, released 16 March 2026. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2022-23 financial year, released 17 March 2025. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
Get your books in order
Cost of sales and total expenses are only as reliable as the books behind them. Tell us how your business runs and we will suggest a bookkeeping plan that fits.